Womens Health
> Vaginal and Uterus Health Forum
> Laser Vaginal Relaxation Surgery & Labia Reduction
TOPICS
DOCTOR QUESTIONS
To better understand abnormal vaginal bleeding, we first review normal vaginal bleeding. Do you know when uterine blood is normal, or not?...
What are the signs and symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding? When should you seek help?...
Prepare yourself and know what to expect when you visit your doctor for vaginal bleeding. We review the medical tests and diagnostic procedures frequently used....
Womens Health Topics
Vaginal and Uterus Health Topics
Q: Laser Vaginal Relaxation Surgery & Labia Reduction
asked by:
missdoo
on January 22nd, 2008
New User
My lovely husband assured me that it did not bother him and he was not really aware of the issue. (He was just being nice). I was unaware that there was any surgery or help available except for the usual pelvic floor exercises which in fact did not help at all! (Found out from the doctor later that my muscles were not attached to anything so no amount of these would have helped).
I found some information on this surgery on an American website and they had a link to a doctor in Australia who performed the above surgery by laser. I contacted the doctor who after a few weeks of telephone conversations and emails to and fro arranged my surgery. I also discovered during my surfing the net that my inner vaginal lips were not normal looking and had in fact been torned in half during childbirth.
I had to travel a great distance to get there but it was worth it to find a very understanding and experienced doctor who understood my concerns. I had previously discussed these issues with my local GP who told me that having a looser vagina was just what happened after having children and was a price that we ladies have to pay. (Thanks alot mate).
I had my first examination with the doctor the day before surgery and he confirmed that I had a very relaxed vaginal wall at the back and also the front which is considered to be a prolapse of the vagina. He also advised me that could be why sex was painful. He also suspected that I might have polyps in my uterus which were painful. I asked him about my labia minora (inner lips) and he said that he could fix these easily and that they could benefit from surgery.
I am 5 days post surgery, I am feeling good. I am quite a nervous person who suffers some anxiety so I thought I would be too embarrassed and gutless to go through with it. Before surgery I had a pre-med which made me very relaxed and I only vaguely remember lining up for theatre but don't remember the operation at all. When I woke up in recovery I felt some small pain and they gave me drugs which fixed it straight away. I was awake all night and didn't sleep but still was not in too much pain as long as I didn't move. I had to have a catheter which was probably more annoying than the pain. I have a low pain threshold so I was very surprised that I was okay.
After this surgery they pack your vagina with material of some sort which puts a slight pressure down there but it was removed the next morning which again reduced the discomfort. I was in hospital for 2 days but could of got out sooner only the investigation of my bladder made it quite hard to pee and it was challenging to keep my bladder empty.
I wondered if I would be well enough to fly all the way home, I was abit spewy on the first flight but that went away after awhile. Today I am down to taking one panadeine a day and a few panadol. I suspect that in a weeks time I will be back to almost normal. I would be ok to go back to work now but I am on holidays. I showed my husband my labia (I didn't want to look yet in case it made my pain level higher) and he said it was amazing that he could not see any scars, stitches or any evidence that I had them fixed but they looked good! And they don't even hurt.
I have to have a check up down there at 6 weeks post op which I am not looking forward to the speculum thing they use like a pap smear. After this I am free to have gentle sex. The doctor told my husband that he should be more than happy with this result as I would be. I think it has been a long time since my husband and I have had good friction sex and I can't wait to see how much better it is. It takes your self esteem away thinking that sexually you are not satisfying your partner and that you can't enjoy sex anymore even when you are trying.
I have had no bleeding except for the first night and I think laser surgery has benefits over the old traditional style. My advice to anyone considering this is to make sure you are happy with your doctor. It was expensive but I think well worth it. I know if I didn't have the internal stuff fixed it would have given me much more grief later on. What has surprised me about this whole situation is that when I sent an email to the doctors office, the doctor emailed me back and then phoned me. If it wasn't for dealing with him direct I think I would have backed out.
For all you ladies out there who have this problem and think about it often, you CAN get it fixed. I am blown away that it was not that painful and the recovering is so quick. For me this was an extreme thing as I am a cautious and reserved person but I am so glad I went through with it.
I am happy to answer any questions anyone might have. I will put another post up in a few weeks to let you know of my progress and of course after the final result is known.
Cheers!
|
Replies(6)
missdoo
replied on February 5th, 2008
New User
Laser Vaginal Surgery - 2.5 weeks later
Hi, back again. Just to update my recovery from the laser surgery and labia reduction. About a week after the operation I found that I got severe thrush from the antibiotics but this always happens to me. The only reason why I needed the antibiotics was due to the bladder infection and unrelated to the surgery. The problem was trying to rub the canasten cream on my downstairs area after the operation was bad!! It was too sore and sensitive. The cream itself made me itch for sensitivity reasons while it was clearing up the thrush but I got through that. I think I snapped at my husband abit that week!
I have had no other issues. I haven't been taking anything for the pain except for panadol at night time. My peeing is back to normal and it is surprising that I go once or twice during the day now which is nice as I used to urinate up to 20 times a day!! I have also noticed an extreme difference when emptying bowels as it seems just too easy now. (Before my posterior wall of my vagina had fallen and was pressing into my bowels making emptying them difficult).
Just yesterday I had a funny sensation in my vagina that something was in there. I told my husband and he said to phone the doctor. I phd the doctor and he told me to put my 2 fingers in there and gently feel around in case there was packing or something left there. I did this very gingerly I might add but only put one finger in and felt around. I was very shocked to find that the space in there is so small. Before I had not only a widened entrance but also it was wide and gaping internally as well. Not any more!! I am still amazed at how tight and small the area feels. I wasn't game enough to put the 2nd finger in. The only thing I found was a row of stitches that were coming out. I rubbed them gently and they fell off. I phoned the doctor back at his request to let him know that it was just stitches. He said it can take up to 6 weeks for them to either heal or fall out. If they don't you have to get a doctor to pull them out.
I have been leading a normal life from about 1.5 weeks after the surgery. There is not much I can't do except for heavy lifting, hanging washing or jumping around/gym which is okay. I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks but that has now past. The only real complaint I have is occassional itching from my labia. I had a very good look down there and have found that I cannot visibly see any signs of surgery or stitching. Its really amazing. My doctor must know his stuff. I have read heaps of stuff on these forums where ladies had their labia done and have stitches hanging everywhere and have been butchered. It sure pays to get the right doctor for the job.
I can imagine the first time having sex will be uncomfortable. At six weeks I am required before having sex to see a local doctor and have the speculum thing. Not looking forward to that.
I am surprised that no one has added to this post - I am not a huge fan of surgery but at this point I would do it all again to get the problems fixed. Am I the only one who has had this done?
I have had no other issues. I haven't been taking anything for the pain except for panadol at night time. My peeing is back to normal and it is surprising that I go once or twice during the day now which is nice as I used to urinate up to 20 times a day!! I have also noticed an extreme difference when emptying bowels as it seems just too easy now. (Before my posterior wall of my vagina had fallen and was pressing into my bowels making emptying them difficult).
Just yesterday I had a funny sensation in my vagina that something was in there. I told my husband and he said to phone the doctor. I phd the doctor and he told me to put my 2 fingers in there and gently feel around in case there was packing or something left there. I did this very gingerly I might add but only put one finger in and felt around. I was very shocked to find that the space in there is so small. Before I had not only a widened entrance but also it was wide and gaping internally as well. Not any more!! I am still amazed at how tight and small the area feels. I wasn't game enough to put the 2nd finger in. The only thing I found was a row of stitches that were coming out. I rubbed them gently and they fell off. I phoned the doctor back at his request to let him know that it was just stitches. He said it can take up to 6 weeks for them to either heal or fall out. If they don't you have to get a doctor to pull them out.
I have been leading a normal life from about 1.5 weeks after the surgery. There is not much I can't do except for heavy lifting, hanging washing or jumping around/gym which is okay. I wasn't allowed to drive for 2 weeks but that has now past. The only real complaint I have is occassional itching from my labia. I had a very good look down there and have found that I cannot visibly see any signs of surgery or stitching. Its really amazing. My doctor must know his stuff. I have read heaps of stuff on these forums where ladies had their labia done and have stitches hanging everywhere and have been butchered. It sure pays to get the right doctor for the job.
I can imagine the first time having sex will be uncomfortable. At six weeks I am required before having sex to see a local doctor and have the speculum thing. Not looking forward to that.
I am surprised that no one has added to this post - I am not a huge fan of surgery but at this point I would do it all again to get the problems fixed. Am I the only one who has had this done?
|
jbear
replied on February 18th, 2008
New User
great post
Hi there,
I read your post with great interest. I have three children. I too feel too big and stretched out down there. After my third baby three years ago I was diagnosed with a vaginal (cystocele) and rectal (rectocele) prolapse. I have some incontinence too.
My gynocologist referred me to a urogynocologist. I have met with him twice over the last two years to discuss surgery to repair the prolapses. My gynocologist also told me that the repairs may tighten up my vagina.
Then recently I called the urogynocologist to ask about vaginal rejuvenation procedures and they did not seem in favor of them at all. I got the feeling like the doctors office thought these were just schemes and not medically safe.
Anyway, your post gave me hope that I could get these repairs and/or laser treatment to safely and successfully tighten me up.
Do you live in Australia? I live in the midwestern part of the U.S. and I do not know where to get a reliable reference for a doctor here that does these types of procedures.
Next time I see my regular gynocologist I will ask her but I am afraid she also won't be able to help me.
Thank you,
Jessica
I read your post with great interest. I have three children. I too feel too big and stretched out down there. After my third baby three years ago I was diagnosed with a vaginal (cystocele) and rectal (rectocele) prolapse. I have some incontinence too.
My gynocologist referred me to a urogynocologist. I have met with him twice over the last two years to discuss surgery to repair the prolapses. My gynocologist also told me that the repairs may tighten up my vagina.
Then recently I called the urogynocologist to ask about vaginal rejuvenation procedures and they did not seem in favor of them at all. I got the feeling like the doctors office thought these were just schemes and not medically safe.
Anyway, your post gave me hope that I could get these repairs and/or laser treatment to safely and successfully tighten me up.
Do you live in Australia? I live in the midwestern part of the U.S. and I do not know where to get a reliable reference for a doctor here that does these types of procedures.
Next time I see my regular gynocologist I will ask her but I am afraid she also won't be able to help me.
Thank you,
Jessica
|
missdoo
replied on February 19th, 2008
New User
Reply to your Post - 4.5 Weeks after LVR & Labia Reduction
Hi, yes - I do live in Australia.
I had an overactive bladder which meant I was peeing way before I was meant to and any social event seemed to revolve around the toilet!! The doctor told me that having prolapse/relaxed bits can mask incontinence and when you get the vagina tightened up that I might find that I would suffer from incontinence but I still chose to leave my bladder alone and so far have no real issues. I also had the cystocele & rectocele. (Read this in my hospital chart when the nurse wasn't there).
You are right that most doctors don't want to know about these issues. No one seems to care about the woman's long term complications. I had asked 2 doctors about this and they both basically said to put up with it. In the 2 years that passed my problem got worse by the month. I still didn't really understand how bad my problem was. I actually thought when I got there and the Doctor examined me he would tell me to go away and do some more pelvic floor exercises but during the exam it became obvious that my operation was warranted.
When I booked into the surgery I was very shocked when my husband very kindly admitted that he was glad I was having the operation. Don't get me wrong, we are not sexual animals or anything but we just would like to enjoy each other again. In the end I bypassed the GP's and spoke to the specialist first and then went back & told them that my specialist asked them to refer me and it worked!
I don't think my operation was unsafe nor a gimmick. As it is performed vaginally it is minimally invasive and the recovery time is amazing. Every surgery does have risks and for each person they may differ but I have not regretted having the surgery for one second! I have also suffered no complications and hope not to have any. The labia reduction could be seen as non essential surgery but any woman with large labia would understand my reasons for having it done.
I do know that if I had of sought the advice of a gynocologist they could have fixed the relaxed walls etc but they do not tighten the entrance
to your vagina. If you go to all the effort to get the problems fixed, it would be a shame to still have that loose/no feeling. I have had a close look and I have a thin line just internal of disolving stitches around the entrance but you have to really look to find them and they do not hurt. I have another 10 days to go before having sex so I will be able to give a more accurate description of the result after that but I know already that the area is very tight which is amazing. I am looking forward to wearing tampons again.
Don't give up or let the doctors discourage you if you are sure you have a problem. Get a consult with a doctor who understands and then look at the other factors. I wish I had of known someone who had the procedure prior to my operation but I couldn't find many testimonials on the web but I hope this helps you.
I will definately put another post up in about 2 weeks to let you know if the result was good or great. Might help you make up your mind.
Good luck!.
I had an overactive bladder which meant I was peeing way before I was meant to and any social event seemed to revolve around the toilet!! The doctor told me that having prolapse/relaxed bits can mask incontinence and when you get the vagina tightened up that I might find that I would suffer from incontinence but I still chose to leave my bladder alone and so far have no real issues. I also had the cystocele & rectocele. (Read this in my hospital chart when the nurse wasn't there).
You are right that most doctors don't want to know about these issues. No one seems to care about the woman's long term complications. I had asked 2 doctors about this and they both basically said to put up with it. In the 2 years that passed my problem got worse by the month. I still didn't really understand how bad my problem was. I actually thought when I got there and the Doctor examined me he would tell me to go away and do some more pelvic floor exercises but during the exam it became obvious that my operation was warranted.
When I booked into the surgery I was very shocked when my husband very kindly admitted that he was glad I was having the operation. Don't get me wrong, we are not sexual animals or anything but we just would like to enjoy each other again. In the end I bypassed the GP's and spoke to the specialist first and then went back & told them that my specialist asked them to refer me and it worked!
I don't think my operation was unsafe nor a gimmick. As it is performed vaginally it is minimally invasive and the recovery time is amazing. Every surgery does have risks and for each person they may differ but I have not regretted having the surgery for one second! I have also suffered no complications and hope not to have any. The labia reduction could be seen as non essential surgery but any woman with large labia would understand my reasons for having it done.
I do know that if I had of sought the advice of a gynocologist they could have fixed the relaxed walls etc but they do not tighten the entrance
to your vagina. If you go to all the effort to get the problems fixed, it would be a shame to still have that loose/no feeling. I have had a close look and I have a thin line just internal of disolving stitches around the entrance but you have to really look to find them and they do not hurt. I have another 10 days to go before having sex so I will be able to give a more accurate description of the result after that but I know already that the area is very tight which is amazing. I am looking forward to wearing tampons again.
Don't give up or let the doctors discourage you if you are sure you have a problem. Get a consult with a doctor who understands and then look at the other factors. I wish I had of known someone who had the procedure prior to my operation but I couldn't find many testimonials on the web but I hope this helps you.
I will definately put another post up in about 2 weeks to let you know if the result was good or great. Might help you make up your mind.
Good luck!.
|
missdoo
replied on May 13th, 2008
New User
Follow up on LVR & Labia Reduction
Hi,
I am the original poster of the above story. Forgot to give an update but I figure its not too late.
I had sex at 6.5 weeks after my option and found it was quite uncomfortable. My husband told me the next day that he didn't like it which made me quite upset. He thought that the space in there was too narrow. I then avoided sex for the next month as I felt quite offended.
I had been told to start doing the pelvic floor exercises by the doctor and to my surprise they felt very different, I actually felt they were doing something! It now has been 4 months post op and I can say that I am glad I had it done. I still have one sensitive area in my vagina which is more noticeable in one position that any other but it isn't serious and I feel that it will go away with time. The entrance is nice and tight and I can feel everything going on which is really quite intense when you have been missing out on these feelings. My husband has no complaints now that he is used to it and likes the tightness. The narrow feeling for him has gone (must have loosened a little) and I have found that I can have several orgasms which is a first for me. I think this is due to the excess labia being removed.
Overall, no complaints and no serious problems except for some thrush. I feel like an attractive female again with no baggage.
Would I do this again - YES.
I am the original poster of the above story. Forgot to give an update but I figure its not too late.
I had sex at 6.5 weeks after my option and found it was quite uncomfortable. My husband told me the next day that he didn't like it which made me quite upset. He thought that the space in there was too narrow. I then avoided sex for the next month as I felt quite offended.
I had been told to start doing the pelvic floor exercises by the doctor and to my surprise they felt very different, I actually felt they were doing something! It now has been 4 months post op and I can say that I am glad I had it done. I still have one sensitive area in my vagina which is more noticeable in one position that any other but it isn't serious and I feel that it will go away with time. The entrance is nice and tight and I can feel everything going on which is really quite intense when you have been missing out on these feelings. My husband has no complaints now that he is used to it and likes the tightness. The narrow feeling for him has gone (must have loosened a little) and I have found that I can have several orgasms which is a first for me. I think this is due to the excess labia being removed.
Overall, no complaints and no serious problems except for some thrush. I feel like an attractive female again with no baggage.
Would I do this again - YES.
|
am860352
replied on December 27th, 2008
New User
me, too!
Hi!! I had LVR done about 4 weeks ago and I have a few questions for you. They might be embarrasing to please feel free to tell me to mind my own business if they are to personal!! First, did you have any type of discharge from your stitches dissolving? I have a great DR but I hate to call about every little thing. Second, how many centimeters did your DR take you down to? Mine is between 3 and 4 and I am a little nervous about having sex after reading your post and the issues you had at first.
|
shinydream
replied on June 5th, 2009
New User
I'm 26,Single,Female.Adicted to mastrubation since early childhood.i end up mastrubating often.
Over 3-4 yr back i started observing my vagina has lost its natural shape.My labia minora have lost their shape & size.Unlike normal,i.e they are not tight,pink and barely visible,but they've turned but blackish, fragile,abnormally long & hang out from the outer lips.The left one is more longer than the Rt,literally hanging out almost 1 cm from outer lips.
I NEVER HAD SEX nor inserted anything in my vagina but all i do is,stand at the corner of a table & press my vagina hard against it & brush with slight strokes till i reach orgasm.Or i sit cross legged & press my vagina hard against the heel of left foot,and keep brushing with slight stokes,as if i want to burrie my heel in vagina.Will this ugly vagina cause prob in my married life?M worried my future husband may think I'm not virgin.How can my vagina regain its natural shape?
PLEASE HELP ME OUT.
m gonna get married shortly n really paniced coz of this prob
Over 3-4 yr back i started observing my vagina has lost its natural shape.My labia minora have lost their shape & size.Unlike normal,i.e they are not tight,pink and barely visible,but they've turned but blackish, fragile,abnormally long & hang out from the outer lips.The left one is more longer than the Rt,literally hanging out almost 1 cm from outer lips.
I NEVER HAD SEX nor inserted anything in my vagina but all i do is,stand at the corner of a table & press my vagina hard against it & brush with slight strokes till i reach orgasm.Or i sit cross legged & press my vagina hard against the heel of left foot,and keep brushing with slight stokes,as if i want to burrie my heel in vagina.Will this ugly vagina cause prob in my married life?M worried my future husband may think I'm not virgin.How can my vagina regain its natural shape?
PLEASE HELP ME OUT.
m gonna get married shortly n really paniced coz of this prob
|
Similar Vaginal and Uterus Health Topics
Similar Topics in All Forums
Unanswered Questions
| We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. |
The site is not a replacement for professional medical opinion, examination, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your medical doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment
or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information
written by any author on this site. No health questions and information on eHealth Forum is regulated or
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore the information should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or
prevent any disease without the supervision of a medical doctor. Posts made to these forums express the views and opinions of the author,
and not the administrators, moderators, or editorial staff and hence eHealth Forum and its principals will accept no
liabilities or responsibilities for the statements made.
Schizophrenia
health
sitemap.
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc
This page was last updated on January 1, 2009.
© 2008 eForums, Inc
