If you’ve had a baby, you may have noticed changes in your body that you weren’t quite expecting. Maybe sex feels different. Maybe you notice less sensation than you used to. Or perhaps you simply feel like your vaginal tissue has changed since pregnancy or childbirth.
You’re not imagining it—and you’re certainly not alone.
Pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes, and aging can all affect the pelvic floor and vaginal and vulvar tissues. The good news? This is not something that you must “just live with.”
What Is Vaginal Laxity?
Vaginal laxity refers to a feeling of looseness or changes in the tone or elasticity of the vaginal tissues. It can occur for several reasons, including pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, aging, and changes in hormones.
It’s also important to understand that what feels like “looseness” isn’t always caused by the same thing.
The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in supporting the pelvic organs and contributing to sexual function. Changes in those muscles can affect how the vagina feels, while changes in the vaginal tissues themselves can also contribute.
That’s why an individualized evaluation is important before deciding what treatment is right for you.
Why Can Childbirth Change Vaginal Tissue?
Pregnancy and childbirth place significant physical demands on the pelvic floor and surrounding tissues.
During pregnancy, hormonal and physical changes occur throughout the body. During vaginal delivery, the pelvic floor and vaginal tissues stretch to accommodate childbirth. Some women notice that things feel different immediately after delivery, while others notice changes months or even years later.
You may notice:
- A feeling of vaginal looseness or decreased tissue tone
- Changes in sexual sensation
- Changes in the appearance of vaginal or vulvar tissue
- Changes in tissue elasticity
- A feeling that your body simply doesn’t feel the same as it did before pregnancy
These changes are common, but that doesn’t mean you have to be uncomfortable or avoid talking about them.
Is Vaginal Laxity the Same as Pelvic Floor Weakness?
Not necessarily.
This is an important distinction.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that supports the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. Those muscles can become weak, overly tight, or poorly coordinated after pregnancy and childbirth.
For some women, pelvic floor physical therapy may be an appropriate first step. A pelvic floor physical therapist can evaluate muscle strength, coordination, tension, and function and help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
For other women, changes in the vaginal or vulvar tissues may be part of the picture.
And sometimes, there is more than one factor involved.
What Can You Do About Vaginal Laxity?
Treatment depends on what’s causing the changes and what you’re hoping to improve.
Depending on your individual situation, options may include pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle and exercise strategies, medical treatment for hormonal changes, or nonsurgical aesthetic treatments.
One option some women may consider is ThermiVa, a non-surgical treatment that uses controlled radiofrequency energy to gently heat vaginal and vulvar tissue.
The goal of treatment is to support tissue remodeling and improve the appearance and feel of the treated tissue. ThermiVa does not involve cutting or removing tissue and is performed without surgery.
Because vaginal and pelvic health concerns can have multiple causes, ThermiVa isn’t necessarily the right treatment for everyone. A consultation is an important part of determining whether it iS appropriate for your goals.
What Happens During a ThermiVa Treatment?
ThermiVa uses a specialized applicator to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy to the vaginal and vulvar tissues.
The treatment is designed to be comfortable, and patients often describe the sensation as a gentle warmth.
There are no incisions, and there is generally little to no downtime.
Your provider will talk with you about your concerns, medical history, goals, and whether ThermiVa is an appropriate option before beginning treatment.
You Don’t Have to Be Embarrassed to Ask
One of the biggest barriers to women’s health care is simply not talking about what’s happening.
If you’ve noticed that your body feels different after having children, you’re not alone. And asking questions doesn’t mean you need to commit to a treatment.
It simply means you’re taking the time to understand your body and your options.
At Rejuvenation MedSpa, we’re part of the Minnesota Women’s Care family, which means our team works within a larger women’s health environment. When appropriate, patients may be able to benefit from collaboration with providers who specialize in gynecology and pelvic health.
Whether you’re curious about vaginal rejuvenation, experiencing changes after childbirth, or simply wondering what’s normal, we’re here to help you understand your options.
Ready to Learn More About Vaginal Rejuvenation?
If you’re considering ThermiVa in the Twin Cities, schedule a consultation with Rejuvenation MedSpa in Woodbury or Maplewood. Call 651-461-4770.
We’ll help you understand what’s contributing to the changes you’re experiencing and whether ThermiVa or another approach may be appropriate for your goals.
Important Safety Information: Thermi treatments aren’t appropriate for everyone. Your provider will review your health history and determine whether treatment is appropriate for you. Temporary redness, swelling, or discomfort may occur following treatment. Individual results vary.