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By Dr. Courtenay Poucher, MD, FACOG, certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the National Society of Cosmetic Physicians

Thank you for your question. First, I want to address an important issue. You mention that your partners have told you that you’re “loose.” I want to make sure that these comments made to you weren’t done to body shame you or make you feel bad about having sexual experiences prior to that individual. Sadly, there are people in the world who will say things like this to erode the confidence of a woman so that she is easier to manipulate and control.

If this feedback is accurate, you would likely notice yourself. Do you have gaping during intercourse? Does your partner frequently “fall out” during intimacy? Does your body have a difficult time keeping a tampon in during your period?

Comments from partners aren’t a reliable way to assess anatomy or function – and sexual experience varies widely between people. Many people associate the subjective feeling of tightness with confidence or sexual feedback, but anatomical variation and normal tissue elasticity play a large role in sensation.

That all being said, if vaginal tightness is still a concern for you, I’d begin with non-invasive options you can try at home – like Kegel exercises – or a visit to your local pelvic floor physical therapist. At your age, this is often the most effective first step if the concern is about muscle tone and sensation.

If that doesn’t adequately address your worries, I would likely recommend ThermiVa, a radiofrequency treatment that works by gently heating tissues to stimulate collagen and blood flow. Patients report improved tissue quality, enhanced sensation and a reduction in mild laxity.

Surgical tightening is usually reserved for specific functional conditions (e.g., childbirth injury, prolapse). After a consultation that would include a review of your anatomy, a perineoplasty might be recommended. These procedures tighten the support structures of the vaginal opening and perineum, but they are indicated when there is symptomatic laxity with functional impact.

Feeling confident and comfortable in your body is important, but perceived “looseness” is not a medical diagnosis. There are safe, effective steps you can take before considering any surgical procedure – and many women find meaningful improvement without surgery.

If you want, a consultation can help determine whether your concern is a muscular vs. tissue quality issue and which approach would best fit your anatomy and goals.

Do you have a question about non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation, labiaplasty or other intimate surgeries you’d like answered by Los Angeles labiaplasty specialist Dr. Courtenay Poucher? Use our contact form to connect with us. We will answer as many questions via our blog as time allows.