Vaginal Rejuvenation Following Pregnancy

Understandably, the vagina is one of the main areas affected by childbirth, and it is very normal for your vagina to look and feel different after birth. These effects can vary between patients, and it is not always possible to predict the exact changes to your vagina after childbirth.

Some common effects that childbirth has on the vagina are:

• Stretching and relaxation – Following childbirth, the vagina is not always able to return to its previous shape and position, having stretched to allow the baby to pass through. This stretching can be temporary, or more long term, resulting in physical or emotional discomfort. 
• Tearing or Episiotomy – During childbirth, the vaginal tissues may tear naturally or in some cases a healthcare professional may need to make a deliberate cut (an episiotomy). This can result in stitches being needed which may impact the sensation and tightness of the vaginal area. 
• Muscle tone – The muscles in the pelvic floor, including those around the vagina, may experience temporary or permanent changes in tone and strength following childbirth. This may contribute to the feeling of laxity. 
• Pelvic organ prolapse – In some instances, the structures supporting the vagina and surrounding organs may be weakened through childbirth which may lead to prolapse – where organs such as the uterus and bladder fall into the vaginal canal. This can be uncomfortable and lead to other health concerns.

If you are concerned about your vagina changing after childbirth, it is important to speak to a Gynaecological specialist who will be able to fully discuss your concerns and explain any options which may help. 

The vagina is an incredibly resilient organ and can often regain its tone and strength in the time following childbirth. This having been said, it is very normal for women to seek options to help with how to tighten the vagina after birth and restore their confidence and comfort. 
While some women find their vagina returns to normal (it is important to remember this is different for everyone) after giving birth, this may not be the case for everyone.

Some options which may help to accelerate the tightening of the vagina following childbirth are:

• Kegel exercises – Exercises which focus on toning and strengthening the pelvic floor are known as Kegel exercises. They can have multiple benefits including improved urinary control, enhanced sexual function, tightened vaginal muscles and improved post-childbirth recovery. They must be performed consistently and regularly for them to be effective.
• Physical therapy – Specialist pelvic floor therapists will be able to identify your specific concerns and provide exercises and treatments to tighten the vagina after birth, which may include vaginal weights or other solutions. 
• Time – In some instances, time can have a transformational effect following childbirth, allowing the vagina to tighten and return to its previous position. This is not possible for everyone and will depend on the exact techniques that may have been used during childbirth. 

Vaginal Rejuvenation procedures are a popular addition to a Mummy Makeover surgery. Depending on your exact concerns, your surgeon may be able to carry Vaginal Rejuvenation out at the same time as your other procedures or may advise that you have this as a separate surgery. This will be influenced by the overall recovery time and the physical impacts on your body. 

It is important to speak to your surgeon about the exact concerns you wish to treat through a Mummy Makeover so they can ensure you are fully prepared and understand how the surgery may affect you.