September is Sexual Wellness Month, making now through into next month the perfect time to discuss sexual health.
As women and men, it’s essential that we take care of our health, including sexual health and wellbeing. Sexual health encompasses a person’s readiness for physically and emotionally intimate relationships. The comfort with one’s sexuality, seeking treatments to support any issues, and addressing circumstances that keep one from having a healthy sexual relationship are all components of sexual wellbeing.
What factors impact sexual wellness?
Many factors can impact a woman’s sexual health. The natural aging process and menopause impact estrogen hormone levels, which in turn affect the vaginal walls—they can become thinner and dryer, leading to a decrease in lubrication and discomfort. A hysterectomy, chemotherapy, and breastfeeding can cause a similar scenario. Childbirth is another factor that can impact the vaginal canal and surrounding tissue, leading to sexual dissatisfaction and incontinence. Men’s sexual wellness can also be impacted by the natural aging process and a decrease in hormone levels.
What non-surgical treatments help to improve women’s sexual health?
There are several non-surgical treatment options available to support sexual health in women. The O-Shot, diVa, and diVaTyte treatments can be great options to improve vaginal health. Each treatment is described in detail below.
The O-Shot Treatment for Women
The O-Shot is a PRP vaginal treatment that utilizes platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood. The O-Shot can provide several benefits for women, including:
- The improvement of libido and orgasms
- A decrease in vaginal dryness
- A reduction in urinary incontinence
A small amount of platelet-rich plasma from your blood is used to perform the O-Shot. A blood draw from your vein is processed to separate the plasma from it. The plasma is then loaded into a syringe. The syringe of PRP is injected at various points of the vaginal area. The target points selected are based on the symptoms being alleviated.
There is no downtime required with the O-Shot. The majority of patients resume normal daily activities after treatment without restrictions. The PRP stimulates new cell development during the weeks following treatment, which then thickens the tissue area. It can take up to three months for full results to be seen, and results can last for up to a year.
diVa and diVaTyte Vaginal Rejuvenation for Women
The diVa Treatment
The diVa vaginal rejuvenation treatment can provide restoration to improve sexual satisfaction and decrease incontinence. The diVa is a hybrid laser and was the first and only device available to include High Precision Automation (HPA) technology. HPA technology ensures the best and safest treatment outcome for patients.
The treatment delivers non-ablative and ablative wavelengths to the targeted microscopic treatment zone. Controlled laser therapy provides consistent and accurate results that support coagulation to the vaginal mucosa. Treatments are customizable based on a patient’s age, symptoms, and desired results.
The diVaTyte Treatment
A diVaTyte treatment is a laser resurfacing treatment that can help to improve the quality of vaginal tissue. Where the diVa repairs internal vaginal tissue, the diVaTyte focuses on the external vaginal tissue. The diVaTyte can be an excellent treatment for women who have or are experiencing menopause, have had children, or feel the natural aging process has impacted them.
Women love the fact that it is a quick and easy outpatient treatment with proven results for individuals who desire a mild to moderate improvement without the need for surgery. The treatment works by firming and reducing sagging skin using the body’s tissue remodeling process.
A diVaTyte treatment generally takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and a series of five treatments spaced two weeks apart is typically recommended. Due to its ergonomic design, patients report little to no discomfort during a diVaTyte treatment. A warm sensation and slight pressure might be experienced as rapid pules are delivered in a massage-like motion technique. This technique gently warms the vaginal skin during treatment, and the skin sometimes swells, which is a normal reaction referred to as “happy edema.” “Happy edema” is a sign that the vaginal tissue is responding to treatment.
There is no downtime following a diVaTyte treatment. Patients can return to their typical routines with little to no discharge, discomfort, or spotting. However, sexual intercourse should be avoided for up to 48 hours.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
As we age, our hormone levels can decrease. A decrease in certain hormones can lead to many unwanted side effects in both men and women, including hot flashes, low sex drive, and reduced sexual performance. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) helps to replace hormones in the body using hormones that are similar in structure and make-up of naturally occurring hormones in the body.
BHRT helps to bring the body’s hormone levels back into balance. BioTE is a trusted brand of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Based on blood work, an individualized treatment plan is developed for each patient. BHRT pellets of estrogen and testosterone are inserted subcutaneously and release a consistent stream of hormones, so the hormones required by your body are readily available.
Some patients report relief within four weeks, though it can take up to six months after insertion for optimal relief to present. One to two pellet insertions are required per year. Some individuals require hormone replacement for the rest of their lives, whereas others only need it temporarily to bring hormones back into balance.
Sexual wellness builds confidence and self-esteem
Sexual wellness is vital to our overall happiness, health, and sense of wellbeing. Taking care of our sexual health leads to more vitality and connection, while also boosting confidence and self-esteem.
DermaTouch RN has a team of sexual wellness experts to support individuals in feeling their best from the inside out with the most intimate of matters. If you have questions about sexual wellness or any of the treatments listed above, please don’t hesitate to call or text us at 281.895.9090. We are readily available to answer your sexual wellness and treatment plan questions to design a treatment regimen to meet your specific concerns and needs.
DermaTouch RN offers minimally invasive and non-invasive treatments for men and women in Houston, San Antonio, Spring and Cypress, as well as the surrounding areas of Texas. We are the largest aesthetic practice in the Houston area, and all of our medical spa treatments are performed by a team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and aestheticians who receive continuing education to remain abreast of emerging treatments that benefit our patients. We invite you to learn more about our office before your consultation.
