Sexual wellness has deep roots in ancient India, yet today many are reluctant to discuss it openly. While millennials and Gen Z are becoming more vocal about their health and desires, boomers and Gen X often avoid the topic altogether.
However, social media is changing the conversation. Terms like pleasure, contraception and sex toys are becoming normalized and more women are actively prioritizing their sexual health and needs.
Recently, vaginal tightening pills have gained significant attention, especially after TV actress Nia Sharma teamed up with the brand Vg-3 to promote them. This move caused considerable backlash, with comments such as “The check must be huge to promote a product like this”, “This is beyond embarrassing”, “Aren’t you ashamed?” and “Unfollowing for such toxic content” floods.
It is clear that breaking stereotypes requires a collective effort. While Sharma’s attempt to address women’s sexual wellness may have been criticized, it raises an important question: Are vaginal tightening pills something all women should consider?
First you have to understand it the vaginal muscles may relax over time due to several factors:
- Aging: As women age, hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can lead to a decrease in collagen and elasticity in vaginal tissues.
- Birth: Vaginal birth can stretch the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues. Multiple pregnancies can have a cumulative effect.
- Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in estrogen levels during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and menopause can affect muscle tone and elasticity.
- Weight changes: Significant weight gain or loss can affect the pelvic floor muscles and their strength.
- Lack of exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. Regular pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels, can help maintain strength.
Let’s delve into the pills
“Intimate wellness is essential for women of all ages, as it encompasses physical, mental, emotional and sexual health. This wellness focuses primarily on sexual and urinary health, areas that can be affected throughout a woman’s life due to hormonal changes during events such as menstruation, physical intimacy, childbirth, postpartum, perimenopause and menopause said Dr Sowmya KN, Consultant Obstetrician. and gynecologist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, says India Today.
The doctor adds that maintaining healthy sexual and urinary habits is vital to support overall well-being, especially as hormonal imbalances, stress and childbirth can lead to physical and emotional changes such as pelvic organ displacements, vaginal dryness, decreased sexual interest and urinary problems. such as incontinence or recurrent urinary tract infections.
Adding to this, Dr Astha Dayal, director, obstetrics and gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, says that vaginal tightening tablets claim to be a quick fix for perceived vaginal relaxation and improve vaginal elasticity and firmness, often playing with women’s insecurities about sexual performance. and body image.
“These tablets usually contain herbal ingredients, such as manjakani and damiana, which are said to tighten the vaginal muscles, enhance lubrication or improve sexual sensation. They generally claim to restore vaginal tone by promoting collagen production or tightening the tissues,” says doctor.
Additionally, Dr. Dayal shares that some of these products may create a temporary tightening effect by causing slight swelling or irritation to the vaginal walls, leading to a tight feeling and may provide a temporary placebo effect. However, there is very little scientific evidence to support these claims. Most claims are anecdotal or based on unverified studies.
It can be a risky bet
According to Dr. Dayal, the anatomy of the vaginal muscles is such that they require proper muscle engagement for strength, and tablets cannot replace that.
In addition, the herbal or chemical compounds in such pills can alter the natural pH balance of the vagina, increasing the risk of infections or irritations, or could cause allergic reactions or other side effects.
They can also disrupt the vaginal microbiome, leading to an increased risk of infections such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or even more serious complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Additionally, these products may have unregulated ingredients and quality control and could have potential drug interactions or unknown long-term effects.
Meanwhile, discussing the safety of such tablets, Dr Sowmya KN states, “While some products may offer temporary relief or tightening effects, the effectiveness and safety of vaginal tightening tablets has not been universally proven. It is always advisable to reach for these products with caution. Consulting a gynecologist before using any such medication is highly recommended to ensure it suits your individual health needs and will avoid any unwanted side effects.”
Gynecologists recommend safer methods based on evidence
- Kegel exercises specifically target the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and rectum, improving vaginal tone and potentially enhancing sexual satisfaction, and may help with stress incontinence, which means leaking urine when you cough or sneeze.
- If Kegel exercises aren’t enough, women can work with a pelvic floor therapist who can provide a personalized plan and guide them through exercises tailored to their specific needs or using vaginal cones or weights and biofeedback.
- Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating and weight control also help improve overall and intimate health.
- Minimally invasive options such as vaginal rejuvenation through laser or radiofrequency energy can stimulate collagen production in the vaginal tissues, improving elasticity and tone without surgery.
- In extreme cases where vaginal laxity causes significant discomfort or problems with sexual function, surgical options such as colpoplasty may be considered.
While considering any vaginal tightening methods, you should always consult your doctor so they can evaluate safety and potential interactions with other medications or health conditions. If you plan to take tablets, make sure the product does not contain harmful or allergenic ingredients and monitor for side effects.
If irritation, itching or discomfort occurs after using such products, stop immediately and consult a doctor. Even if a product claims to be safe, frequent use could disrupt the natural vaginal flora, increasing the risk of infections.
