Why women are getting Botox in their vaginas after childbirth

Last week, “The Valley” star Zack Wickham opened up about his experience with “scrotox” — yes, that’s Botox in the scrotum.

But while that down-below neurotoxin treatment is for cosmetic reasons, a growing number of women are turning to intimate Botox in the name of health, all to ease vaginal pain, spasms and other uncomfortable symptoms that often linger long after childbirth.

The Post spoke with Dr. Sameea Chugtai, a Chicago-based board-certified physician, to learn more about below-the-belt Botox — “boxtox,” if you will — as well as other options for those who don’t want needles near their nether regions.

“It’s crucial for women to understand that they don’t have to simply endure these discomforts as an unavoidable consequence of childbirth,” she said. 

“Modern medical advancements offer solutions that can significantly alleviate these issues, allowing women to regain their sense of well-being and confidence.”

Why moms are turning to vaginal Botox

“Childbirth can cause muscular damage due to trauma and severe stretching of the pelvic floor muscles,” Chugtai explained. “When these muscles are disrupted, later on women can experience tension, spasms or pain in the pelvic area.”

It’s a widespread issue, with studies suggesting that roughly half of women experience pelvic floor dysfunction within 10 years of giving birth.

While Botox is well-known for its cosmetic benefits, such as reducing wrinkles, it can also be used to relax the pelvic floor muscles, relieving issues like painful intercourse, spasms and overall vaginal discomfort, according to Chugtai.

Reclaiming comfort and confidence through treatments like Botox can profoundly improve a woman’s overall quality of life

Dr. Sameea Chugtai

She noted that childbirth can also trigger or worsen vaginismus, a condition that causes involuntary contractions of vaginal muscles.

“This condition can also be treated by Botox by temporarily relaxing those muscles and allowing other treatment modalities to be more effective,” she said.

The revolution downstairs

The use of Botox in gynecology is still evolving, but Chugtai said a growing body of evidence produced over the last 10 years supports its safety and efficacy in certain patients.

“As research continues, Botox is likely to become an even more integral part of the therapeutic arsenal for physicians addressing challenging cases of pelvic pain and chronic vaginal discomfort,” she said.

While so-called female rejuvenation treatments are gaining traction, Chugtai said they are still largely unknown to many women who could benefit from them.

Those benefits, she said, extend far beyond physical relief.

“Reclaiming comfort and confidence through treatments like Botox can profoundly improve a woman’s overall quality of life,” Chugtai said.

“When physical discomfort is mitigated, new mothers can better focus on bonding with their baby, engaging in daily activities with greater ease, and experiencing a more positive and empowered postpartum journey.”

What happens during a vaginal Botox session?

First, patients undergo an evaluation so doctors can tailor the treatment to their needs.

Then, a numbing cream or mild anesthetic is applied before Botox is injected into the pelvic floor muscles — usually two to four shots depending on the case.

“During the procedure, most patients report experiencing only minimal discomfort, often describing the sensation as a fleeting pinch or a mild, transient pressure,” Chugtai said. 

For vaginismus, Botox can be used with vaginal wands. A thin tube with a camera and light is inserted into the vaginal canal so doctors can inject Botox directly into the bladder wall to stop spasms.

Bouncing back fast

Most patients get back to their regular routine soon after the injections.

“We advise refraining from sexual activity, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting for approximately 48 hours,” Chugtai said.

“Any mild soreness or spotting you might experience should resolve rapidly,” she added.

The effects usually last four to six months. How long the relief sticks around depends on several factors, including the dose administered, metabolism, muscle activity and how bad the problem is.

“Many women opt for periodic follow-up treatments to ensure ongoing comfort and sustained relief,” Chugtai said. “Repeated injections over time can help prolong the treatment’s effect by retraining specific muscles.”

Needle-phobic? Try these options

If you aren’t into needles, Botox isn’t your only option.

Pelvic floor physical therapy is a often go-to for new moms dealing with muscle tightness, weakness or pain after childbirth.

“This therapy typically involves manual therapy, biofeedback, relaxation training and personalized exercise plans,” Chugtai explained.

“Improvements can often be seen within weeks to months, making it a valuable alternative to consider before injections,” she added.

Vaginal dilators are another tool to ease muscle tightness and pain.

“Consistent use, several times per week, is crucial for effectively retraining the muscles over time,” Chugtai noted.

Other gadgets like electrical stimulation can strengthen muscles, while biofeedback sensors and perineal massage tools help soften scar tissue.

Meanwhile, radiofrequency and laser treatments tackle issues like vaginal atrophy, tightening, and urinary problems linked to childbirth.

Muscle relaxants, topical estrogen, and nerve pain meds are also used short-term alongside physical therapy.

“Nerve blocks specifically for the pudendal nerve and non-botox trigger point injections have been used for the more severe cases,” Chugtai said.

“Surgery is another option reserved for patients who have more structural problems like prolapse, incontinence and muscles that have torn and not responded to other therapies,” she added.