My Doctor says these changes of aging are “natural”
and I should learn to live with them

My patients are continuously asking me if there is anything I can do to slow down the aging process. I would love to reply in the affirmative but that simply isn’t possible. What I can do is to retard and reverse some of the physical signs and effects of aging. The mainstay of these processes is the administration of the natural, bio-identical hormones that seem to fall off around the age of 40-to-50. By adding bio-identical hormones such as estradiol and progesterone we have been able to increase the lubrication and functionality of the vagina and, likewise, with the administration of testosterone increase natural sexual arousal (libido).

Many women experience permanent physical changes to the reproductive tract during childbirth and even simply due to aging. These effects are not (sadly) reversed with hormones. As gynecologists we have encouraged women to “exercise” their vaginal muscles (Kagle’s exercises) to increase the tone and hopefully the caliber to increase sexual satisfaction. Sometimes this works and sometimes it doesn’t.

Over the last few years there has been an insurgence of cosmetic surgeries to enhance or detract from physical characteristics that are either desired or unwanted. Examples are breast augmentation (or reduction), upper and lower eyelid surgery to eliminate bags, liposuction, lip enhancement, etc. As gynecologists we have long been aware that some of the vaginal surgeries we have done have an end result of changing (tightening) the caliber of the vagina and also changing the cosmetic appearance of the outer vulva by making the labial lips smaller.

There are also other minor office procedures that can be performed to enhance sexual satisfaction and feeling such as “G” spot enhancement with inert collagen material. All of these procedures are acknowledged by the American College of OB/GYN and are considered safe and effective.

While I believe that surgery should always be a “last resort”, to many women it is an answer to their quest of trying to “stay youthful in both appearance and function.

The next time your Doctor tells you that these changes are “natural” and you should learn to “live with them” think about us here at the Unique Balance & Rejuvenation Center. We can make a difference.

Harold G. Burton, MD, FACOG