Following
childbirth and with age some women may feel that their vaginal muscles are weak
and loose. This can be uncomfortable, embarrassing, have a psychological impact
and can lead to sexual dissatisfaction and difficulty with intercourse for her
and her partner. When conservative measures such as pelvic floor exercise have
failed, surgery can be considered with the aim of improving the tone of the
vagina by tightening the muscles and supporting tissue.
Female Genital Anatomy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION Where will the surgery be performed? The surgery will be performed in hospital under general anaesthetic or possibly local anaesthetic with or without sedation. How long will the surgery take? Approximately 1 hour. What is the length of stay? An overnight stay may be recommended. What can I expect after the surgery? Your expectations need to be realistic. You will feel tired, with some soreness for a few days but should be up and around in 24 to 48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by prescription medication. Poor pain control can lead to urine retention and constipation is best avoided. Sexual activity can be attempted within 4-6 weeks. You will have a follow-up check around this time. When can I get back to work? Time taken to return to work varies and can be anywhere between 1-4 weeks. When can I get back to exercising again? Exercise may be resumed in 6-8 weeks. When can I see the final results? Within 2-3 weeks of surgery Further reading Vaginoplasty - Department of Health