If you spend enough time in certain corners of the beauty industry, you've probably heard the term "vaginal rejuvenation." The phrase has been used to refer to a procedure that "tightens" the inside and outside of the vagina, often using energy-based devices like lasers or radiofrequency. But medical professionals aren't so enthused about the idea of women zapping their vaginas with lasers.
The FDA has not cleared this kind of "vaginal rejuvenation," a fact that it makes clear in a new Safety Communication issued to patients who may be considering vaginal rejuvenation and health care providers that perform the procedure. The warning explains that no energy-based vaginal rejuvenation devices are FDA-approved and includes in the definition of vaginal rejuvenation non-surgical procedures with the goal of treating symptoms like "vaginal laxity, vaginal atrophy, dryness, or itching, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination, decreased sexual sensation," and more.
"We are aware that certain device manufacturers may be marketing their energy-based medical device for vaginal 'rejuvenation' and/or cosmetic vaginal procedures. The safety and effectiveness of energy-based medical devices to perform these procedures has not been established," reads the statement. It's not just that these treatments won't have their intended effect; according to the statement, they could also have adverse reactions. Nasty side effects can include "vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sexual intercourse, and recurring/chronic pain."
The FDA also encourages anyone who has experienced a health complication as a result of vaginal rejuvenation to file a report directly with the FDA. For those who may be considering the procedure, we have one word of advice — don't.
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