- With Mayo Clinic gynecologist and obstetrician
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
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Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Dr. Mary Gallenberg is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine and medical oncology.
An Antigo, Wis., native, Dr. Gallenberg is a consultant in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., and an assistant professor at College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Gallenberg has been with Mayo Clinic since 1990. She was on the Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource editorial board and has been honored for excellence in teaching. She also won a Mayo Clinic Excellence Through Teamwork award.
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Question
Vaginoplasty: OK for cosmetic purposes?
What can you tell me about cosmetic vaginoplasty?
Answer
from Mary M. Gallenberg, M.D.
Cosmetic vaginoplasty is a surgical procedure being marketed by some doctors as a way to tighten and tone a woman's vaginal muscles after childbirth — supposedly to improve the appearance of the vagina and to increase sexual enjoyment. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns against cosmetic vaginoplasty and other so-called vaginal rejuvenation procedures.
Although there are legitimate medical reasons for genital surgery, the benefits of genital surgery for cosmetic purposes are less clear. Research on the safety and effectiveness of cosmetic vaginoplasty is limited — and the risks of cosmetic vaginoplasty are potentially serious, including:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Incontinence
- Loss of sensation
- Painful sexual intercourse
If you're concerned about weak vaginal muscles or the appearance of your vagina, consult your doctor. He or she may suggest specific exercises to tone your vaginal muscles. Your doctor can also help you weigh the potential risks and benefits of cosmetic vaginoplasty or other surgical procedures.
Next questionSex after years of abstinence: OK to resume?
- Goodman MP. Female cosmetic genital surgery. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009;113:154.
- Committee on Gynecologic Practice, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG committee opinion no. 378: Vaginal "rejuvenation" and cosmetic procedures. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2007;110:737.
- Parmer JB. Female cosmetic genital surgery. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009;113:1175.
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