There’s a new day for women. Collagen isn’t just for the face anymore. There is amazing technology evolving daily to finally address the sexual and vaginal health concerns of millions of women.

The fact is that as we age, lots of things change. As estrogen levels fall, we lose collagen and elasticity of the skin. This manifests as sagging, crepe-y skin and wrinkles. But it doesn’t stop there. The vaginal tissue as well as the bladder and urethra are affected as well. A good analogy to use is one of a raisin and a grape. Younger, estrogenized tissue is plump and lubricated—like a grape. As hormone levels fall, the tissue thins and dries, similar to a raisin. This makes for a dry vagina, pain with intercourse, urinary incontinence and even an increase in urinary tract infections.

But there is hope for women and their partners. With today’s technology, we are able to turn back time with procedures that restore vaginal health. Restoring vaginal health in turn improves sexual health. There are several available technologies that each work by inducing collagen in tissues. Collagen increases after thermal or physical injury is applied and with the addition of growth factors.

The two most common forms of vaginal restoration involve the use of either CO₂ laser or radio frequency. Both of these modalities utilize heat. CO₂ laser works by superficially injuring the tissue which in return attempts to heal itself. Radio frequency works through bulk heating of the tissue. Both modalities yield similar results including “rejuvenated” vaginal tissue, increased lubrication, decreased urinary incontinence, and often times, increased sexual response. Surprisingly, neither of these procedures are painful. Typically, results are noticed in one to three months.

Another important tool of regenerative medicine is the use of platelet rich plasma, or stem cell therapy. Once injected, platelet rich plasma works by supplying growth factors to the tissue.

What’s even more worth noting is that you are injecting your own “tissue”. There is no chance of adverse reaction. PRP is obtained by drawing blood and spinning it down. The platelet rich portion is injected to vaginal tissue, including the clitoris and G spot. This procedure has been called the “O-Shot” and the “Love Shot”.

Dr. Arianna Sholes-Douglas practices at Tula Wellness and Aesthetics, located at 2404 E. River Rd., Ste. 251, Tucson. Starting this year, they’ve combined three modalities of vaginal rejuvenation to help women achieve the maximum benefit. They have also enlisted the expertise of pelvic floor therapists and sex counselors. Connect at 520-577-1129 or visit
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