Many women experience sexual and pelvic floor changes as they get older. Hormone fluctuations caused by menopause and other age-related changes can lead to problems, such as vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, and pain during sex.
While certain types of surgery can help address these issues, a growing number of women are using the O-shot instead. This safe and minimally invasive treatment improves pelvic and sexual wellness without any downtime.
At Metro Health and Wellness in Marietta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee, menopause specialist Kirstie Cunningham, MD, FACOG, NCMP, offers O-shot therapy. Here, we explain how the treatment works, why women are choosing it, and how to determine if it’s right for you.
The O-shot is a type of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
Before treatment, Dr. Cunningham draws a sample of your blood and places it into a centrifuge. This machine spins rapidly to separate platelets, which contain growth factors, from the rest of your blood.
Once this process is complete, Dr. Cunningham transfers the platelet-rich solution into several syringes and administers targeted injections into your clitoris and vaginal walls.
Injecting this PRP solution into specific areas of your vagina can enhance sensitivity, boost sexual function, and address issues such as vaginal dryness and urinary incontinence. The entire procedure usually takes 60 minutes or less and is considered safe and well-tolerated.
The O-shot is becoming a popular treatment option for several reasons, including:
More than 70% of menopausal women report sexual problems, such as vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and low libido. The O-shot may help reduce these issues by increasing arousal, strengthening orgasms, and improving vaginal lubrication.
Many pelvic floor and sexual health conditions require surgery. The O-shot is different because it’s a quick, in-office procedure with very low risk. Most women report only mild symptoms and can return to work or other daily activities within 24 hours.
Until the early 2000s, talking about women’s sexual health was somewhat taboo. That’s changing, and more women are openly seeking sexual health treatments. Public figures, such as Shannon Beador of The Real Housewives of Orange County, have shared their experiences with the O-shot, helping normalize the conversation.
If you’re thinking about receiving an O-shot, do your homework. Most importantly, partner with an experienced women’s health professional, such as Dr. Cunningham, who has specialized training in this area. After discussing your symptoms and goals and completing a sexual health exam, she can make personalized treatment recommendations.
Remember that individual results may vary. Some women notice an improvement in their symptoms within a few weeks, while others may require multiple injections to achieve their desired results.
In addition, be aware of potential side effects. Most women tolerate the O-shot very well, but some women experience mild discomfort or temporary swelling at their injection sites. These effects typically last only a day or two, but it’s essential to be aware of them.
Many women, especially those nearing menopause, are opting to undergo the O-shot to improve their sexual wellness and pelvic floor health. To see if you’re a candidate, contact us. Call our Marietta or Nashville office or book your appointment online today.
