Below The Bikini Line: Vaginal Health & Confidence

I recently watched Olivia Attwood’s The Price of Perfection: Vaginas, and it struck a chord. The series gives voice to something many women feel but rarely discuss openly: worries about how our bodies look and feel, and the impact that can have on everyday life. Despite the fact that vaginal health touches so many parts of our wellbeing, too often it is something we just don't talk about.

Olivia Attwood dedicates an entire episode to vaginas - and it’s refreshing, frank and overdue. In it (Series 1, Episode 4), she explores how images on social media and in porn have shifted what many people think is “normal,” while following women who are considering interventions to feel more at home in their bodies.

The programme hits on a truth many of us recognise: when our feeds serve up a narrow version of “perfect,” it’s easy to question ourselves - right down to our most intimate anatomy. Exposure to surgically modified genital images and idealised bodies can warp our sense of what is typical, fuelling self-consciousness and a desire to “fix” something that was never broken. That’s not just opinion; research links this exposure with shifts in perceived normality and self-objectification, which in turn can drive requests for cosmetic procedures.

Across the UK, labiaplasty remains a recognised procedure within cosmetic surgery audits. Recent national figures from BAAPS show several hundred were performed last year, reminding us that demand exists even as broader debates about motivation, expectation and alternatives continue. Numbers alone don’t tell the whole story; they sit within a culture where perfection is marketed as attainable and endlessly “upgradeable.”

But the grounding message we all need after watching a series like this is: vulvas and labia vary hugely. There is no single template. Shape, size, colour and symmetry differ from person to person and change across life stages.

Gentle Options That Prioritise Comfort

One of the reasons I wanted to talk about this episode is that it also opens space for less invasive care. Not everyone seeking help wants (or needs) surgery. For many, the goal isn’t to change anatomy; it’s to improve comfort, elasticity and confidence so daily life - exercise, intimacy or simply getting dressed - feels better. That’s where non-surgical treatments like FormaV can play a role.

Available at our Worcester clinic, it aims to support vaginal health with no downtime, and is delivered after a careful consultation to ensure it’s appropriate for you. Results and treatment plans are individual, and we’ll always discuss this with you so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your goals and medical history.

What is FormaV?

It's an intimate, non-surgical treatment that uses controlled radio-frequency energy to gently warm the vaginal tissues. This stimulates collagen and improves local circulation, which can help the tissue feel firmer, more comfortable and better hydrated. Many women describe a noticeable improvement in elasticity and overall vaginal comfort, without the need for anaesthesia. Because it is non-invasive and carefully temperature-controlled, it's actually very comfortable (you only feel a warming sensation). Sessions are typically quick, and you can return to normal daily activities straight away.

Women seek support for intimate health at many stages of life. Childbirth, perimenopause and menopause, hormonal shifts, and even certain lifestyle factors can influence how the vaginal tissue feels and functions. If you’ve noticed changes such as dryness, reduced elasticity, discomfort during exercise or sex, or a general loss of confidence, it may be helpful to explore your options.

What To Expect From FormaV

A good outcome starts with a good conversation. In your consultation we’ll talk through your concerns, medical history and goals in a relaxed, confidential setting. If FormaV looks suitable, I’ll explain exactly how it works, what you’re likely to feel during treatment and the kind of improvements women commonly report. We’ll cover safety and aftercare, discuss any alternatives, and make sure you have time to ask questions. If you decide to go ahead, treatments are typically swift and comfortable, and we’ll agree a plan tailored to you.

FormaV is a medical-grade device designed with safety in mind, including real-time temperature monitoring for controlled, even heating. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person, and some women choose a short series of sessions for best outcomes. We’ll always be honest about what the treatment can and can’t do, and we’ll only recommend it when we believe it’s appropriate for your needs. If another route would serve you better, we’ll say so.

When intimate health is pushed aside, small worries can grow into bigger ones about confidence, relationships and quality of life. Bringing these topics into the open allows us to swap myth for evidence and uncertainty for a clear plan. If you’d like to learn more about FormaV, or simply want a safe place to talk about your symptoms and concerns, you’re very welcome to get in touch. We offer confidential consultations and will support you to make the choice that feels right for you.

*Please note, FormaV is an intimate treatment that involves using a wand internally.