EnTIGHTlement — The non-invasive way

FOR centuries, women have been seeking home remedies and quick fixes to maintain the youth and tone of their vaginal muscles. The vagina has been seen as a symbol of strength and fertility, and women often see it as their strongest and best asset: As long as it’s tight, all is right!

But the fact is that with advancing age and an increasing number of children, the pelvic muscles become somewhat loose, leading to a condition known as vaginal relaxation. There are different degrees of relaxation, the result of which is a loss of sexual gratification.

Sexual gratification is directly related to frictional forces. If there is no friction there is no enjoyment, no orgasm, and a loss of emotional connection between a couple. This should not be.

Fortunately, there is a solution. Laser vaginal rejuvenation is the gold standard and recommended treatment to counteract the effects of vaginal relaxation. It is readily available in Jamaica (Kingston and Montego Bay), but at times vaginal relaxation may be so minimal that another viable option may be applicable. This option does not include kegel exercises, vaginal tightening creams, wasp nests insertion, dildos or cake soaps — all of which have zero effect on rectifying the condition.

The solution is the HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) vaginal rejuvenation machine. The machine uses focused ultrasound to create heat which restructures the collagen of the vaginal mucosa and muscular layer at different depths and angles. Each session is 20 minutes long, going to a maximum of three over a period of three months, with assessments in between. The procedure is extremely technical and must be done by a trained medical expert. The HIFU machine can also be used to treat mild stress urinary incontinence and to increase lubrication in women with vaginal atrophy, such as those in the post-menopausal stage.

Recently there has been a lot of talk of the HIFU machine being used in Jamaica by non-medical professionals. My advice to women is that this procedure should be conducted by a medical professional.

This procedure is not for everyone. Patient selection is very important and should be done by a gynaecologist. Of note is that a woman who has maximum vaginal relaxation will not benefit from this procedure. The vagina needs to be examined thoroughly, looking for any abnormalities such as cervical masses, discharge and abnormal mucosa that can contraindicate the procedure. Though complications may occur, they are minor. These include minor burns and bleeding which can be managed effectively.

Currently, the use of the machine is in its infancy stage in both Kingston (Gynae Associates) and Montego Bay (Baywest Wellness Clinic) and will be ready for full launch in August.

Dr Daryl Daley is a cosmetic gynaecologist and consultant OBGYN at Gynae Associates, 23 Tangerine Place, Kingston 10, and shops 46-50, Portmore Town Centre. He can be reached at 929-5038/9, 939-2859, 799-0588 or drdaryldaley@gmail.com.