Many women experience physical changes after having children. These changes—ranging from sagging breasts to urinary incontinence—can affect how a woman feels about herself and her sexuality. While natural, these effects can be difficult for many women to discuss. According to doctors, vaginal laxity (also referred to as vaginal looseness) is the most under-reported physical change women experience after childbirth.
This condition is the result of stretching at the vaginal opening, which naturally occurs during childbirth. Many women find that their sexual function may be altered by these changes. Loss of physical sensation and decreased sexual satisfaction during vaginal intercourse is widely reported. These changes affect a woman’s overall sexual health and amount to a quality of life issue for millions of women every year.
Right now, Kegel exercises are the most commonly prescribed treatment for vaginal laxity. However, they are not always effective for this condition. The surgical options currently available to women include significant recovery time and post-procedure pain. As with any surgical procedure, these options also involve a variety of health risks and [can include high out-of-pocket] financial costs.
According to women and their OB/GYNs, conversations about changing sexual health post childbirth are simply not happening. A wide range of articles and peer-reviewed literature confirms this lack of dialogue. Some reasons cited were: embarrassment; lack of experience discussing sexual issues besides contraception; limited knowledge about available treatments; and patient concerns about being dismissed or scorned.
Click here to read more about our conversations with women and OB/GYNs about this condition.