It might be enough to make your eyes water just thinking about it, but there is a growing sector of injections for your intimate area that can improve the health and function of your vagina and labia, which take little more than 30 minutes, have minimum downtime and can last up to 18 months.  

Generally these treatments, when administered by an experienced doctor or aesthetic practitioner, are considered safe. However, in rare cases, botulinum toxin can cause muscle weakness.

You're probably wondering if it's going to be painful. “These injections might sound uncomfortable, but you’ll be given an anaesthetic to numb the area beforehand, so you won’t feel a thing,” says Intimate Health Specialist, Dr Shirin Lakhani.

Obviously the intimate nature of these procedures might sound a little daunting, but Dr Lakhani says there’s no need for embarrassment or feelings of anxiety, and stresses that you should discuss any questions or concerns with your practitioner.

From PRP to dermal filler, we take a look at what's available and what conditions they are best suited for.

PRP

Platelet-tich plasma (PRP) injections use a small amount of your own blood. which is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the blood cells. By taking the concentrated plasma, which has a higher concentration of platelets, it can rejuvenate parts of the body.

Many women suffer from vaginal atrophy after menopause which is when the tissues in the vagina become drier, leading to soreness and discomfort or pain during penetrative sex. Sometimes the vaginal area can become itchy, while the bladder is also affected with a lessening in bladder control, frequency, or urgency. These problems usually occur due to the loss of oestrogen during and after menopause.

This also leads to thinning of the tissues around the bladder, urethra, vulva and vagina, as well as a reduction in the number of glands at the neck of the womb (cervix) that produce mucus. Fat is also lost from around the vaginal area, meaning the labia get smaller, while the vagina becomes slightly shorter and less elastic.

PRP can help with many of these issues, as when injected into the vagina or clitoris, it can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, tissue regeneration and repair, making it ideal for women who are peri or post menopausal. Sensitivity is increased, vaginal laxity tightened and stress incontinence decreased.

“It can be an alternative to HRT for those suffering from vaginal atrophy and related symptoms such as pain, dryness and recurrent bladder infections,” confirms Dr Lakhani, “and can also help with arousal disorder, pain during sex and trouble climaxing, as well as stress incontinence.” A bit of a big hitter we say!

The O-Shot

The O Shot or the orgasm shot, as it is sometimes known, is a specific type of PRP injection that is designed to improve sexual function. It is administered near to the clitoris and into the vaginal wall to regenerate the whole area. The PRP will help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, increase sensitivity in the area, and can also help to lessen symptoms of incontinence.

Hyaluronic acid

Also known as dermal fillers, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections are usually associated with the face and lips. HA is a naturally occurring substance in the body that helps to hydrate and plump the skin–when injected into the vaginal tissue, it can help to increase the thickness of the vaginal walls, improving sexual sensation and reduce dryness.

The G-Shot

The G-Spot or Grafenburg spot is an erogenous zone located on the front vaginal wall, and when stimulated it can produce intense orgasms. “Unlike the O-Shot, which has a range of medical uses, the G- Shot is purely focused on giving you the most sensation possible during sex,” says Dr Lakhani. It works by injecting HA into the G-spot area which can increase its size and sensitivity.

Labial Puff

It might have a snigger-inducing name, but the Labial Puff is a both a medical and cosmetic procedure, where lost volume is returned to the outer labia (labia majora). “The labial puff can help women who suffer from a loss of volume without undergoing surgery,” says Dr Lakhani.

As we age our labia, like our faces, can lose elasticity and take on a loose and sagging appearance. While this might seem like a cosmetic issue it can lead to some physical problems such as vaginal dryness, uncomfortable sex and loss of libido. Childbirth too, not surprisingly, can also be responsible for loss of shape and tone in the labia, with some women finding that changes are permanent.

By injecting the labia majora with HA, volume is returned. “The effect of the filler is to volumise the labia majora, which can have a significant effect on a patient’s day-to-day life, such as making it easier to exercise, wear tight trousers and reduce symptoms of ‘exposure’ of the intimate area by lessening irritation and infection,” explains Dr Lakhani.

Botulinum toxin

You might think neurotoxins such as Botox are only used for minimising the movement of muscles on the face to prevent and lessen wrinkles, but they can actually be used for a whole host of medical reasons including vaginal rejuvenation.

Vaginal Botox has been gaining popularity in recent years–when injected into the vagina it can relax the pelvic floor muscles, alleviating painful intercourse and improving sexual function. The injections are administered using a small needle and effects can last for several months.