Sometimes, our bodies need a little help performing at their full potential. This can be especially true of our most intimate areas as we begin to get older. For women, there is Viveve, a non-surgical method of vaginal rejuvenation. It is perfect for women struggling with sexual dissatisfaction, urinary incontinence, vaginal pain, and more!
What Is Vaginal Laxity?
Many of the problems solved by Viveve are symptoms of a condition known as vaginal laxity. This is simply a different way of saying vaginal looseness. Tissues in the vagina need healthy levels of collagen, just like the skin. When the collagen levels begin to decline, these tissues have a harder time “bouncing back.” Childbirth can diminish the vagina’s strength and shape. On top of childbirth and aging, genetics and lifestyle factors can contribute to the issue of vaginal laxity.
Women often do not like to discuss this issue. But the truth is, it is very common and nothing to be ashamed of. Vaginal laxity is one of the most common complaints/concerns women bring up to their doctor after having a vaginal birth. So, rather than suffering in silence, consider looking into a non-surgical way of correcting the issue!
How Does Viveve Work?
The secret to the success of this non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatment is cryogen-cooled mono-polar radio frequency. This is delivered to the vaginal tissue using a specialized device to encourage your body to create fresh collagen. Collagen is something we have in high quantities in our youth, but over time, the body makes less and less. So, by encouraging your body to increase the collagen in your vaginal tissues, you are also encouraging it to heal and function like it used to.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Viveve?
Viveve is an excellent treatment for any woman experiencing the symptoms mentioned above. Typically speaking, the women who come in for this treatment fall into one of two categories:
- Women who have given birth:
Women who have given birth: While giving birth is often one of the highlights of a woman’s life, it can also cause harsh damage to her most intimate area. The trauma caused to the vagina and urinary tract during the process can cause laxity, incontinence, and loss of interest in sex.
- Women who are nearing or have reached menopause:
As women nearing or have reached menopause age, their bodies create less estrogen. This can cause many unpleasant side effects, such as thinning of the vaginal wall. Since estrogen levels dropping typically means collagen levels will also, it is easy to see how a treatment like Viveve can help.
Whether or not you fall into either of those groups, this treatment may be beneficial for you if you have experienced:
- A loss of sensation during intercourse
- Tampons fitting less snugly
- Urine leakage
- Feeling less tight during intercourse
Viveve and Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is a shockingly common problem for women. It is not only something that affects them when they get older. Women in their 30s or even 20s can struggle with this issue after giving birth. Viveve can help to strengthen the pelvic floor, which will then reduce accidental leakage.
There are two different types of urinary incontinence. The first is stress urinary incontinence, which is more commonly associated with women who have given birth. Stress urinary incontinence is when urine leaks when you cough, sneeze, jump, laugh, etc. The other type of incontinence is an urge, where you are suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to go to the bathroom. Viveve can potentially help with both.
Viveve and Vaginal Pain
Discomfort “down below” can negatively impact a woman’s happiness and health, both inside and outside the bedroom. Vaginal pain can come in the form of burning, itching, dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and more. Viveve improves the amount of natural lubrication in the area, which helps with all of these issues. Not only does the additional collagen help with this problem, but the increased amount of blood flow to the area does as well.
Another way that this treatment helps with pain is by repairing damaged tissue. This is not an uncommon problem for women after childbirth. The additional collagen will help restore the health and function of the tissue, alleviating pain and increasing the quality of life.
Viveve and Self-Esteem
The vaginal tissue not performing the way you would like can impact your mental health as well as your physical health. For example, many women are reluctant to leave the house if they do not know when they will next have access to a restroom. Other women are reluctant to enter an intimate relationship due to the embarrassment caused by vaginal laxity.
Viveve will tighten the vaginal tissues, both in the canal and at the opening. It will also help dramatically reduce or even eliminate urinary incontinence that stops so many women from living their best lives. As a result, confidence is boosted.
What Can Be Expected with Viveve Treatments?
First up is the consultation. We sit down with you in the comfort of our office to learn more about the symptoms you are experiencing. There will also be some questions about your general health to ensure that this is a safe treatment option for you. Your consultation is also your time to elaborate on what you are hoping to accomplish with Viveve and have any lingering questions answered.
In most cases, only one treatment session is enough to get satisfactory results with Viveve. The session will take between 30 and 45 minutes. Afterward, most women do not experience any side effects or downtime. You can return to work or your other normal daily activities. It is recommended to abstain from intercourse for two days after your treatment.
Some experience results immediately and others over time as the body works to make new collagen. You can certainly expect to feel improvements within a few weeks. On average, peak results appear anywhere from six to twelve weeks after your session. The results from a Viveve treatment have been known to last for a year or longer. Keep in mind that no procedure can slow down the aging process, and follow-up treatment will be required down the line if you would like to maintain your results.
Why Choose Viveve?
You have many options if you are looking for a way to rejuvenate your vaginal health. Any method will have its list of pros and cons. There are many benefits associated with Viveve, including:
- It is non-surgical and minimally invasive.
- There is little to no downtime afterward.
- One session gives you excellent results.
- It can improve self-confidence and intimacy.
- Treatment is both discrete and comfortable.
- It can increase your overall quality of life.
- You do not have to remember to take daily medications.
- The possibility of side effects is incredibly low.
Let’s Talk About It!
Women’s health needs do not have to be a taboo topic that you are too embarrassed to discuss. Your OBGYN is available to you for these specific reasons. Do you have more questions about your vaginal health or if Viveve is suitable for you?
It seems that women will often let their health issues go untreated. Don’t be one of them. Instead, take care of yourself and enjoy life again!
Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Jaime Middleton to have a conversation about your incontinence. A solution is waiting for you!