Treatments like vaginal rejuvenation are on the rise – and it’s not just women post-childbirth or menopause considering them. In fact, a study by Always Discreet found that 64% of 18-24-year-olds experience some form of bladder weakness as a result of intensive exercise regimes that put the pelvic floor and bladder under strain, or restrictive diets that cause constipation, putting pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.
Using radiofrequency to create a thermal effect to restore collagen and elastin fibres inside the vagina, Epilium & Skin’s Viveve treatment (price on application) promises better lubrication, more control and a firmer support structure. In just 30 minutes, the probe will have emitted enough radiofrequency to repair any internal issues that could be causing weakness or pain. A more convenient ‘clothes on’ option is The Light Salon’s new ‘Kegel Throne’ at Harvey Nichols. Perch on a vibrating chair for 28 minutes, during which your pelvic floor muscles will be subject to 11,000 Kegel exercises and you’ll walk away with pelvic muscles that are strong, resilient and ready for action!
Elsewhere, Kay Greveson, founder of Regents Park Aesthetics, recommends VJuve Vaginal Rejuvenation (£500 per treatment). 'Our treatment is FDA approved (many aren’t) and it uses CO2 fractional lasers rather than heat,' explains Greveson. With no risk of damaging the cell walls, it’s used to treat dyspareunia (painful sex) and vaginal atrophy (thinning and drying of the vaginal walls) and also helps restore the correct pH within the vagina by eliminating unhealthy bacteria. But it’s not permanent. 'As with all laser treatments, the epithelial vaginal wall tissues will gradually return to normal over time,' says Greveson. About 18 months, in this case.
Self Care Down Under
If you prefer a less invasive, more holistic approach there’s always vaginal steaming or ‘douching’, a process made notorious by Gwyneth Paltrow (discover her surprisingly simple wellness secret here) after she recommended it on Gop.com. There’s a misconception that the steaming is to clean the vagina. In actual fact, it’s a traditional method that has been used for centuries to help women overcome gynaecological problems. 'In Ayurveda, this is seen an essential practice for women, from when they get their first period to menopause,' explains Jo Webber, head of Herbal Education at Pukka Herbs. 'Herbs such as Triphala, Shatavari, Aloe Vera, rose and liquorice are often boiled and cooled to make a vaginal douche.'
Medical herbalist, Victoria Kearns is another advocate. 'It’s based on steaming herbs under the vulva and vagina that are known to tone and strengthen the reproductive tissues, along with warming herbs to improve circulation to the pelvic organs,' explains Kearns. She prescribes it for everything from painful periods to fertility.
It might sound a bit Mother Earth but, if you're not convinced of the medical benefits, the emotional element of it might convince you. A 20-minute session spent sitting over a warm and comforting bowl of herbs could well be the time we need to reconnect with ourselves in a bid to unwind and de-stress – a bit like meditation… or masturbation. Or why not combine the two?
'Intimate care has already expanded from remedying vaginal discomfort to the next level of self-care: self-sex,' says Chui. 'DIY sex is being repositioned as the new wellbeing treatment, akin to meditation or going for a run, and new services are launching such as Ferly - an audio guide for mindful sex that merges masturbation and meditation.' Providing everything from sensual stories to get you in the mood to guided practices where you can breathe your way to an orgasm, you can even filter your preferences to suit your environment (in bed/alone/on a commute). Proof that the taboo around masturbation and lady parts has finally been lifted, just remember to turn on the right meditation app when you’re staying at the in-laws.
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