Abstract
This scoping review aimed to identify and categorize the available measurement options
for vaginal laxity (VL), their indications of use, and whether these measurements
can sufficiently provide objective clinical judgment for cases indicated for vaginal
rejuvenation with many treatment options nowadays. Systematic searches were conducted
on five electronic databases, manually searching articles' bibliographies and predetermined
key journals with no date or study design limitations. We included all studies involving
VL in their inclusion criteria, treatment indications, and outcome parameters. We
used the Arksey and O'Malley frameworks as the guideline in writing this scoping review.
Of the 9,464 articles identified, 66 articles and 11,258 subjects were included in
the final analysis. The majority of studies were conducted in obstetrics and gynecology
(73%), followed by plastic surgery (10%), medical rehabilitation (4.5%), dermatology
(4.5%), and others (8%). Most studies originated from the North American region (30%).
The following measurement tools were used: (1) interviews, (2) questionnaires, (3)
physical/digital examinations, (4) perineometers, and (5) others. Our results suggested
that subjective perception of laxity confirmed by directed interview or questionnaire
is sufficient to confirm VL. Additional evaluation of pelvic floor muscle through
digital examination or perineometer or other preferred tools and evaluation of sexual
function through validated questionnaire (Female Sexual Function Index, Female Sexual
Distress Scale-Revised, etc.) should follow to ensure holistic care to patients. Future
research on the psychometric properties (reliability and validity) of commonly used
measurements and the correlation in between subjective and objective measurements
should be initiated before their clinical applications.
Keywords vaginal laxity - measurement - scoping review
