A female doctor discusses treatment plans with a patient.
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The landscape of women’s health is rapidly evolving, emerging as a crucial focus within the healthcare sector. Notably, in 2024, venture capital investment in women’s health soared by 55%, totaling
$2.6 billion in the U.S..
This surge in funding highlights a significant recognition of women’s healthcare needs; however, it is concerning that vital areas like intimate wellness are still sidelined. As we witness increasing investment in reproductive, cardiovascular, and mental health, the conversation around sexual and hormonal health remains tethered to stigma and systemic neglect. Destigmatizing intimate wellness is not just an essential step in empowering women—it is foundational to their overall health.
Understanding Intimate Wellness
Intimate wellness encompasses a broad spectrum, including vaginal and labial health, hormonal equilibrium, sexual fulfillment, and emotional vitality. Key aspects involve maintaining proper vaginal health through hygiene and gynecological care, effectively managing hormonal fluctuations throughout life transitions such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and addressing sexual health issues like libido, arousal, and satisfaction. Additionally, emotional wellbeing greatly influences intimate wellness, as stress and relationship dynamics can severely affect a woman’s overall experience of intimacy.
“The prevailing issue is societal pressure discouraging women from voicing their intimacy concerns,” explains Dr. Carine-Ange Tagni, a board-certified gynecologist and specialist in labiaplasty. Her practice emphasizes supporting women in embracing pleasure and comfort throughout all life stages while dismantling the shame associated with issues like bladder leakage, decreased libido, painful intercourse, and vaginal dryness. Dr. Tagni acknowledges that neglecting these concerns can lead to relational strife, stemming from suppressed discussions about intimacy.
The Role of Labiaplasty in Enhancing Intimate Wellness
An illustrative case showcasing the intersection of intimate wellness, health, and confidence is labiaplasty. Dr. Tagni notes, “Following childbirth, women may experience soft tissue damage resulting in a distorted appearance of the genital area.” Patients often label their labia as “unsightly,” which can hinder their interest in intimacy. However, the roots of labial challenges are not solely tied to childbirth; many patients contend with labial hypertrophy. This condition, marked by an excessive enlargement of the labia, can be congenital or develop during puberty due to hormonal changes. Contributing factors may include pregnancy, trauma, or continuous pressure from activities like prolonged wheelchair use.
Dr. Tagni explains that enlarged labia can lead to significant discomfort and pain, particularly when wearing tight clothing or engaging in activities that create friction. Unfortunately, labial hypertrophy is frequently misdiagnosed or ignored, reflecting a pattern seen on a larger scale worldwide.
Labiaplasty has emerged as one of the fastest-growing cosmetic surgeries globally. Data from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) revealed that around 189,000 labiaplasty procedures were performed worldwide in 2023, indicating a 66% increase since 2013 when formal data collection commenced.
In the U.S., Dr. Tagni stands among approximately one hundred board-certified specialists in intimate wellness. Most labiaplasty procedures she oversees involve a blend of surgical and non-invasive methods, focused on maintaining comfort while correcting labial dimensions. These surgeries are typically brief, lasting under two hours with minimal sedation. Recovery periods can span three to four weeks for non-invasive treatments, and she urges patients to ensure their procedures are conducted by a board-certified surgeon particularly skilled in labiaplasty.
However, intimate wellness extends well beyond surgical remedies.
Exploring Other Therapeutic Approaches
“As women visit me for labiaplasty, I have discovered a vast number of older women wrestling with various intimacy issues,” Dr. Tagni reflects. She has broadened her practice to include helping women navigate hormonal changes, particularly those shifting into menopause. Frequently encountered issues encompass vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, bladder prolapse, and diminished libido, alongside general symptoms such as poor sleep, brain fog, and mood fluctuations.
Patients often express, “I have lost the desire for sex. There’s something inside that feels uncomfortable.” This discomfort can frequently be traced back to bladder prolapse, a condition wherein the bladder protrudes into the vaginal cavity, a risk factor that notably escalates post-pregnancy and childbirth.
Pelvic floor dysfunction is a significant concern, as it impacts almost 50% of women within a decade following childbirth, with vaginal delivery being a primary risk factor. Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse (such as the bladder) are the most commonly reported challenges.
Regrettably, many women experience shame when addressing bladder leakage. Patients confide in Dr. Tagni, expressing worries about odors that deter them from engaging intimately. Many are uncertain how to articulate their concerns to partners, often failing to directly communicate, “I experience urinary incontinence every time I sneeze or cough.”
Regarding pelvic floor rehabilitation, Dr. Tagni acknowledges that while kegels can benefit those with bladder issues, many patients struggle with adherence. For several, she provides expedited treatments that merge electromuscular stimulation with radiofrequency technology, achieving quicker results than kegels with effects that typically last 12 to 18 months, supplemented by maintenance visits.
For other women, the predominant challenge is not physical but relates to sexual satisfaction.
The Impact of the Orgasm Shot on Libido
Numerous patients report that aging has precipitated a decline in sexual desire. Dr. Tagni addresses this concern with the “O-shot” or “orgasm shot,” a treatment involving an injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the vaginal and clitoral regions to stimulate growth factors, promoting tissue regeneration and enhancing blood flow. This method yields increased sensitivity and amplifies nerve response, fostering improved sexual arousal and orgasm. One patient, who hadn’t experienced an orgasm in years, returned three weeks post-treatment to share her newfound satisfaction; it is not unusual for Dr. Tagni to receive excited late-night messages stating, “It worked!”
Despite the availability of treatments, the underlying issue of societal stigma remains.
Challenging the Stigma Surrounding Intimate Wellness
“The conversation around intimacy health must deepen,” urges Dr. Tagni. She clarifies that intimacy wellness transcends sexual engagements. “If a woman refrains from engaging with her children due to fears around leaking during play, that represents a significant loss of intimacy with her family.” The impact ripples through relationships and self-perception. “Marital bonds often weaken when individuals lack the vocabulary to articulate their struggles, inadvertently shying away from the intimacy that once united them.”
Dr. Tagni advocates for dismantling the stigma surrounding discussions about intimacy, particularly for women in menopause. “These women endure their challenges in silence, often for 30, 40, or even 50 more years,” she emphasizes. Remember, intimate wellness is not an indulgence; it’s a fundamental necessity.
