Vaginal Laxity: Prevalence, Risk Factors, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches

Abstract

Vaginal laxity (VL) refers to the feeling of "looseness" in the vagina. VL is considered a symptom of pelvic floor dysfunction and an indicator of poor quality of life (QoL). The mechanistic action of this condition remains elusive to date and requires more attention. VL is most prevalent among childbearing women and no standardized method for diagnosis currently exists. Moreover, there are currently no commonly accepted definitions, etiologies, and predisposing risk factors pertaining to VL. Thus, we aim to review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of VL. Since it has been reported in approximately 48% of women, VL is a bothersome condition that continues to remain under-reported and is associated with higher parity, vaginal deliveries, and symptoms of prolapse. Although subjective complaints and visualization of the vaginal introits are the most commonly used methods of diagnosing VL, several QoL measures may hold promise in the evaluation of VL. Moreover, there are several methods for diagnoses that are under investigation. Surgical treatment has been indicated to improve sexual function and manage the symptoms effectively. Non-surgical treatment options typically include subsets of energy-based devices, which in theory and in small short-term studies have shown minimal benefits in conjunction with pelvic physiotherapy.

Ultrasound imaging of core muscles activity in multiparous women with vaginal laxity: a cross-sectional study

“…Participants had to meet certain requirements to be considered eligible for the study, which included being married women, having coitus at least once monthly 20 , maintaining an inactive lifestyle defined as less than 2.5 h/week of moderate physical activity 21 , having an age range of 35–45 years 22 , and maintaining a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 30 kg/m 2 . Additionally, participants were required to have delivered babies vaginally twice to three times, as VL is commonly associated with a higher parity number and vaginal childbirth 23 . Moreover, they were required to have a minimum 2-year gap since their last delivery.…”