Date 15 Apr 2025
Kegels won’t fix severe laxity- here’s why. Pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegels, have long been touted as a solution for improving pelvic health and addressing concerns like urinary incontinence and mild vaginal laxity. However, when it comes to severe vaginal laxity or structural issues caused by childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes, Kegels alone may not suffice. In this article, let’s explore the effectiveness of Kegel exercises versus medical treatments for vaginal tightening, when one isn’t enough, and when is it time to consider a medical treatment for vaginal tightening.
Kegel exercises involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, bowel, and uterus. These exercises were developed in the late 1940s by Dr. Arnold H. Kegel as a nonsurgical method to combat urinary incontinence. Today, they are widely recommended for both men and women to strengthen pelvic muscles and enhance bladder control.
To perform Kegels:
· Identify the pelvic floor muscles by stopping your urine midstream or imagining you’re holding in gas.
· Contract these muscles for 3–5 seconds, then relax for the same duration.
· Repeat this cycle 10 times, three times daily.
With consistent practice over weeks or months, many individuals report improved muscle strength and better control over urinary functions. But it’s important to note: Kegels target muscles. They don’t touch deeper issues like weakened connective tissue or stretched vaginal walls caused by trauma, aging, or hormone loss. What Causes Vaginal Laxity?
Vaginal laxity refers to a sensation of looseness in the vaginal canal. It’s a physical change in tissue strength and elasticity that can occur for several reasons:
· Childbirth: Vaginal delivery often leads to stretched and sometimes torn tissues. Even with healing, some women never fully regain pre-birth tightness.
· Aging: Like skin elsewhere, vaginal tissues lose collagen over time. This reduces firmness and elasticity.
· Hormonal Changes: Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining vaginal wall thickness and lubrication. Menopause often triggers a decline that leads to thinning and dryness.
· Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: When muscles become too weak, they no longer support the pelvic organs effectively.
Each of these factors can contribute to sensations of looseness, decreased friction during intercourse, or even discomfort during intimacy. In some cases, it can also affect how tampons fit or lead to mild urinary incontinence.
Why Kegels May Not Be Enough
While Kegels can be a great starting point, especially for mild concerns, they’re not a one-size-fits-all fix. When vaginal laxity is more pronounced or when the supporting structures are significantly weakened, Kegels may not offer the results women hope for. Here’s why:
1. Limited Impact on Connective Tissue: Kegels strengthen muscles but do not repair stretched or damaged connective tissue within the vaginal canal.
2. No Effect on Collagen Production: Vaginal tightening often requires collagen stimulation to restore elasticity, a process Kegels cannot achieve.
3. Time-Intensive: Even when effective, results from Kegel exercises take weeks or months to manifest.
In cases where laxity significantly affects sexual function or causes discomfort during intercourse (dyspareunia), medical treatments may offer more immediate and comprehensive solutions.
When exercises alone don’t bring the desired improvement, medical treatments can step in to help restore both form and function. These options vary in terms of invasiveness, cost, and recovery time, but they all aim to improve vaginal firmness and comfort. Several medical options exist to address vaginal laxity:
These non-surgical procedures use controlled heat to stimulate collagen production in the vaginal walls. Over a series of sessions, this can lead to:
· Tighter, more elastic tissue
· Improved sensation during sex
· Reduced symptoms of dryness or discomfort
Studies have shown improvements in sexual satisfaction and confidence with minimal downtime. However, it’s crucial to undergo these treatments under professional supervision, as improper use can lead to burns or irritation.
Elective surgeries like vaginoplasty physically tighten the vaginal canal by repairing stretched tissues. A study conducted among reproductive-aged women showed significant improvement in sexual function six months post-surgery. However, increased dyspareunia (painful intercourse) and reduced lubrication were noted as side effects.
Some clinics offer devices that use radiofrequency or electromagnetic pulses to strengthen pelvic floor muscles indirectly. While effective for mild laxity, their results are less dramatic compared to surgery or laser treatments. If you're looking for a non-invasive, no-downtime option, BTS Emsella is worth knowing about. It’s a high-tech chair that uses electromagnetic stimulation to activate deep pelvic floor muscles When Should You Consider Medical Treatments?
If vaginal laxity is making you feel self-conscious, impacting intimacy, or causing discomfort, it’s okay to seek help. Medical interventions are typically recommended when:
· Vaginal laxity is severe and affects quality of life.
· Sexual dissatisfaction persists despite pelvic floor strengthening exercises.
· There is significant damage to connective tissue that cannot be repaired through exercise alone.
It’s essential to consult a gynecologist or pelvic health specialist before opting for any treatment. They can assess your condition and recommend the best course of action based on your needs.
For optimal results, doctors suggest combining both the approaches:
· Perform Kegel exercises regularly to maintain muscle strength post-treatment.
· Use medical interventions like laser tightening or surgery for structural repair when needed.
Together, this combination creates a balanced solution, where Kegels support the muscles, and treatments restore firmness and elasticity, helping women feel stronger, more confident, and more comfortable.
In recent years, social media has exploded with DIY vaginal tightening solutions- herbal gels, wands, at-home devices, and more. While these may seem appealing, most of them lack scientific backing and, worse, can lead to irritation, infection, or even internal burns. Always trust evidence-based methods and qualified medical professionals over trends and viral fads.
The Bottom Line- Listen to Your Body
There’s no one “right” way to feel about changes in your body. Whether you're just starting to notice a difference, or you’ve been dealing with discomfort for years, it’s never too late to seek help or explore your options.
Kegels are an excellent start-but not always the full solution. If you're dealing with moderate to severe vaginal laxity, it's important to recognize the limits of exercise and consider professional treatments that restore both function and confidence.
For personalized advice and treatment options for vaginal tightening, contact Eternelle Aesthetics. Our team of the best cosmetic gynecologists in Hyderabad offers compassionate care and modern solutions to help you feel like yourself again. Reach out to us to know more.
