Kegels Don't Work!
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All About Kegel Exercises, Vaginal Relaxation and Vaginal Tightening Information, Products, 
Resources and Education on Vaginal Relaxation and Vaginal Tightening

What are Kegels and Kegel Exercises?

Kegel exercises are exercises that "exercise" a woman's vagina and surrounding ligaments and muscles of the vulvovaginal and pelvic floor.  The Kegel exercise was named for Dr. Arnold Kegel, who helped women regain vaginal tone and tightness after vaginal trauma, such as vaginal childbirth.  

Kegel exercises are comprised of a woman contracting and relaxing the muscles that surround the vagina and the pelvic floor. 

A woman can "feel" her vagina tighten by learning how to contract and tighten her vagina with one or two fingers inserted.

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Facts About Female Sexual Dysfunction

      *   43% of all women (and therefore, their husbands/partners as well) are suffering from various types 
          of Female Sexual Dysfunction, also called "Female Sexual Problems."

      *   50% more women than men, are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction, which is referred to as 
           "Female Erectile Dysfunction."

      *   Many people fail to recognize that unless a woman's clitoris is fully erect, that she is incapable of 
          reaching an orgasm.

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Vaginal Relaxation?

Did you know that over 35 - 40 million American women (and their husbands) are suffering loss of joy and intimacy due to "Vaginal Relaxation?" 

Have you or your husband noticed the thrill of intimacy you and he used to enjoy has been diminished due to "Vaginal Relaxation" or a "loose vagina?"

Stop the Suffering! 
Our Physician's Specialize in "Vaginal Relaxation"
and Can Restore Your Vagina to its' Pre-childbirth Tightness

Did you know that about 35 million to 40 million American women – and their husbands and partners - are suffering from “Vaginal Relaxation.”?  

“Vaginal Relaxation” is often referred to as a “loose vagina” wherein the vagina is not as tight as it once was, whether due to vaginal childbirth, age, or other vaginal trauma. The vagina has become relaxed, or loose, and now it has become a problem for the woman, as well as her husband/partner.

Some women, as another symptom of Vaginal Relaxation, have problems controlling their urine in certain situations or notice changes in their bowel habits. These symptoms of Vaginal Relaxation are typically related to one or more problems that occur as a result of vaginal childbirth, other vaginal trauma, aging or a combination of the above.  

There is hope!  Women, and their husbands/partners, no longer need to suffer from Vaginal Relaxation.  More and more doctors are treating women and couples suffering from Vaginal Relaxation with treatments – sometimes including surgery – that will help them return to a life without the embarrassment, disappointments and heartache of the symptoms and discomforts associated with Vaginal Relaxation.

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What is Female Sexual Arousal Disorder?

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder or simply "FSAD" occurs when a woman is unable to attain and maintain a full and complete erection of her clitoris along with sufficient vaginal lubrication during intercourse to be able to reach an orgasm.  

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder may also be diagnosed when the woman has no desire for sexual intercourse. 

Female Sexual Arousal Disorder affects up to 43 percent of all women, or an estimated 90 million women. Most women (more than 1/2) with FSAD are postmenopausal. Some women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder describe the condition as being "unable to get turned on," or being continually disinterested in sex. Female Sexual Arousal Disorder has  also been called "frigidity." Other symptoms of Female Sexual Arousal Disorder may include dyspareunia and vaginismus, both of which involve pain during intercourse.

The woman and her husband/partner should both be seen as this is a "couple's problem" that is typically best resolved with both partners in treatment.  Their doctor will also insure that this  is not the result of another psychological disorder which could be a primary problem. 

If the husband/ partner of a patient with suspected Female Sexual Arousal Disorder feels that this is a problem within the relationship, that concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation.

What is Female Erectile Dysfunction?

Female Erectile Dysfunction occurs when a woman is unable to attain, and maintain a complete erection of her clitoris through orgasm.

If the husband/partner of a patient with suspected Female Erectile Dysfunction feels that this is a problem within the relationship, his concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation. 

What Are Female Sexual Problems?

Female Sexual Problems are also referred to as "Female Sexual Dysfunction."  A woman may have one or more Female Sexual Problems that we are just now learning that may be related to a number of factors.  

Typically, Female Sexual Problems are labeled generically as "Female Sexual Dysfunction" until such time as her doctor or therapist may be able to make a proper diagnosis.  

Female Sexual Problems may be a cause of significant distress to both her and her husband. 

If the husband/partner of a patient with suspected Female Sexual Problems feels that this is a problem within the relationship, his concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation. 

What is Female Orgasmic Disorder?

Female Orgasmic Disorder is defined as a sexual dysfunction that is characterized by a persistent or recurrent delay or absence of orgasm following the excitement phase of the female sexual response cycle, causing significant distress or interpersonal problems, and not being attributable to a drug or a general medical condition. 

Women - and men should understand that women suffering with Female Orgasmic Disorder is directly related to the woman's inability to attain and maintain a fully-erect clitoris through orgasm.

Without a full erection of the clitoris, a woman cannot reach an orgasm. 

What is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder?

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder or "HSDD" has been defined as a deficiency or absence of sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder is considered a disorder if it causes distress for the woman or husband.  The woman and her husband should both be seen as this is a "couple's problem" that is typically best resolved with both partners in treatment.  Their doctor will also insure that this  is not the result of another psychological disorder which could be a primary problem. 

If the husband/partner of a patient with suspected Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder feels that this is a problem within the relationship, his concern should be sufficient for the individual to seek psychological consultation.

What is Adhesiolysis?

Treatment for the removal of Pelvic Adhesions is through a surgical procedure called "adhesiolysis."  The adhesiolysis procedure may involve cutting and releasing the adhesions during a laparoscopy procedure or treating the adhesions during a laparotomy.

What are Pelvic Adhesions?

Pelvic adhesions are bands of scarlike tissue that form between two surfaces inside the body. Inflammation from infection, surgery, or trauma can cause tissues to bond to other tissues or organs.

Pelvic adhesions are the cause of many gynecological problems including significant pain, infertility and conception. Pelvic adhesions are irritations of a woman's pelvic organs as a result of a "pelvic inflammatory event" or from trauma to the area such as in the case of pelvic or gynecological surgery.

Examples of a pelvic inflammatory event include; fallopian tube infections that might occur from endometriosis, removal of an ovarian cyst, sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, post surgery infections, and even appendicitis and appendectomies. 

As a woman's body's pelvic area recovers from an inflammation, trauma or surgery, it begins the healing process and starts to repair itself.  The woman's body and its' healing process may cause some tissues and structures in the pelvis to become unintentionally "stuck" to another tissue or structure. In a normal woman's healthy pelvis, this space is lined with a tissue called the peritoneum, which also covers the outside of organs located in the abdomen and pelvis. In the pelvis of a non-injured/non-irritated woman, the peritoneum can be very "slippery" with the the organs and structures lying immediately next to each other that "slip" off each other and do not become bonded together. With a woman who has had a pelvic inflammation, trauma or injury, her body's healing process starts a sequence of events that may result in some of the pelvic tissues becoming "stuck" to or "adhering" to tissues or organs next to the inflamed, or injured tissue, and when this occurs, the outcome may be pelvic adhesions.

The surgical procedure for removing pelvic adhesions is known as "adhesiolysis." Pelvic adhesions removed through adhesiolysis surgery can be a costly medical problem. According to a study, adhesiolysis (the surgery that removes pelvic adhesions) was responsible for about  450,000 adhesiolysis surgeries and hospitalizations involving the female reproductive system and digestive tract occurred in 1993 alone and accounted for over $2 billion in hospitalization and surgeon expenditures.

What are surgical adhesions?

Surgical adhesions are very similar to pelvic adhesions. 

Surgical adhesions may begin forming within 3-5 days after surgery.

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Pelvic Floor Reconstruction?

Pelvic floor dysfunction, which is also referred to as outlet obstruction or outlet delay, refers to a condition in which the pelvic floor muscles of a woman's lower pelvis - that surround the rectum, do not function normally. It is not known why these muscles fail to work properly in some women, but they can make the passage of stools difficult even when everything else seemingly is normal.

Pelvic Floor Reconstruction is the surgery that repairs pelvic floor dysfunction.

What Causes Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction find that muscle pain occurs when muscles are tense, strained, traumatized and/or otherwise inflamed. Their pelvic muscles are no exception. Causes of pelvic floor dysfunction can include:

*  Chronic faulty posture with weak core musculature 
*  Trauma (fall on tailbone, old tailbone fracture, auto accident)
*  Inflammation or infection
*  Pelvic organ disease (endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome, interstitial cystitis) 
*  Repetitive motion injuries such as those from gymnastics, volleyball, soccer, ballet or ice
    skating
*  Abdominal muscle wall weakness or hernias 
*  Chronic constipation
*  Pregnancy or complicated vaginal delivery 
*  Abdominal or pelvic surgery such as a hysterectomy 

Do I have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Women with pelvic floor dysfunction often have changes in their spine and/or pelvis.  Symptoms or conditional might include; scoliosis, short leg, swayback or a "torsioned" sacrum. The most common symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction include one or more of the following:

*  Vaginal pain 
*  Pain with urination 
*  Urinary urgency and frequency 
*  Rectal pain 
*  Pain during vaginal intercourse 
*  Pain with sitting, standing, walking 
*  Pain and/or difficulty getting up from a seated or lying down position
*  Hip pain often with loss of range of motion in hips 
*  Deep pain in lower back radiating to legs, thighs, groin, hips 
*  Abdominal and lower abdominal/intestinal pain
*  Pelvic pressure or a feeling like your vagina or uterus are "falling out."
*  Involuntary loss of urine or stool

What is "Vaginal pH?"

The pH of a healthy vagina ranges from 3.8 to 4.2.  pH is a way to describe how acidic a substance is. It is given by a number on a scale of 1-14. The lower the number, the more acidic the substance.  The pH of the vagina can be obtained either in the doctor's office or at home with a vaginal pH test kit which determines how acidic or alkaline the vagina is when the vaginal pH test is conducted.  Knowing your vagina's pH is very important for optimum vaginal health. When your vagina's pH is within the 3.8 to 4.2 range, there is a healthy balance of vaginal flora or bacteria that keeps the vaginal yeast cells in check. When the vagina's pH is out of this health pH range of 3.8 to 4.2, the vagina's healthy flora decreases and the amounts of bad bacteria increases, upsetting the natural balance of the vagina.  The end result is vaginal odor and vaginal yeast infections. 


What is a Vaginal pH Test?

A vaginal pH test measures the pH of your vagina and the vaginal secretions/discharge. 


Why should I have my vagina's pH measured?  

The vaginal pH test will help your doctor determine if your vaginal symptoms (i.e., itching, burning, unpleasant odor, or unusual discharge) are likely caused by an infection that needs medical treatment. The test is not intended for HIV, chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, or group B streptococcus.

How accurate is the Vaginal pH test? 

Home vaginal pH tests showed good agreement with a doctor's diagnosis. However, just because you find changes in your vaginal pH, doesn't always mean that you have a vaginal yeast infection.  pH changes also do not help or differentiate one type of infection from another. Your doctor diagnoses a vaginal infection by using a combination of: pH, microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge, amine odor, culture, wet preparation, and Gram stain.


Does a positive Vaginal pH test mean you have a vaginal infection? 

No, a positive test (elevated pH) could occur for other reasons. If you detect elevated pH, you should see your doctor for further testing and treatment. There are no over-the-counter medications for treatment of an elevated vaginal pH.

If test results are negative, can you be sure that you do not have a vaginal yeast infection? No, you may have an infection that does not show up in these tests. If you have no symptoms, your negative test could suggest the possibility of chemical, allergic, or other noninfectious irritation of the vagina. Or, a negative test could indicate the possibility of a vaginal yeast infection. You should see your doctor if you find changes in your vaginal pH or if you continue to have symptoms.


How is the Vaginal pH test conducted? 

The doctor (or you, if done at home) places the pH paper inside your vagina and against one of the "walls" of the vagina for a few seconds.  He/she then compares the color of the pH paper to the color on the chart (provided with the test kit). The number on the chart for the color that best matches the color on the pH paper is the vaginal pH number.


Is the Vaginal pH home test similar to my doctor’s test? 

Yes. The home vaginal pH tests are practically identical to the ones sold to doctors. But your doctor can provide a more thorough assessment of your vaginal status through your history, physical exam, and other laboratory tests than you can using a single pH test in your home.

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What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse or Pelvic Prolapse, is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapsee in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Organ Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse.

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic Prolapse is another term used for "Pelvic Organ Prolapse."  Pelvic Prolapse is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse in later life. Many women, particularly because they may no longer be sexually active, and fail to continue receiving their annual pelvic exams, don't seek help from their doctor. Therefore, the actual number of women affected by Pelvic Organ Prolapse is unknown. 

Pelvic Prolapse may also be called; genital prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic prolapse, uterine prolapse, uterovaginal prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse.

What are the symptoms that indicate a woman is suffering from  Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

• Loss of bladder control.

• Loss of bowel control.

• Increasing need and frequency to urinate - and then difficulty in completely emptying your bladder.

• The feelings that your of pelvic or vaginal heaviness, bulging, fullness and/or pain, or a feeling that something is "dropping."

• Recurrent bladder infections.

• Excessive vaginal discharge.

• Pain or lack of sensation during sex

But Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a real, common and treatable problem. Consider this:

About half of all women over age 50 suffer from some degree of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

One in 10 women undergo surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse by age 80.

What is Pelvic Reconstruction?

Pelvic Reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed by gynecologists or uro-gynecologies to repair pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse, among types of prolapse, and to correct the problem(s) and relieve the symptoms. 

Typically, Pelvic Reconstruction is performed vaginally and uses an implant to reinforce the strength of the weakened pelvic tissues. 

What is a Prolapsed Uterus?

A Prolapsed Uterus refers to a collapsed uterus, or descended uterus, or other change in the position of the uterus in relation to the surrounding structures within the pelvis. The pelvis contains many soft tissue structures vital to normal body functions, supported primarily by the diaphragms, layers of muscles, fibrous coverings called fasciae, and various ligaments and tendons. These soft tissues of the pelvis derive their ultimate support from the bony pelvis. 

A Prolapsed Uterus may be one of three types, depending on the severity:

• First-degree prolapse occurs when the uterus sags downward into the upper vagina.

• Second-degree prolapse occurs when the cervix is at or near the outside of the vagina.

• Third-degree prolapse (sometimes referred to as total prolapse) occurs when the entire uterus extends outside the vagina.

What is Colpopexy?

Colpopexy is the surgical suturing of the prolapsed vagina to a surrounding structure - such as the abdominal wall or the sacrum, which is then called Sacral Colpopexy or Sacrocolpopexy 

What Is Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy)?

Sacral Colpopexy, also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as also referred to as Sacrocolpopexy, is the preferred surgical procedure for treating and correcting Vaginal Vault Prolapse with excellent results. Sacral Colpopexy (Sacrocolpopexy) has a very high rate of success  and the surgical procedure involves suturing a synthetic mesh that connects and supports the vagina to the sacrum, or tailbone. The Sacrocolpopexy operation is performed from the abdomen to support the vagina to the ligament on the spine (after previous or present surgery to remove the uterus) by using a synthetic mesh.

Why Is Sacrocolpopexy Performed? 

Sacrocolpopexy is performed to treat severe protrusion or bulge(s) of the vagina after removal of the uterus.

A woman's vagina that has one or more of these vaginal protrusion(s) may experience one or more of the following:

• The vaginal lump/bulge or protrusion feels uncomfortable or causes pain.  
• Difficulty with urination (e.g. unable to completely empty the bladder) 
• Bowel difficulties (e.g. constipation, incomplete emptying of bowels) 
• Pain 
• Infection 
• Bleeding 

The objective of the Sacrocolpopexy operation is to relieve the woman's symptoms and to restore her vagina and her vaginal anatomy (as much as possible) and recover her sexual function.

Are there any risks associated with Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

Sacrocolpopexy surgery is a very common and relatively safe operation with excellent prognosis and outcomes.  However, like any surgical procedure, there are complications which may occur. Possible complications from Sacrocolpopexy surgery may include:

• Bleeding 
• Infection 
• Injury to surrounding tissues (e.g. nerve or blood vessels, ureter, intestines) 
• Formation of blood clot(s) in the legs or lungs 
• Recurrence of problem
• Slow return of bowel or bladder function 
• Erosion of synthetic material through vaginal mucosa 


What Happens Before Sacrocolpopexy Surgery? 

1. Blood tests, electrocardiography (ECG) and chest X-ray may be done to ensure that you are in optimal health for Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

2. Your doctor may prescribe oral or vaginal estrogen (hormone) if you are already menopausal. It is important to comply with this medication as it ensures that your vaginal tissues are optimal for surgery and healing. 

3. You will be admitted to the hospital one day before Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

4. You will be given preparations to clear your bowels.

5.  Your pubic hair surrounding your vagina and on your vulva will be shaved. 

6. You will not be allowed to eat or drink after midnight on the day before the surgery. 

7. All your medical and surgical conditions, if any, must be made known to the doctor and must be optimally controlled. 

8. If you are on aspirin, please keep your doctor informed. You must stop taking aspirin at least one week before Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

What happens during the Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

The surgery is done under general or regional anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of both methods.

An abdominal incision is made. The synthetic mesh is stitched to the posterior surface of the vagina and to the ligaments in front of the spine.

A tube / drain may be inserted into the abdomen to monitor the bleeding.

Another tube will be inserted into the urethra as there may be difficulty in urination after the Sacrocolpopexy procedure.

Painkillers, laxatives and antibiotics would generally be prescribed after the procedure.

What happens after Sacrocolpopexy surgery? 

1. Immediately after the operation, you may experience one or more of the following:

• Tiredness - You should rest and gradually increase your mobilization until you feel fit to return to your normal activities. 

• Discomfort - In the lower part of the abdomen, over the incision. This is to be expected and painkillers should help to relieve the discomfort. 

• Vaginal bleeding - Mild to moderate amount of reddish watery discharge after surgery is quite normal. You will need to wear a menstrual pad during the recovery period, but you will not be permitted to use tampons for obvious reasons.

2. One day after surgery, you will usually be allowed to drink and eat. You will be encouraged to move around. Blood chemistries and normal follow-up visits will be performed. 

3. The catheter that was placed in your urethra is usually removed the day after surgery. The drain is usually removed two days after the operation.

4. You may be discharged on the third or fourth day after surgery if the doctor is pleased with your progress and the outcome of the Sacrocolpopexy procedure. 

5. You should refrain from:

• Strenuous exercise for 2 months. You may return to normal activity after that, or upon clearance by your doctor. 

• Using tampons, douching, sexual intercourse and driving for 4 weeks. 

• Carrying heavy weights (> 10 pounds) for 6-8 weeks after Sacrocolpopexy surgery.

6. You should (immediately) return to the hospital or notify your doctor if you notic any of the following:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding 
• Foul smelling vaginal discharge 
• Severe abdominal distension and / or pain not relieved by painkillers 
• High fever 
• Pain associated with passing urine 
• Difficulty in passing urine 
• Constipation 

Follow-up doctor visits after Sacrocolpopexy surgery 

You will be examined by your doctor (at your doctor's office) at approximately; 2 weeks, 4 weeks, six months and and one year after Sacrocolpopexy surgery. 

It is important to keep your follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible results.

What is "Colposuspension" surgery?

Age and vaginal childbirth takes it toll on women's pelvic organs.  

"Female Urinary Incontinence" is one of the problems most (over 50%) women who have delivered babies vaginally have to contend with.  Women with Female Urinary Incontinence "leak" urine when they strain,  cough, laugh or run. This condition is also called "stress urinary incontinence" meaning the stress of physical activity, not emotional stress is causing her to "leak" urine.  

The problems associated with female urinary incontinence are corrected in the the "floor" of the woman's pelvis by several methods or types of surgeries - one of which is called Colposuspension. 

A woman's pelvic floor is a sheet of special muscles and ligaments that stretch across the inside of the female pelvis. Women can feel it "tighten" when they try to hold back the flow of urine - or when they strain,  cough, laugh or run. The uterus and bladder are located above the pelvic floor. The vagina and the opening of the bladder (the urethra) pass through the pelvic floor. If the pelvic floor weakens, the uterus and bladder "drop" down. The control of the urine is thereby weakened. 

Colposuspension surgery strengthens the pelvic floor to lift, or "suspend" the uterus and bladder back up to their correct position within the woman's pelvis

Colposuspension comes from the Greek word for vagina - "colpos."

What is "Urethropexy"?

Urethropexy is a surgical procedure where the support of a woman's urethra is re-supported through sutures that surround the urethra's pelvic floor  and vaginal tissues to her pubic bone.

What is the Vaginal Vault and Where is the Vaginal Vault Located?

The vagina has three "compartments" which include the anterior compartment or anterior vaginal wall, the middle compartment or cervix, and the posterior compartment or posterior vaginal wall.  The vaginal vault is typically identified as the area at the top of the vagina, next to and adjacent to the cervix.  The vaginal vault can fall/drop or descend down toward the vaginal introitus, or the entrance of the vagina, after a woman's uterus has been removed through a hysterectomy.