Last month, Lauren and I were invited to speak in front of 120 beautiful women of different ages at the Milford Boat Club. It was a great turn out for the event organized by Natasha Macleod to raise funds for Gumboot Friday and Woven Earth NZ. The talks centered around menopause and how it affects women physically, mentally, emotionally and sexually.
Lauren, our Skin Team Lead, spoke to the ladies about how the skin is affected during perimenopause, and I focused on some of the changes that can happen with our sexual function.
Dryness is often the first noticeable change with menopause or peri menopause. The vaginal tissues atrophy from reduction in the hormone oestrogen and there is less lubrication produced during intercourse. Other than discomfort and pain during intercourse, these changes can also cause itch and predispose patients to recurrent urinary tract infections.
Blood flow to the clitoris and lower vagina also decreases commonly in the perimenopausal period, leading to reduced sensitivity. Majority of women find the clitoris an important part of sexual arousal and satisfaction, this can be a significant contributor to delay or inability to achieve orgasm.
The O-shotTM treatment can increase the number of blood vessels and nerves to the region, as it infuses the area with a high concentration of growth factors and triggers regeneration.
Oestrogen also contributes to elasticity and strength to the vagina, lining of the bladder and urethra. Atrophy of these structures can significantly worsen urinary incontinence, as they are intimately related to one another in the pelvic floor. Through treatment of the anterior vaginal wall with the O shot, regeneration of tissue elasticity and thickness occurs. Radiofrequency stimulation through our Thermi-VaTM treatment can also stimulate tightening of the pelvic ligaments, further improving support to the bladder and urethra.
One of the speakers that evening was the super fit and alluring Kylie Gates from Les Mills, and she spoke about the importance of strength training – looking after your core and pelvic muscles specially in menopause.
The Pelvic Floor muscle is an amazing, hard-working muscle that deserves a special kind of attention it often misses out on! Maintenance of a strong pelvic floor is essential to continence and sexual function. Neglecting the pelvic floor muscles has consequences that are not very nice and can affect one’s quality of life as it can be quite embarrassing. Moreover, it can be socially debilitating, as well as financially straining (incontinence products are not cheap!)
Strong pelvic floor muscles gives you control over your bladder and bowel. Weakened pelvic floor muscles mean your internal organs are not fully supported, and you may have difficulty controlling the release of urine. That “got to go” feeling. IYKYK.
We have recently acquired a unique technology that can help you strengthen your pelvic muscles, improve sexual wellness, and it is completely non-invasive!
Our EMSELLA chair utilizes high intensity focused electromagnetic energy to deliver thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions in a single session. You just sit on our EMSELLA throne like a queen (or king) for a little over 20 minutes a couple of times a week. Its unique technology strengthens your pelvic floor muscles, much akin to the high intensity exercise version of kegels, without any discomfort, sweat, and no need to remove your clothes during treatment!
Book in for a chat with our Medical Team if you would like to learn more about what we can do for you in this space.
