The Effect of Extract of Oak Gall for Vaginal Tightening and Rejuvenation in Women with Vaginal Relaxation

Background and Objectives: The Quercus (oak) fruit and especially the internal layer of the fruit (jaft) is rich in tannin (polyphenolic compound) and due to its astringent effects on the smooth muscles, we decided to evaluate this effect of extract of Oak Gall for vaginal tightening and rejuvenation in women with vaginal relaxation. Methods: This double blind clinical trial was performed on women with vaginal relaxation at Asali Hospital in Khorramabad from May to October 2012 and was candidate for colporrhaphy due to different types of pelvic organ prolapse. Sampling method was done on nonprobability basis according to the number of patients referred to clinic. Using blocked random allocation method, the participants were divided into 4 groups of 30 patients (three intervention group and one control group) who were age-matched. Then, an extract of Oak Gall in specified concentrations (10 - 15 and 20 grams in 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% jells) were administered to each intervention group. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed with Chi-square, Pearson, Fisher’s exact test and ANOVA using SPSS software version 19. Results: A total of 120 patients entered into the study with mean age of 36 ± 5.4 years. The evaluation of mean scores showed that sense of sexual satisfaction and orgasm, sense of vaginal tightness during intercourse, sense of vaginal lubrication and loss of vaginal dryness was significantly improved in patients in intervention group. Also other parameters including urinary incontinence, sense of vaginal mass exit, lack of orgasm, sense of air outflow during intercourse, sense of calmness after sex and loss of libido were significantly reduced in the group of patients who received jell 2.5% compared to other groups (P Conclusion: Our findings show that using topical jell of Oak Gall not only is associated with contracting effects, but also improves vaginal lubrication and reduces its dryness. Regarding the lack of previous studies in this field and considering some limitations of this study, we suggest that Oak Gall to be used for management of women with vaginal relaxation.

Vulvar Rejuvenation Using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Fundamentals and Technique

Background: The unaesthetic appearance of the female intimate area (vulva, “mound of venus” and perianal region) is a triggering factor of negative psychological responses, embarrassment, anxiety and insecurity in many women. Using rejuvenating equipment for vaginal structure or for the intimate area as a whole is already widespread in the literature, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has proven to be very effective in the clinical practice of many professionals. This study, therefore, aims to describe the fundamentals and applicability that guide the use of HIFU in vulvar rejuvenation. Materials and Methods: Exploratory research was carried out, presented in a narrative review, to highlight the action of HIFU in female intimate rejuvenation. The review explored scientific articles published and available in the following databases: MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), PubMed (National Library of Medicine), SCIELO (Scientific Electronic Library Online), and LILACS (Latin Literature American and the Caribbean in Health Sciences). In addition, some clinical findings obtained through a retrospective analysis of medical records were added to describe the authors’ clinical experience in the use of Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for vulvar rejuvenation. Results: We verified that the tissues of female external genitalia respond very well to the stimuli of the focused sound waves of the HIFU, being able to produce immediate and lasting results through isolated applications or in association with intradermotherapy or other therapeutic resources. Conclusion: We conclude that using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound aimed at vulvar rejuvenation is safely indicated and assures excellent aesthetic results at the end of the treatment because similarly to other treatment techniques, the thermal stimuli of HIFU are also able to produce an excellent therapeutic response in the dermal tissue of the female intimate area, promoting intense neocollagenesis and generating great aesthetic improvement.

Dynamics of Female Sexuality;Hidden Emotional Issues

Sexual satisfaction following Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation is usually assessed by straightforward self-report questionnaires that may not offer a deeper insight into female dynamics. Our randomized double-blind longitudinal clinical trial on 14 menopausal women with high FSFI satisfaction scores following laser or RF vaginal interventions, demonstrated a high positive correlation between the subjects’ FSFI scores and the Hy (hysteria), D (Depression) and L (Lie) validity scales of the MMPI-2. Such high positive correlation between the FSFI and the L-scale negates the reported increase in female sexual satisfaction following laser or RF vaginal rejuvenations. The high positive correlations of the FSFI with the Hy and D scales indicate that despite reports of increased sexual satisfaction, the vaginal procedures did not improve psychological wellbeing or quality of life. Results on the Differential Emotions Scale (DES) reveal that 98% of the subjects were organized around the emotions of shame, sadness and joy. Such results indicated a multilayered emotional organization that possibly reflects joy on the outside and shame and sadness on the inside. Results of Laser or RF vaginal rejuvenation procedures should be evaluated by a battery of tests that take into account females’ often prominent tendency to focus on satisfying their partners rather than themselves. Going down the path that starts with a dismissal of self-fulfillment to focus on their partners’ satisfaction, may bring several women to the endpoint of disingenuous interpersonal relationships tainted by repressed disillusionment.

Status Quo and Future Development of Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery(Intimate Surgery)

With advances in the standards of living and public perceptions,female genital cosmetic surgery is becoming a new hot topic in the field of plastic surgery,gaining considerable interest recently among beauty seekers and professionals alike.However,the needs of beauty pursuers seem to be exuberant but vague;on the other hand,practitioners who have received strict professional training are still desperately needed.Additionally,interestdriven marketing and promotion render the field prone to chaos,resulting in widespread attention and concerns regarding the scientificity,safety,effectiveness,and necessity of the performance of multiple treatment procedures.Extensive survey of the relevant literature was performed,and several beauty seekers as well as surgeons with working experience of pertinent techniques were consulted,in order to examine the current status and future developments of this field.