Your Vaginal Health Postpartum (and What to Do About It)

From the moment you conceived your child, your body started changing. By the end of your pregnancy, your belly had stretched beyond imaginable limits, and your joints had loosened dramatically. When you finally delivered your bundle of joy, your cervix had thinned and dilated to 10 centimeters to allow a human to pass through the canal. 

After 40 weeks of massive changes, something had to give, and if you’re like many women, it was your vagina.

If your vagina doesn’t feel like it used to, you’re not alone. More than a third of women worldwide — at least 40 million — experience postpartum health problems, many involving the vagina.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with those unwanted changes. Our women’s health specialists, Boyd Parks, MD and Diane Parks, NP of The Well for Health in Mooresville, North Carolina, offer innovative treatments that restore your vaginal health.

Keep reading as they explain the effects of childbirth on vaginal health, identify signs that require attention, and discuss effective treatments to restore your prepregnancy condition. 

What childbirth does to your vagina

We don’t have to tell you that childbirth affects your vagina, but here’s a closer look at the changes it causes and why they happen.

Natural changes

Vaginal delivery can stretch and tear your vaginal tissues. While minor damage is perfectly natural, it can lead to lasting effects such as reduced tightness and elasticity. Your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder, uterus, and bowel, can also weaken.

Hormonal shifts

When you got pregnant, your hormones surged. When you delivered your baby, your hormones plummeted. Specifically, your estrogen levels dropped significantly, which may be the culprit behind vaginal dryness, thinning of vaginal walls, and decreased lubrication, all of which makes intercourse uncomfortable.

Recovery timeline

While some women may bounce back quickly, for others, it may take months or even longer to feel “normal” again. The delivery type, complications, and individual healing processes can all influence this timeline.

Signs you need to address your vaginal health

If changes are normal and the recovery timeline varies, how do you know when it’s time to seek medical attention? Here’s what to watch for.

Persistent discomfort

Most women experience some postpartum discomfort. However, if you notice persistent pain, itching, or burning, it could be a sign that your vaginal health needs attention. Don’t brush off these symptoms as a normal part of the recovery process.

Unusual dryness

While you should expect some dryness due to hormonal changes, excessive dryness that doesn’t improve with time or lubrication isn’t normal. 

Incontinence issues

Weakness in the pelvic floor muscles can lead to stress incontinence, which can cause you to leak urine when you cough, laugh, or exercise. 

Treatments that restore your prepregnancy vaginal health

Don’t accept negative vaginal changes as the price you pay for having a baby. Resolving those issues is simple and effective. You can do several things at home to help.

Pelvic floor exercises

One of the most effective ways to restore vaginal health is through pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels. These exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, improving tightness and reducing incontinence.

Hormone therapy

If you’re experiencing significant dryness and other symptoms due to low estrogen levels, we may recommend bioidentical hormone therapy. It comes in various forms, including topical creams, tablets, and implantable pellets. All restore moisture and elasticity.

Hydration and nutrition

Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can aid in postpartum recovery. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and flaxseeds, can improve skin health and elasticity, which benefits your vaginal tissues.

MonaLisa Touch®

MonaLisa Touch is a nonsurgical laser treatment that addresses vaginal atrophy and related symptoms. It stimulates collagen production, which improves the health and thickness of the vaginal walls, reduces dryness, increases tightness, and relieves painful intercourse.

We insert a small probe into your vagina. The device emits controlled laser energy that promotes tissue regeneration and increases blood flow.

The procedure takes about five minutes and requires no downtime.   

Most of our patients notice better pelvic floor strength, reduced incontinence, and enhanced intimate satisfaction. For optimal results, plan on multiple sessions, but expect to feel benefits after the first treatment.

If you have concerns about your vaginal health or are experiencing problems, call The Well for Health or request an appointment online to discuss your options.