- With Mayo Clinic gynecologist and obstetrician
Mary Gallenberg, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Mary Gallenberg, M.D.
Mary 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. She is credentialed as a menopause practitioner by the North American Menopause Society.
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 the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine.
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.
Women's health (2)
- Lead in lipstick: A health concern?
- Birth control pills for acne?
Breast health (3)
- Silicone breast implants: What happens if they rupture?
- Natural breast enhancement: Does it work?
- Sagging breasts: Inevitable after breast-feeding?
Women's sexual health (10)
- Cosmetic vaginoplasty: Is it safe?
- Birth control: Can pre-ejaculation fluid cause pregnancy?
- Morning-after pill: Emergency birth control
- see all in Women's sexual health
Women's life stages (2)
- Menstrual cup: What is it?
- Asthma: Why are symptoms worse during my period?
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Question
Vaginoplasty: OK for cosmetic purposes?
What can you tell me about cosmetic vaginoplasty?
Answer
from Mary 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 questionBirth control: Can pre-ejaculation fluid cause pregnancy?
- 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.
