We see lots of commercials about male sexual health, yet women who experience their own intimate functional and aesthetic concerns rarely get the attention they deserve. There’s even some stigma surrounding discussion or treatment of these concerns, which only leads to patients suffering in silence from embarrassment or not knowing what to do or with whom to speak. With Aayla, we’ve looked to normalize that discussion and want our patients to feel comfortable voicing these intimate concerns, as the alternative can create both physical and mental health issues. To that end, labiaplasties and vaginal rejuvenation techniques alike are not limited to patients with aesthetic concerns. There are medical implications, too. Just like labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation can make a difference in urinary incontinence, so too can they help manage urinary tract infections or UTIs.
What Is a UTI?
Many women will have a urinary tract infection or UTI throughout their lives. Some will experience what is known as a chronic UTI. These are recurring urinary tract infections or infections that do not respond to typical antibiotic treatment. UTIs can occur anywhere in the urinary system but most commonly affect the bladder. If left untreated, complications can arise, especially if the infection travels to the kidneys.
While women (and men) of all ages experience UTIs post-menopausal women are particularly susceptible because of changes due to menopause.
Drops in estrogen levels makes the lining of the vaginal wall thinner, lessening the distance that bacteria have to travel in order to make it to the bladder. With declining estrogen levels, the pH of the vagina starts to change from an acidic, protective pH, to a basic pH where more bacteria can thrive. These changes increase the risk of recurrent UTI’s in peri and post-menopausal women.
Anyone who has had a UTI knows it can be bothersome or even painful. UTIs can cause burning or painful urination, the need to urinate often, bladder and kidney pain, and even blood in the urine.
How Vaginal Rejuvenation Can Help
Vaginal rejuvenation using advanced radiofrequency (RF) technology like Forma V and Morpheus 8V can address some of the causes of postmenopausal UTIs. The radiofrequency waves emitted by these devices create controlled heat which, when applied to human tissue, stimulates collagen and elastin production, increases blood flow to these tissues, increases oxygenation, and corrals cytokines and growth factors which all promote rejuvenation and restoration of the vaginal and urethral tissue. It also leads to a strengthening of the muscles in the vaginal walls, which ultimately allows for better urinary flow and fewer UTIs.
How Labiaplasty Can Help
Urinary tract infections can also be caused by enlarged or elongated labia minora, which are the inner lips of the vulva. This can cause hygiene problems, including trapping urine at the opening of the vaginal canal. All of these can lead to recurrent or chronic UTIs. Whether through non-surgical scarless labiaplasty or surgical labiaplasty, reducing the shape and size of the vaginal can decrease the likelihood of these infections.
Next Steps
Just because you are experiencing chronic or bothersome UTIs does not mean that vaginal rejuvenation or labiaplasty is the answer or the only solution. To understand more about your next steps, you must speak to a urologist and female sexual wellness specialist like Dr. Taghechian, who understands the entirety of the causes of these problems that affect so many postmenopausal women. We will discuss your concerns and solutions during the consultation and can schedule a procedure afterward if we believe it is the best next step.