Thirty million American women suffer from symptoms of vaginal relaxation and stress urinary incontinence. Many women have difficulty controlling their urine in certain situations or notice changes in their bowel habits. These two symptoms may be related to a common set of problems that may occur as a result of childbirth, aging or a combination of both. Grouped together these problems are referred to as pelvic relaxation.

One patient of the Cosmetic Gynecology Center of San Antonio describes her symptoms of pelvic relaxation (vaginal relaxation):

"Everytime I would laugh or cough, I would have some leakage. It was embarrassing. After 10 years and 3 children, things had changed dramatically for me. I did not feel the same sensation while having sexual intercourse. Having Vaginal Rejuvenation was the best decision I've made regarding my health. I'm confident. My sex life is better."

Many women suffer unnecessarily from conditions involving pelvic relaxation. If you have any of these symptoms described in this section, contact us at (210) 615-6646 or E-mail us. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment will often restore patients to a life free of the aggravations and discomforts associated with pelvic relaxation.

What Occurs in Vaginal Relaxation (Pelvic Relaxation)?

The goal here is to acquaint you with the various forms of pelvic relaxation as well as their causes, symptoms, and treatment. The pelvic organs include the vagina, uterus, bladder, and rectum.

These organs are held in position by three types of supports:

1. muscles
2. sheets of tissue called fascia
3. ligaments

When these supports become damaged for various reasons, one or more of the pelvic organs may sag and, occasionally, even protrude outside the vagina. These are called pelvic support defects.

During childbirth, as the baby passes through the birth canal, the muscles, fascia, and ligaments separate and may be weakened. This weakening gradually worsens and, in later years, may cause the pelvic organs to drop from their normal positions.

Occasionally, this weakening of the muscles and tissue may occur in women who have never had children. In these women, the cause may be:

• Inherited weakness of the supporting tissues
• Unusual strain placed on the supporting tissues by a chronic cough
• Unusual increases in abdominal pressure
• Obesity

What are the symptoms of Pelvic Relaxation?