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Gynecological massage, often referred to as pelvic floor massage, is sometimes promoted as a medical method that requires a deep knowledge of female anatomy and a good understanding of genital pathologies. Traditional gynecological massage was practiced by gynecologists until around 1920. But then most gynecologists switched to surgery and medication, methods based on evidence-based medicine, leaving this practice abandoned for most of the 20th century.
However, over the past two decades, pelvic floor physiotherapists and kinesiotherapists have brought the practice back to life with several new techniques. And now they use gynecological massage to treat a number of problems such as urinary incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic floor dysfunction, scar reduction and, to some extent, genital neuralgia. Usually such treatment lasts for months or years, and the results are disappointing.
It is worth emphasizing that today gynecological massage is not included in the standards of treatment for various female diseases, therefore it is practiced only by specialists who support alternative areas of treatment. They justify their approach to gynecological massage as a whole body approach that includes trauma treatment and tantric sexual healing if needed, as well as myofascial, craniosacral, neurokinetic therapy, manual therapy, etc.
The benefits of gynecological massage for adults
Followers of gynecological massage promise to cure a whole range of issues covering menopause, menstrual cycle, interstitial cystitis, vulvodynia (chronic pain in the vulva) and other chronic pelvic pain, infertility, low libido, ovarian and cervical cysts, breast problems. They promise to reduce fibroids, endometriosis, etc. According to people who practice this type of massage, with an integrated approach that includes emotional and sexual levels, results are achieved faster and they are stable.
Harm of gynecological massage for adults
Since the whole body works as a whole, adherents of gynecological massage cannot imagine it without massaging the abdomen and the whole body, relaxing the muscles and fascia (sheaths of organs, blood vessels and nerves) of the rest of the body. Most classes last 3-6 hours. At the same time, such a massage is expensive, you need a lot of sessions, and the session itself takes place in a peculiar way due to the intimacy of the impact zone.
Sessions usually begin with a detailed discussion of the physical, psychological and emotional issues affecting the client. Work on the vulva will focus on finding lumps, protein deposits, and identifying painful or numb areas.
Milia (a type of acne) are often found on the hood of the clitoris, at the attachment of the hymen, and at the base of the vulva. They are eliminated by gentle massage and stretching techniques.
Adhesions around the clitoris are also common. Initially, the focus will be on the condition of the glands (same place as the pleasure points), muscle tension, and any pain or abnormal structure. Practitioners promise to help relieve pressure on the hip joint and sacroiliac joints from within the vagina. The condition of the cervix is also checked. Sometimes the rectum and anus are worked out from inside the vagina.
Given that all these manipulations are usually carried out by non-gynecologists, their benefits are extremely doubtful.
Contraindications for gynecological massage for adults
Given the fact that gynecological massage is not classified as a traditional treatment method recognized by official medicine, it does not have a single indication. Thus, from the point of view of gynecology, it is prohibited for any problems in the female sphere.
How to make gynecological massage for adults at home
Experts urge not to engage in such practices at home, as well as to visit dubious centers where such techniques are practiced.
Expert Commentary
Here’s what he thinks about gynecological massage PhD, obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductologist, deputy director for medical work of the Clinical Institute of Reproductive Medicine Elena Mayasina:
– Gynecological massage is a complex of manipulations in the woman’s vagina, which includes stroking, rubbing, kneading and stretching. Doctors practicing this manipulation promise miraculous effects, however, there will be no effects.
What effects of gynecological massage promise:
- Correction of the position of the uterus when bending. The position of the uterus (posteriorly or anteriorly) is an anatomical feature of a woman, it cannot be corrected, since the position of the uterus does not affect either the woman’s health or her ability to become pregnant and bear a fetus, that is, the position of the uterus “posteriorly” is a variant of the norm, which does not require any treatment.
- Destruction of adhesions. This is another myth of the effect of the dubious gynecological massage procedure. The fact is that adhesions are thin films or dense (like ropes) formations inside the small pelvis, adhesions can only be destroyed surgically, but this cannot be done with the help of gynecological massage.
- Increased uterine tone and its contractile activity. By itself, the effect is unnecessary – it is not used in the treatment of any of the diseases.
In a word, adult women do not need gynecological massage under any circumstances – this procedure is not recognized and is not used by official adequate medicine. Attempts at gynecological massage can be dangerous for women’s health, especially during menstruation, with inflammatory diseases, complaints of unusual vaginal discharge and during pregnancy.