FRIDAY, Aug. 31 (HealthDay News) -- Vaginal cosmetic procedures are increasing, despite the lack of scientific data on their efficacy and the risks involved, according to an opinion paper from the Committee on Gynecologic Practice of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists published in the September issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
The committee notes that inexact terms not using standard medical nomenclature have emerged, including "vaginal rejuvenation," a modified form of conventional vaginal surgery; "designer vaginoplasty," to alter the shape of the labia; "revirgination," to repair the hymen to give the appearance of virginity; and "G-spot amplification," using collagen injections into the anterior vaginal wall.
The committee highlights not just the ethical issues that such procedures raise, but also the lack of medical indication and the dearth of documented evidence on their efficacy and complication rates. Potential complications include infection, altered sensation, scarring, adhesions and dyspareunia, they note.
"It is deceptive to give the impression that vaginal rejuvenation, designer vaginoplasty, revirgination, G-spot amplification, or any such procedures are accepted and routine surgical practices," the authors write. "Absence of data supporting the safety and efficacy of these procedures makes their recommendation untenable. Patients who are anxious or insecure about their genital appearance or sexual function may be further traumatized by undergoing an unproven medical procedure with obvious risks."
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