Reclaim Your Sex Life
Peggy Pico, NBC 7/39 Medical Reporter
It's known as a "rejuvenating" laser surgery
that is heavily advertised in magazines and on the Internet. The
procedure claims to offer women a more satisfying sex life.
"I basically thought I was the only one is the world that would
have these issues being so young," said a mother of two who
did not want to be identified. "Women don't say anything --
they're afraid to say anything," she said.
The so-called taboo topic is that for some women, sex after children
just isn't as satisfying. But doctors said more women are doing something
about it. Last year, 1,000 American women had laser vaginal rejuvenation
or LVR, statistics showed.
Urologist Dr. Elliot Lander is the only doctor who performs the
procedure in San Diego.
"Laser vaginal rejuvenation is a procedure designed to decrease
the internal and external diameter of the vaginal canal," he
said.
Lander said the one-hour outpatient procedure restores a woman's
pelvic floor to pre-childbirth condition.
"We really truly change the shape of the vaginal canal and
tighten it. We support the muscles and connective tissue in a way
that provides support and improved contact between the woman and
her partner," he said.
The results are more sensation and more enjoyment, according to
Lander.
A woman who had the surgery is also singing its praises.
"When you have the surgery, after the fact, now that I can
be sexually active, it's like, wow, there was a huge difference.
I found out what I was missing," she said.
But doctors warn that sexual enhancement surgery won't save a troubled
marriage.
"I don't think that it's the answer to saving a marriage," said
Dr. Barbara Cunningham, marriage and family therapist.
She did say that LVR can boost bedroom bliss and only if a woman
does it for her own pleasure.
"If the woman feels she's doing this as an empowering move
for herself -- that's very healthy," said Cunningham.
Recovery time can take up to six weeks, Lander said. Complications
like bleeding or scarring are very rare. He recommends that women
who want LVR have the operation done by a certified LVR gynecologist
or urologist.
The surgery is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.
It typically costs between $6,000 and $12,000. For more information
visit: LVRSoCal.com or the LVR Institute of America.
Peggy
Pico, NBC 7/39 Medical Reporter
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