What Is Vaginal Rejuvenation?

"Vaginal rejuvenation" is a catchall term often used to describe noninvasive treatments that promise a whole range of fixes — from vaginal tightening and better lubrication to mind-blowing orgasms and relief from pain, dryness, or incontinence. If it sounds too good to be true, it just might be.

Despite a boom in popularity (the “vaginal rejuvenation” market was estimated to be worth $3.57 billion in 2023), most vaginal rejuvenation treatments lack scientific proof and have questionable safety data. But that hasn’t stopped clinics and med spas from marketing these treatments, nor has it stopped women from seeking them out. 

So, what is vaginal rejuvenation, exactly? Below is everything you need to know about the different types of vaginal rejuvenation, their efficacy, potential risks, and alternatives.

What is vaginal rejuvenation?

Vaginal rejuvenation is a marketing (not medical) term used to describe non-invasive treatments aimed at improving vaginal moisture, tightness, and elasticity. They’re often promoted as a way to improve the quality of your sex life, too.

Just like the rest of our body, the vagina ages over time and becomes thinner and drier, which can lead to discomfort and painful sex, affecting your libido and orgasms. Many people consider vaginal rejuvenation to help with common concerns related to childbirth and menopause, like vaginal looseness, dryness, and a decrease in sexual intimacy. 

The most common forms of vaginal rejuvenation include: 

• CO2 laser: This non-invasive procedure uses lasers to stimulate collagen production and improve the elasticity and thickness of the vaginal walls. The heat from the laser promotes tissue remodeling and can enhance moisture levels in the vaginal canal. Brand names include MonaLisa Touch®, FemTouch®, and FemiLift®.
• Radiofrequency (RF): RF uses heat generated by radio waves to tighten the vaginal tissues by stimulating collagen production. Brand names include Viveve®, and ThermiVA®.
• High-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology: uses rapid changes in an electromagnetic field to induce muscle contractions.  Brand names include Emsella®.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP injections involve injecting a woman’s own blood plasma into the vaginal area to stimulate tissue regeneration. The aim is to improve lubrication, sensitivity, and sexual function. 

Vaginal rejuvenation vs surgery

Sometimes people use the term “vaginal rejuvenation” to refer to cosmetic surgery done on the vulva. The vagina and vulva are two distinct organs, but the term “vaginal rejuvenation” often (somewhat incorrectly) includes procedures and treatments that aim to “correct” the vulva, too.

Although they’re two different things, surgery can also be part of a broader vaginal rejuvenation treatment plan. Common forms of genital surgery include: 

• Vaginoplasty, which aims to tighten the vaginal canal.
• Labiaplasty, which reshapes or reduces the size of the labia minora or labia majora.
• Clitoral hood reduction, which removes extra tissue that covers the clitoris.
• Vulvoplasty, which reshapes the vulvar area.

While we’re on the subject: unless the size or shape of your vulva is causing you pain or discomfort, there’s no need to change the way it looks! 

Is vaginal rejuvenation effective? 

Different methods have varying levels of effectiveness, but the overall evidence isn't very strong. Unlike medications, many new medical devices used for cosmetic purposes don't require controlled studies for regulatory approval.

The idea is that these lasers and devices stimulate natural healing processes in the vaginal tissue and increase collagen production and blood flow, making the walls of the vagina healthier and more lubricated. Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are used to treat urinary incontinence and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), as well as vaginal tightening to "enhance" sexual satisfaction, but there isn’t good evidence that it helps these conditions. 

In a 2021 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a fractional CO2 laser for vaginal symptoms was compared to a placebo. The study found no real difference in symptom reduction between the two groups after a year. Biopsies also showed minimal changes in vaginal tissue for both groups, and some participants reported mild side effects like pain and spotting.

A 2022 systemic review and meta-analysis revealed that CO2 vaginal laser treatment works similarly, but not better than, topical vaginal estrogen therapy. This suggests that vaginal lasers could be a good option for people who are unable to use estrogen. However, the authors also pointed out that more research is required to fully understand the potential of vaginal laser therapy for women with contraindications to vaginal estrogen.

The lasers and radiofrequency wands promoted for vaginal rejuvenation were initially cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for addressing skin issues, such as wrinkles and acne scars. They were later cleared for some vaginal conditions, including the removal of precancerous cells and genital warts. However, procedures marketed as "vaginal rejuvenation" are unapproved and considered off-label uses of the device. 

While it’s not illegal, the FDA still hasn't cleared or approved any energy-based medical device for vaginal rejuvenation, vaginal cosmetic procedures, or the treatment of vaginal symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence, or sexual function.

Is vaginal rejuvenation safe?

Vaginal rejuvenation is often promoted as a safe and low-risk procedure. However, both the FDA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have cautioned against it, saying that the marketing practices are "deceptive".

There is an alarming lack of evidence that these treatments are effective, let alone safe. The FDA has found cases of vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sex, and recurring or chronic pain caused by vaginal rejuvenation procedures — and that "the full extent of the risks is unknown."

In a statement, the FDA said: “These products come with serious risks and do not have enough evidence to support their use for these purposes. We are deeply concerned that women are being harmed."

All procedures (whether medical or cosmetic) carry risks, and results will vary. How safe something is doesn’t just depend on the method, but also on the practitioner carrying out the treatment. The issue with vaginal rejuvenation is that the technology is still relatively new in the context of vaginal health, and there’s not enough research on its safety. 

Additionally, patients choosing vaginal rejuvenation may have underlying health conditions. It's crucial that their symptoms are thoroughly assessed and they are offered standard evidence-based treatments.

Should you get vaginal rejuvenation?

Genital surgery can have valid medical reasons, such as repairing childbirth injuries, correcting female genital mutilation (FGM), treating issues like vulvodynia, or as part of gender-affirming care for trans individuals.

As for vaginal rejuvenation, it's a bit of a gray area. It's hard to ignore that it's a big business that plays on women's insecurities and society's obsession with tight vaginas.

Unfortunately, society pushes the idea that vulvas should look a certain way and vaginas should be tight. This, coupled with the lack of support for menopausal women dealing with vaginal dryness and low libido, leads many women to consider vaginal rejuvenation. These treatments are often marketed as an easy, non-invasive option, making it tempting to try them, but experts are still studying the risks and benefits of vaginal rejuvenation.

Ultimately, the decision to get vaginal rejuvenation is personal and should be made with a trusted healthcare provider. If you're experiencing pain during sex, incontinence, low libido, or arousal issues, it's best to discuss your options with a medical professional before considering vaginal rejuvenation. They may recommend alternatives better suited for you, such as pelvic floor therapy, hormone therapy, counseling, or vaginal moisturizers and lubricants.