Studies show that more women are putting themselves through surgeries to improve the look of their vaginas, and their sex lives, than ever before. Back in 2016, an ASAPS statistics report showed that there had been a 39% rise in labiaplasty procedures compared to 2015. Vaginal rejuvenation procedures are also gaining popularity – this involves surgically reducing the vagina’s diameter to “tighten” it, usually in the hopes of improving a woman’s sex life.
Understandably, many women choose not to undergo risky surgery and are instead looking to non-surgical methods. Vaginal tightening has become somewhat of a trend, and companies are stepping in to offer various solutions – some that work better than others.
Below, we’ll investigate non-surgical ways that women can try to tighten things up down there. There’s no guarantee that these methods will work for everyone; but we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks that some people swear by.
1. Gels & Creams
Creams, lotions and gels that can be applied to the area are easily available online, from retailers like Amazon and VTightGel.org. These products claim to use natural ingredients that improve elasticity in the vaginal walls.
Ingredients to look out for include Manjakani extract (or oak wood gall) which increases collagen production and strengthens the walls. Curcuma Comosa is meant to stimulate the production of estrogen, which can ward against the effects of feminine aging.
Many of these products are meant for internal use. If you plan on trying some of these products, we recommend checking out the online reviews, just to make sure that others haven’t had bad experiences. Research the ingredients, and if you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to consult a doctor.
2. Kegel Exercises
A popular (and free!) way to tighten the vagina is to perform regular Kegel exercises. These strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and help to prevent problems with the bladder and uterus as women age or have children.
To perform a Kegel exercise, simply contract your vaginal muscles (like you’re holding in a wee) for 5 seconds, then relax for 5 seconds. Repeat this 5 times in a row, or keep going if you feel like it. Doing several sets of Kegels throughout the day, daily, will help keep your pelvic floor muscles strong, which in turn keeps your vagina “tight”.
You can even buy Kegel exercise weights to boost your training, sets of which are available from many online retailers. These are small weighted objects which are inserted into the vagina, similarly to a tampon, and held there for two minutes at a time. Start with the lightest Kegel exerciser before working up to heavier ones as your vaginal muscles get stronger. This is a medically proven way to improve pelvic floor conditions and enhance intimacy in the bedroom.
3. Vaginal Steaming
Steam cleansing, or “Yoni steaming”, is essentially a holistic treatment to cleanse and tighten the vagina using water vapor infused with herbs. Yoni steaming is said to have many benefits including boosting fertility, rebalancing hormones, reducing menstrual cramps and improving intimacy.
Women can perform Yoni steaming at home, or some holistic spas offer the treatment. Recommended herbs to use include lavender, marigold, rosemary and lemon balm, but some practitioners say you can use any herbs. These should be added to a pot of boiling water and left to infuse for ten minutes. Once the steam is cool enough to hold your hand over, place a chair with a hole or slats in the seat and sit over the steam, naked from the waist down.
This practice originates from Asia, Africa and Central America, where it’s commonly thought to enhance fertility. Doctors warn that sitting over steam that is too hot can cause serious burns – so be sure to leave the water to cool before trying this.
So – Does Vaginal Tightening Work?
There is evidence that Kegel exercises in particular are effective in strengthening the vaginal walls, therefore aiding in “tightening” your Yoni. With other treatments, there’s less evidence and more risks, although these tend to be less than surgery. Whatever you do, make sure it’s safe and always speak to a doctor before trying anything new!