Want to keep your lady parts in tip-top condition? The key is MORE orgasms says vaginal rejuvenation expert
THERE'S a whole lot of perks that, err, come with orgasms.
From relieving pain to helping us live longer, science has shown time and again that getting X-rated between the sheets is good for us.
Sex has even been credited with reducing wrinkles - but according to a top vaginal rejuvenation expert, the anti-ageing benefits don't stop with your face.
"What many people do not realise is that increased stimulation of the clitoris actually physically helps rejuvenate the whole vaginal region," says Dr. Elena C. Arias, director of the and international expert on non-surgical vaginal rejuvenating therapies.
";Clitoral stimulation and female orgasm increases pelvic floor tone, which in turn tones the entire vaginal area. At the moment of orgasm the clitoris surges with increased blood pressure. The uterus contracts off the pelvic floor, increasing pelvic muscle tension and strengthening the entire region. It’s like a stomach crunch for the vagina.
"In addition, clitoral arousal increases vaginal elasticity because it stimulates the function of the gland of the vagina, which produces a mucosa lubricant which has a moisturising and rejuvenating effect on the entire vaginal area. If clitoral stimulation and orgasm are initiated on a regular basis, this will improve the tone and elasticity of the vaginal area."
In short, what a HIIT workout does for your stomach, sex or masturbation can do for your lady parts - and we all know which of the two is more enjoyable.
She adds: "Loss of sensitivity or pain during sex means the clitoris is not stimulated and orgasm is very hard to reach, which means that over time the vagina becomes less toned and less lubricated."
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That's why Dr. Arias devised a new one-hour vaginal rejuvenation procedure that improves the sensitivity of the vagina and clitoral arousal by injecting hyaluronic acid into the area.
It also makes the entrance to the vagina slightly narrower, improving sensation and pleasure for women who have lost a degree of sensitivity or are experiencing discomfort during sex due to loss of volume and elasticity.
The benefits of orgasming is seconded by Emma Soos RN, the managing director of , senior nurse and laser expert.
They offer a non-surgical "Vagina Facelift" using a laser to increase blood supply to the area, restoring the vagina to its pre-baby or pre-menopause condition, but Emma also advocates the rejuvenating benefits of exercising the pelvic floor - especially for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive.
She says: "Orgasm is a full pelvic floor muscle workout. If you go the gym regularly you will become toned and release hormones that make you healthy and happy. It’s a similar thing – if you don’t use it you lose it."
She adds: "Women who have regular intercourse or regularly masturbate do find that climaxes are easier, incontinence is reduced and blood flow is generally better to every area."
But if you don't have time to get down and dirty on a daily basis (the dishes don't clean themselves, after all) it's best to incorporate some pelvic floor exercises into your routine - although Emma estimates over 90% of women are doing them wrong.
Dr Vanessa Mackay, spokesperson for the (RCOG), says: “To exercise the pelvic floor muscles, women should sit or stand comfortably with knees slightly apart and then draw up the pelvic floor muscles as if trying to avoid passing urine or wind.
"It is important not to tighten the stomach, buttock or thigh muscles during the exercises. Women should do ten slow contractions, holding them for about 10 seconds each.
"The length of time can be increased gradually and the slow contractions can then be followed by a set of quick contractions. The whole process should be carried out three or four times a day."
For more top tips for your lady bits, check out the signs your vajayjay needs some TLC – and the top products to help and how to have the best sex EVER – from libido-boosting moves to mind-blowing new toys.