Vaginal tightening is a widespread topic of discussion amongst women globally. This is because many women desire tight vaginas as it is believed to heighten the sexual experience. Vaginal tightening involves tightening the pelvic floor muscles, which leads to increased elasticity and tightness. Some benefits of vaginal tightening include improved vaginal lubrication and laxity, as well as improvement in symptoms of pelvic floor disorders like incontinence and prolapse.
Several treatment options have been employed for vaginal tightening. These include conservative options such as pelvic exercises, non-invasive options like vaginal gels/creams, minimally invasive options such as radiofrequency or lasers and surgical options like vaginoplasty or vaginal tightening surgery.
This article delves into the use of vaginal tightening gels/ creams.
What are Vaginal Tightening Gels?
Vaginal tightening gels are topical medications aimed at tightening the vagina and are applied directly to the vaginal canal. These are marketed and sold for the purpose of vaginal tightening. Some examples include V-tight gel, IsoSensuals vaginal tightening gel, SkinPro Seductiva, Amaira intimate, and Major Curves vaginal tightening gel.
Ingredients in Vaginal Tightening Gels
Vaginal tightening gels/creams are typically made from naturally occurring ingredients like Manjakani extract, alum, oak wood gall, Asian oak trees and witch hazel. When applied, they have an astringent effect that causes skin cells and other body tissues to contract. Since they originate from naturally occurring ingredients, they have minimal to no side effects. However, it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner before using these products.
How Do Vaginal Tightening Gels Work?
These gels are topical creams that are used to improve the elasticity and firmness of vaginal tissue. They contain both natural and synthetic components such as witch hazel, alum, aloe vera and other plant extracts like Manjakani that bring about these effects.
The exact mechanism of action is yet to be determined, but it has been postulated that their astringent properties cause inflammation and swelling of the vaginal mucosa. This helps increase blood flow and circulation to the vaginal area, which in turn stimulates and increases collagen production. The stimulated muscles around the vagina undergo contraction leading to increased tone and firmness of the vaginal area. However, this tightening effect is short-lived and lasts only several hours, after which it wears off.
It is important to note that most results observed with vaginal tightening gels are temporary. Combining their use with pelvic floor exercises such as Kegels exercise has been reported to optimize their effectiveness.
How to Use Vaginal Tightening Gels
For Individuals seeking to use any vaginal tightening gel/cream, we recommend you
- Wash your hands with soap and water, clean and dry them before applying the gel.
- Squeeze a small amount of the gel onto your fingertips.
- Insert fingers containing the gel into the vagina, ensuring it is applied on the inner walls of the vagina.
- Gently massage the gel into the inner vaginal walls.
- Wait for a few minutes until you begin to feel the effects.
Risks & Complications Associated With Vaginal Tightening Gels/Creams
Candidates seeking to use vaginal tightening gels/creams must follow the instructions of a professional before using them. Although rare, these products may be associated with the following risks and complications.
1. Irritation
Most vaginal tightening gels contain ingredients like Manjakani extracts, a strong astringent. When applied to the vaginal mucosa, it may cause irritation and a burning sensation. Other components can also irritate the vagina, causing pain in passing urine and difficulty sitting or moving around.
2. Allergic Reactions
Most vaginal tightening gels contain several ingredients and extracts. Users might be allergic to one or more of these ingredients and experience allergic reactions, including rashes, redness, and pain. This can be mild or severe, but either way, discomforting.
3. Infections
The vaginal mucosa helps prevent infections and maintain the acidic pH nature of the vagina, which wards off possible infections in the vagina. Vaginal tightening gels can damage the vaginal mucosa because of their astringent properties. These gels can alter the pH of the vagina, changing the bacteria balance and thereby predisposing the vagina to various organisms and subsequent infections.
4. STD Complications
When used excessively, vaginal tightening gels may injure the vaginal mucosa by causing micro-tears. This can serve as a portal of entry for contracting various ulcerative sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, genital herpes, HIV, Hepatitis B and C.
What is the Cost of Vaginal Tightening Gels?
The price of vaginal tightening gels varies depending on the ingredients used in the specific product and where it is purchased from (online vs over the counter). The price ranges vary from about $30-$50.
Do Vaginal Tightening Gels Work?
Yes and No.
Yes, they work when the action is mainly at the mucosal or outermost layer of the vagina, causing transient swelling and firmness; this may or may not provide temporary symptomatic cosmetic relief.
No, in the sense that the layer of the vagina responsible for firmness and elasticity is the muscular layer of the vagina. These gels or creams have little to no effect on this layer of the vagina, so there is no guarantee they can help achieve prolonged firmness or increased tone.
Conditions that Determine the Success or Failure of Vaginal Tightening Gels
- Aetiology of Vaginal Laxity: vaginal gels/creams are more effective for vaginal looseness caused by childbirth than for those caused by hormonal changes due to menopause or certain medical conditions.
- Severity of Vaginal Laxity: the effectiveness of these gels depends on the severity of vaginal looseness.
- Type of Tightening Gel: there are different types of vaginal tightening gels available, each with different components. The effectiveness of these gels depends on the type, ingredients and formulation.
- Compliance: the success of these gels depends on the consistency of their application. If applied consistently over a period of time or as suggested by a gynecology professional, success tends to be higher.
- Application Method: women who follow the recommended application method tend to achieve better results than women who do not.
- Interobserver Variability: every woman’s body is unique, so the effectiveness of vaginal tightening gels varies from person to person.
Benefits of Vaginal Tightening Gel/Creams
- Increased sexual pleasure for both partners
- Boost in self-confidence
- Enhanced aesthetic appearance of the vaginal area
- Some vaginal gels and creams contain ingredients that help improve lubrication
How Long Do the Effects of Vaginal Tightening Gels Last?
This depends on the type of vaginal tightening gel and how the individual uses it. However, most vaginal tightening gels typically have a quick onset of action that begins about 10-30 mins after application and may last a few hours to days. It is to be understood that these are topical medications and do not provide a permanent solution for treating vaginal laxity. Regular and consistent use may be necessary to achieve and sustain the desired effects.
How Frequently Should Vaginal Tightening Gels Be Applied to Obtain Optimal Results?
The frequency of using vaginal tightening gels depends on the product and the individual’s needs. Still, as a general rule of thumb, it is best advised to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how frequently it should be applied for optimal results.
Regular and consistent use is important in order to achieve any notable effects. However, proper care must be taken not to overuse these gels or not to follow the manufacturer’s instructions as it may cause several side effects like allergies, vaginal pH alterations and predisposition to vaginal infections.
Effective Alternatives To Vaginal Tightening Gels
While vaginal tightening gels are readily available and a cheaper option to achieve vaginal tightness, their effects are temporary and last only a few hours or days (with consistent application). For safe, long-term vaginal tightening, interested candidates can consider minimally invasive or non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation treatments.
You can find more information on vaginal tightening procedures at Alinea Labiaplasty & Vaginoplasty NJ.
