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The Burning Question: Will I have Vulvodynia Forever?
The poignant question, “Will I have vulvodynia forever?” is one that Tara Langdale (founder of Vuvatech) found herself asking many, many times during her twenties. Tara was no stranger to the burning and stinging pain of vulvodynia, and found that this tricky and persistent condition was impacting her on so many levels. Tara would often find herself thinking it risky to even sit down for an extended period, and the impact on her intimate relationship with her husband was a real problem for her. If you’re reading this, there’s every chance you feel her pain on various levels. In fact, Tara has met countless women who felt that they were at the end of their tether. Some had ended up divorced because they couldn’t overcome their problem, and others had sunk into depression because they got no straight answers or solutions from their Doctors. The unbearable pain of vulvodynia drove Tara to find her own solution in the end… and fortunately it was a very successful one that helped not only her, but countless other women. So if you’ve found yourself asking that burning question too, read on. Will I have vulvodynia forever? Let’s start by saying that even if you do, it need not be as debilitating as it is right now. When there seems to be no end in sight it can be both exasperating and depressing. Tara was there once, but she isn’t now, so hopefully that will inspire a little hope. Perhaps you’re a woman that can’t function normally or consistently because of vulvodynia. Maybe you feel isolated, desolate and frustrated. It’s probably safe to say that most women with vulvodynia feel this way at some point. As vulvodynia can be as difficult to diagnose as it is to treat, they often end up second-guessing themselves and wondering whether it’s all in their heads… No – it isn’t – but there’s no need to worry that you’ll spend a lifetime in agony. Although is a genuine condition, it is unlikely to last forever, and for the unfortunate few who get stuck with it, there are ways to diminish and manage the pain. It’s hard to say if you will have vulvodynia forever These may not feel like the magic words you want to hear, but it’s impossible to say for sure how long vulvodynia will last. The first stop is to find the right specialists to diagnose it, as it often takes more than one. Vulvodynia is a complex issue, more recently theorized as a neuropathic problem by experts – it has even been called a diabetic neuropathic syndrome. In other words, the problem is thought to start in the brain rather than the vulva, and the vulvar nerves over-respond to stimuli. Many other things may have to be ruled out first, due to the complexity of the pelvic area and nervous system. Once those things are ruled out, it will be easier to pinpoint vulvodynia as the cause, but perhaps not the cause of vulvodynia. When you can’t be 100% sure of the cause of something, it’s pretty much impossible to predict its duration. One thing we can confirm is that vulvodynia doesn’t get worse over time – it is generally just exacerbated by certain activities. So if you are in the know about what causes a vulvodynia flare-up, you can modify your lifestyle and activities to make things easier. Truthfully it would be remiss of us to say that you definitely won’t have to manage your symptoms for the rest of your life, but we are here to provide the kind of information that will make freedom more likely. Don’t want vulvodynia forever? Consider this… Tara found relief through a form of magnetic therapy, and she did so by creating her own solution: vaginals dilator filled with Neodymium magnets. How did this come about? Well, after a car accident, she had nerve pain that was eventually helped by magnetic therapy, and this gave her the idea for managing her vulvodynia pain. She knew that when electromagnetic energy is brought back into balance, the body can heal itself. Testing this out with her self-created vaginal dilators, Tara found that there’s a lot of truth to the theory. She also found that magnetic vaginal dilators could reduce pain during intercourse by around 60%, and up to 90% when they were used directly before it. This was a real breakthrough discovery, and she hasn’t looked back. Many years later, feedback from other women fortifies the conclusion: they tell her that their sex lives and marriages have been restored, and that the pain of vulvodynia is either diminished or gone. It may be that you need to take a multipronged approach to your vulvodynia treatment, as everybody is different – and the same could possibly be said of the cause of vulvodynia in the first place. Vaginal dilators are certainly worth a try, and you may also find relief from pelvic floor physical therapy techniques like trigger point release, connective tissue manipulation and myofascial decompression therapy. The list doesn’t end there though, and the Vuvatech site is full of information on treating vulvodynia in various ways. So, will you have vulvodynia forever? Time will tell, but now you have the best chance of being free from it. Let us know if there is anything more we can help with! Other VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Stretches
This can help? Pelvic floor stretches are one of the best ways to improve various aspects of life, from sexual health to childbirth recovery, and bowel and bladder control. You may not be able to see these muscles, but they are easy enough to identify when you know how. Once you figure out the location of your pelvic floor muscles, you can start to train them just as you would other muscles in the body. With regular exercise they become stronger and you are more easily able to control them at will. Exercising your pelvic floor muscles isn’t hard work; there are plenty of pelvic floor stretches you can do without even having to move from your desk, if you have a busy schedule. This article will cover the benefits of pelvic floor stretches, how to locate them, and some tips on getting the best from your pelvic floor exercises. What are the benefits of pelvic floor muscle exercises? Pelvic floor stretches can help you with all kinds of common problems, including: Improving control over the bladder and bowel functions Faster childbirth recovery Faster recovery from surgeries in the pelvic region Improved sensation during sexual intercourse (and stronger orgasms) Prevention of pelvic organ prolapse Improved self confidence (especially in sexual relationships) Locating the muscles before pelvic floor stretches In order to make sure you’re doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly, you should correctly identify the pelvic floor muscles before you start exercising. Check out our pelvic floor stretch program, which you can use ongoing. Here’s what you need to do: Sit or lie down, and relax the muscles in your buttocks, thighs, and stomach Squeeze the anal muscles as you would when preventing wind escaping When you’re going to urinate, squeeze the muscles that stop the flow of urine Once you have located these muscles, you’ll be ready to start your pelvic floor exercises. How long does it take to strengthen the pelvic floor? As we mentioned, you can do pelvic floor stretches wherever you are and whenever you want, without anybody noticing. Ideally, you’ll be sat down in a chair or lying on the floor or bed, as these positions are most comfortable and stable. After you have been practicing the pelvic floor exercises for between four and six weeks you should start to notice some improvement. However, for some people, noticeable changes are not apparent until after three months of practice. We recommend that you do your pelvic floor stretches between eight and twelve times per session, for up to three times per day. Making this a daily habit will certainly improve your quality of life. Note that if you struggle with any degree of incontinence, you might want to do them more often. There are no set rules on this as you can’t really hurt yourself, so feel free to do them as often as you see fit. We do recommend continuing your pelvic floor exercises for at least eight weeks though, if you want to see any real benefits. If you find that you are struggling with ongoing pelvic problems despite doing regular stretches, it might be time to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. Don’t forget that PFPT can improve your sex life too, so it’s worth finding out whether it’s right for you. Here is a list of stretches for you to start: Pelvic Floor Stretches from VuVa Do you want to start pelvic floor therapy at home? Learn how VuVa Vaginal Dilators work here.
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Does Lidocaine Work as a Dyspareunia Treatment?
Lidocaine is an anesthetic, so it has a numbing effect on whichever area of the body it is topically applied. Topical application means to use a product on bodily surfaces such as the skin. Lidocaine is a household name and can be found in medicine cabinets around the world, in the form of gels, creams, liquids and more. Like other anesthetics, Lidocaine blocks nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, resulting in a temporary sensation of numbness wherever it is applied. Lidocaine is sometimes used as a dyspareunia treatment, but is it effective enough to rely on? Let’s take a closer look at the issue. Does Lidocaine work as dyspareunia treatment? Essentially it can work, but the key word is temporary. Lidocaine is most often used for menopausal dyspareunia treatment, and vaginal atrophy caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Topical Lidocaine is applied to the vulvar vestibule prior to penetrative sex, which helps to numb the nerves and prevent intercourse from being painful. However, this may not work for deep dyspareunia. Studies have shown that in the aforementioned instances it can be considered ‘successful’, but this really depends on what constitutes success… and there are issues with this treatment. If used sparingly and as directed, Lidocaine is considered safe. Yet there can be serious health problems if it is misused or overused. Reuters reported that overuse of skin numbing creams can cause a number of issues and even death. According to their report (taken from FDA advice), “People who use large amounts of skin-numbing creams and lotions, often in conjunction with cosmetic procedures, are at risk of irregular heartbeats, seizures and even death.” Since numbing is really just a sticking plaster, it is not tackling the cause of dyspareunia or changing the environment so that the problem can be overcome. Therefore it is probable that the use of Lidocaine as a dyspareunia treatment will need to be ongoing, bringing with it the risks mentioned in the above article. Could another dyspareunia treatment work better? Actually, yes. There are various ways to treat dyspareunia that won’t have negative side effects and could actually reduce or clear the issue over time. Here are some of our top suggestions for treating dyspareunia: Have more foreplay Sometimes sex hurts because the vagina is not lubricated enough. More foreplay could be the solution to this, but if you are unable to produce enough lubrication naturally, you can try using a water-based personal lubricant. Declining estrogen could be negatively affecting your sex drive, but more foreplay will have a positive effect on your libido over time. If dryness is generally a problem you could also try a vaginal moisturizer applied every two to three hours, which should make sex easier too. Use vaginal dilators Vaginal dilators are one of the best natural dyspareunia treatments available, because they stretch and lengthen the vagina gradually, at your own pace. In fact, our VuVa™ Neodymium Magnetic Dilators have been clinically proven to relieve pelvic pain for 80% of study subjects, leading to less painful sex in many cases. With dyspareunia, magnetic dilators are more effective than other types of dilator because they help to increase blood flow to the area. Over time, dilator use becomes more comfortable and trains your vagina for sexual penetration. If dryness has also been a problem for you, you may be pleased to hear that our magnetic dilators come with a free tube of water-based lubricant. See a pelvic floor physical therapist Pelvic floor physical therapy is another dyspareunia treatment that can have great results for women who have myofascial pain. In other words, the pelvic floor muscles are too tight. This can be the cause of dyspareunia, so having a therapist conduct massage and stretching techniques can relieve painful sex. Many pelvic floor physical therapists use vaginal dilators for dyspareunia treatment, as well as to treat other problems of this kind. So as you can see, Lidocaine as a dyspareunia treatment is only helpful as a temporary measure. You may be interested in our article on natural dyspareunia treatments if you are looking for a longer-term solution; it contains further suggestions and more details about the above options. Dyspareunia may not be something that disappears overnight, but with time and perseverance, you should be able to overcome the problem. Don’t forget to browse our blog for dyspareunia information as there is nothing we haven’t covered on the subject! VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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Do I Need Dilators After Breast Cancer? Yes and Here’s Why
If you are undergoing breast cancer treatment – in particular, chemotherapy or endocrine therapy – you probably have concerns about the impact it will have on your body. Undergoing such therapies can be very traumatic for the body, which makes it a challenging process. Unfortunately, for some women there are after effects that also need to be taken into consideration. Many women find that they need to use dilators after breast cancer, but they are often unaware of this potentiality at the start. Since the cancer affects the breast area, it may not occur to you that the after effects can manifest in other areas of the body. However, there is a high instance of vaginal issues in women who have undergone medical treatment for breast cancer. Statistics show that up to 70% of women need to use dilators after breast cancer treatment. This article aims to shed light on the situation so that you can prepare for this possibility in advance. Why do you need dilators after breast cancer? You may need to use vaginal dilators after cancer therapy because some treatments can cause what is known as atrophic vaginitis. Chemotherapy and endocrine therapy can lead to dysfunction in the reproductive system. For some the result is ovarian failure, which is why women may become infertile after their treatment. For many others, the result is atrophic vaginitis (also called vaginal atrophy), which is something that can happen naturally to post-menopausal women once their estrogen levels decline. Vaginal atrophy may affect up to 50% of women after the menopause, so it’s certainly not uncommon. Post-menopausal breast cancer survivors are even more likely to develop atrophic vaginitis though – the statistics indicate that it will affect 70% of women in this category. After chemotherapy treatment, for example, the estrogen that normally circulates and reaches the urinary and vaginal receptors ceases to do so, which essentially induces early menopause. This can happen even if you’re below 40 years of age. The symptoms of atrophic vaginitis are likely to necessitate the use of vaginal dilators after your cancer treatment ends. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, irritation of the vulva area, burning and soreness, inflammation, dyspareunia (painful sex) or bleeding after sex, vaginal stenosis (shortening or constriction of the birth canal), thinning of the vaginal walls or skin, discharge, urinary incontinence and pruritus. Using vaginal dilators after breast cancer You may find that you have a few of the above symptoms of vaginal atrophy if you’ve undergone one of the breast cancer treatments mentioned above. If you have vaginal stenosis, for example, sex (or any kind of penetration) can become difficult. It is necessary to use vaginal dilators after your breast cancer treatment is finished so that you can maintain the shape and size of your birth canal. Dyspareunia is also a common side effect, so vaginal dilators for pelvic floor physical therapy can help you to become accustomed to the sensation of penetration at your own pace. Another issue for cancer survivors in the womens health arena is atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atropgy which is that any of the aforementioned symptoms might lead to fear of penetration, which in turn can develop into the condition known as vaginismus. Naturally this disrupts your sex life, and it may be necessary to overcome the fear of penetration with vaginal dilators. Vaginal Dilators are often recommended for breast cancer survivors as they stretch out the birth canal gradually, which aids in the restoration of normal function and sexual habits. As a result, you are likely to overcome sexual problems much more quickly. Pelvic floor physical therapists also use vaginal dilators as part of their treatment plan for women with vaginal atrophy, which indicates both their efficacy and safety. In case you’re wondering whether vaginal dilators really work, let us put your mind at ease. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you may have about using our dilators after breast cancer, so don’t be afraid to ask for product advice any time. VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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Do Silicone Dilators work? Is medical grade plastic better?
Update: We no longer sell Silicone dilators due to our magnetic being far superior. The answer is: not as good as the magnetic medical grade plastic dilators. When shopping for the best dilators, it can be hard to choose the right one for your needs. Also, you need to know how to correctly use vaginal dilators. VuVa Vaginal Dilator company, located in Sarasota, FL, has now helped over 125,000 women all over the globe with their dilator needs. Do you need plastic or silicone dilators? What sizes do I need? How do I use them? VuVa can help. Our Dilators are made with 100% medical grade plastic using FDA approved colors and ingredients. VuVa™ Magnetic Dilators are safe, phthalate free, hypoallergenic and suitable for those with latex allergies. Do not use silicone based lubricants with VuVa™ Magnetic Dilators. Do I need plastic or silicone dilators? There are two main types of vaginal dilators, silicone and plastic. We have listed below some information to help you decide on what type of vaginal dilator you need. We actually stopped selling silicone due to our patented magnetic dilators working so much better. The silicone also attracted a lot of dust, which the plastic do not. VuVa Vaginal Dilators vs. Placebo Dilators: A Double Blind Placebo Study Eighty percent (80%) of study subjects reported a decrease in overall pain after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average thirty percent (30%) decrease in pain levels on a standardized tampon test, which is a way to clinically measure pain associated with sexual intercourse. The cotton swab test evaluates eleven (11) different locations of the vulvar vestibule for pain. Eighty percent (80%) of the study subjects reported a decrease in the total number of locations after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average twenty eight percent (28%) decrease in pain levels using a standardized cotton swab test, which is a non-invasive measure of vaginal pain. Overall anxiety associated with vaginal penetration is significantly decreased in all subjects. Subjects report feeling more confident about their sexual health in the future after completing the study. Subjects report that VuVa dilator therapy is not a painful treatment. For Full Study CLICK HERE How to pick your Vaginal Dilator sizes: When shopping for dilators, it might be hard to know what size vaginal dilators you need. If you ask your physician or pelvic floor physical therapist, they should be able to tell you what size you need to start your pelvic floor therapy with. Some people do not need the entire set and some people do. When it comes to our size vaginal dilators, there are seven to choose from. We have one of the smallest vaginal dilators on the market and one of the largest. The smallest dilator, the Size 1, is comparable to a pencil and the Size 2 is comparable to a women's pinky finger. If you can get a larger tampon applicator in with ease, you may want to start with a Size 3 or 4 dilator if your muscles are very tight, or you have a lot of atrophy pain. If you are sexually active, you might not need the smaller dilators and starting with the Size 4 or 5 and moving up would be best for your home therapy plan. You can also purchase the size dilator that is comparable in circumference to your partner if you are sexually active. As dilator therapy can be uncomfortable, you do not want to be in extreme pain when you are dilating. If you are, then you need to move down one dilator size. On a pain scale of 1-10, you do not want to go over a 3-4 pain level when dilating. Now, when you first put the dilator in, it can be very painful, but that pain should subside after a few minutes. You don't want to be in extreme pain the entire time during your dilator therapy. Vaginal Dilators: Directions & Sizes - How to Use Dilation Products - Vuva Dilator Company If sexual activity is painful due to a pelvic pain condition or pelvic disorder, use dilators at least 5-7 days per week. Take your time and breath. If you can only do a minute our two, that’s fine. Work your way up slowly. It will help with the fear of penetration and relax muscles. These dilators only make things better. VuVa has changed thousands of lives. We are in this together. Directions Before Using your VuVa™ Vaginal Dilators Wash dilators with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let the dilators air dry. Vanicream Bar soap is a good option to clean dilators with. To Get Started In a private and comfortable place, lay on your back and put both knees up with your feet on the bed (no wider than your hips) or lay on your side and pull your legs up with a pillow between your knees. Lubricate the smallest VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator and vagina canal opening generously with a lubricant your choice. IMPORTANT: Do not use petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline). Slippery Stuff is water based and does not cause irritation. Keep all the dilators within reach. Finding the right size VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator can be tricky. If you find that you can only tolerate the tip going inside when using the smallest dilator, that’s ok and is not uncommon. However, if that is the case, it may be best that you start with the exercises (See the instructions below). Please do not force the dilator inside. Using gentle pressure, insert the smaller round end of the smallest dilator into your vagina. Make sure that the dilator shaft is inserted as deeply as is comfortable for you. Do not insert entire dilator -- leave the larger, round, flat end outside of vaginal opening. If there’s no discomfort (you can put the little one inside, squeeze and let go around it on the inside like you’re holding back gas and pee and take it out without any pain or irritation – not even a little bit), you need to use the next size bigger. You’re looking for minimal pain when you put the dilator in the vagina (pain level not more than a 1-2/10, with 0/10 being no pain and 10/10 the worst pain ever) —the type that you might just describe as “annoying” or “uncomfortable.” Moderate pain (pain levels 4-6/10) is too much, and severe pain (pain levels 7-10) should be avoided. Once you’ve found the proper size, please use your dilator 5-20 minutes twice/day. When you can actively insert and remove the dilator as well as contract and relax around it with no discomfort, move up to the next size. IMPORTANT - WOMEN: Do not walk around with dilator inserted. Do not use dilators during sexual intercourse. Do not sleep with dilator inserted. Wash the vaginal dilators after use with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let them air dry. Use a VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator comparable to your partners size 20 minutes before intercourse to relax tight muscles and bring blood flow to the area. You have now created a relaxed environment for penetration. How much will I need to use my dilator when I reach my desired size? Everyone is different. You need to be having intercourse or dilating to keep the muscles from atrophying as you get older. If you are having intercourse without pain more frequently, you might not need to dilate as much, or at all. Your body will let you know if you need to continue, and how much you need. Some have more severe atrophy than others, so let your body guide you. If you have Vaginismus/Vulvodynia nerve pain or tightness, you might have to use it every time before intercourse, but some others may not need to use it at all once the pain subsides. Everyone has different nerve pain pathways and triggers that cause good and bad days. Why would I need a Vaginal Dilator? If you have painful intercourse due to a pelvic pain condition, pelvic floor physical therapy with vaginal dilators is a safe and beneficial home treatment for the following conditions: Vulvodynia Vulvar Vestibulitis Vaginismus Dyspareunia Pelvic Radiation Therapy Menopause Vaginal Stenosis Vaginal Atrophy Pudendal Neuralgia Vaginal Agenesis If you have painful penetration and do not keep relaxing the muscles during intercourse or dilator therapy, the muscles can then become very tense and cause your condition to become worse. You may start to associate penetration with pain. Each time you try to penetrate, your muscles will then tighten up causing more pain. Dilating on your own, in the convenience of your own home, is an effective way to keep muscles working and blood flowing to the area for healing. Dilator therapy also creates blood flow and can help with vaginal dryness by creating natural lubrication. How much do Dilators Cost? VuVa Silicone Dilators start at $26. You can buy single dilators or you can buy the full set. Visit our Dilator Store Other VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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Can Vaginismus be Cured? Yes it Can, and Here’s How…
Vaginismus is a restrictive and frustrating condition that affects a lot of women, for various reasons. The condition is both painful and uncomfortable, since the muscles of the vagina are apt to tighten up and spasm. This happens automatically at the prospect of any form of penetration, so it thwarts attempts at sexual intercourse, gynecological examination and even inserting tampons. Many women are left wondering, can vaginismus be cured? Fortunately, the answer is, yes it can. Women with vaginismus often suffer in silence, but unfortunately this tends to worsen the problem over time. If you have vaginismus, it may be down to physical or psychological reasons, if not both. Vaginismus symptoms include burning and stinging pains, uncomfortable muscle spasms, and an inability to insert anything into the vagina. Vaginismus symptoms can vary in severity, but in all instances, a cure should be sought out. It may seem that due to the contractions in (and constriction of) the vagina, this is an impossible mission… but rest assured, it really isn’t. See Product See Product See Product Here’s what you can do to cure vaginismus: Vaginismus cure #1: Treating it psychologically Vaginismus can initially be triggered by deep-seated fears in the subconscious, or even in the conscious mind. However, understanding why this is happening doesn’t mean you can convince your body to react any differently. The first step is to try and figure out why your symptoms of vaginismus started. This could mean enlisting the help of a sexual health therapist or counselor adept at working through sexual traumas and insecurities. Here are some of the main psychological reasons for vaginismus: A history of sexual abuse Negative ideas about sex (e.g. religious or familial issues) Damaging relationship dynamics with partners Low self-esteem/insecurities around sex or body image Dealing with vaginismus psychologically means that you can break the cycle of negative thought patterns that perpetuate your vaginismus symptoms. It may be emotionally uncomfortable to unearth underlying trauma, but this can be a powerful path to healing. It may not happen overnight, either, but with time and effort, you can cure vaginismus this way – even if this needs to be combined with physical treatment. Vaginismus cure #2: Treating it with physical therapy Often enough, vaginismus can be cured with pelvic floor physical therapy. This form of vaginismus treatment includes stretching the pelvic floor muscles, which can help the muscles to stop spasming and clamping shut. Since the pelvic floor muscles support your pelvic organs, they are part of the process of sexual arousal and orgasm. By relaxing these muscles, you are likely to have a much better time in bed! Here’s what your pelvic floor physical therapist might introduce as part of your program: Trigger point release Biofeedback Pelvic floor stretches and exercises Visceral mobilization E-stim Vaginal Dilators (pictured below) are used to stretch and relax muscles. You can usually see a difference in 2 weeks. If you have never attended a pelvic floor therapy session before, here’s what to expect. Don’t worry: your therapist will be sensitive to your emotional states and physical needs, so you’ll be in safe hands. See Product See Product See Product Vaginismus cure #3: Treating it using vaginal dilators Women use vaginal dilators to stretch the vaginal muscles and get them used to the sensation of penetration. Eventually when they are able to relax enough, they will be able to say that vaginal dilators cured their vaginismus! We have heard of this time and time again from our happy customers, so we fully recommend it. Women report being cured from vaginismus after just a few weeks or months of using vaginal dilators. As they become more accustomed to each size of dilator, they are eventually able to tolerate and even enjoy full penetration during sex. If you’re thinking of using dilators to cure vaginismus, we recommend trying magnetic vaginal dilators first and foremost. This is why: Magnetic dilators can lengthen the soft tissues of the vagina They relax ligaments and vaginal muscles Neodymium magnets are known to have a calming effect on nerves Neodymium magnets boost blood flow to the vagina, reducing pain Click here to start home treatment for your Vaginismus There are other physical options for curing vaginismus too, so try those out if you’re keen to find a solution fast. Often a combined approach works better! Lastly, don’t worry about using vaginal dilators; you’ll be able to go at your own pace, in your own time and space… so there’s no pressure, and this is a big part of the reason dilators can help to cure vaginismus. We wish you luck in finding the best cure for your vaginismus – and don’t forget to take a look through our blog for many more insights and tips on this condition. You will get there! Other VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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Can You Use CBD for Vulvodynia?
Who could blame her? Any woman with vulvodynia wants shot of this awful pain, as soon as possible. Vulvodynia can be incredibly uncomfortable, plus it gets in the way of intimacy with partners, which is frustrating and even depressing. There are various approaches to treating vulvodynia, but no one-size-fits-all treatment. However, CBD (and abbreviation of Cannabidiol), is one of the closest things to a cure-all we know of… but can you use CBD for vulvodynia? Absolutely. Our ancestors have long been using cannabis to treat pelvic pain, but it is only recently being embraced in modern society. First, let’s take a look at what CBD is: CBD is just one of more than a hundred naturally occurring compounds found in hemp (or marijuana). Hemp is the term generally used to classify varieties of cannabis with 0.3% or less THC content (the compound that gets you stoned), although the difference between cannabis and hemp is more complex than just that. Don’t worry about getting high while using CBD for vulvodynia; it’s easier to get CBD products with little to no THC content, since those are legal, whereas THC is often not. CBD oil products are made from high-CBD, low-THC hemp. Why use CBD for vulvodynia? There are a few reasons for using CBD to treat vulvodynia. Firstly, CBD is famous for its pain relieving qualities, and no area of the body is exempt from that. It is also known to reduce anxiety, which is an issue for many women with vulvodynia. They have negative associations with sexual intercourse because of the pain they feel during penetration. The benefits don’t end there, either. CBD can relax muscles, which helps vulvodynia because when you anticipate sexual pain, your muscles are likely to contract. This can worsen the pain of vulvodynia, or lead to vaginismus. If you insert a CBD suppository or apply CBD products to the vulva, you may be surprised at just how effective the relaxation and pain relief is. To summarize, CBD helps with the following vulvodynia symptoms: Pain Inflammation Anxiety Tight muscles The CBD can desensitize the nerves in the genitals, as well as reducing any inflammation present (which can be a side effect of vulvodynia in some women). CBD limits your body’s ability to feel pain signals, but also works on pain by targeting the same enzymes Ibuprofin targets, thus reducing prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that promote pain, inflammation and fever. Why else should you use CBD for vulvodynia? It’s an aphrodisiac! Here’s another major USP for CBD. Cannabinoids actually work as an aphrodisiac for many women, and when applied directly to the vulva, can increase sexual pleasure. That’s because when applied to the skin, phytocannabinoids increase blood flow to the area, which is what happens when you get aroused naturally. Whether you smoke a bit of cannabis or apply some oil topically, CBD oil or cream is a wonderful addition to your sex life. Note that if you smoke cannabis, you’re going to feel the effects of THC too. However, if you apply a CBD product to your skin, you are unlikely to experience any psychoactive effects. Can You Use CBD for Vulvodynia? Yes… and Here’s Why it Works Strains containing a lot of CBD are the best for inflammation reduction, and they won’t get you stoned. Some feel that the best strains for pain relief are those with both CBD and THC content. If you do want a product containing THC (as many with chronic pain do), even one with less than 6% THC content will still help to calm and relax you. Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap before bed. Sativas are said to provide invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects. Hybrids are thought to fall somewhere in between, offering a balance of indica and sativa effects. Vaginal Dilators paired with CBD is a great treatment option. Vuva Vaginal Dilators sets are used to regenerate vaginal capacity, expand the vaginal walls, add elasticity to the tissues, and to allow for comfortable sexual intercourse. VuVa Magnetic Dilators are smooth lightweight plastic, that come in a variety of graduated sizes. Using Dilators with CBD maximizes your pelvic floor physical therapy. To shop dilators click here. You may find this article on CBD for pelvic pain useful if you would like more information on the topic. We hope that you will be able to reap the rewards of CBD for your vulvodynia… good luck, and don’t forget to check out our blog for plenty of other information on vulvodynia and similar conditions. VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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Do Vaginal Dilators Really Work?
Do I need one? If you’re trying to overcome a medical condition in the pelvic area, or the after-effects of treatment for it, you might be asking yourself an important question: “Do vaginal dilators really work?” Well, vaginal dilators are used as a standard treatment for a whole range of problems in the vagina, from vaginismus to vaginal atrophy. In many instances, a pelvic floor physical therapist or radiotherapy Doctor will prescribe the use of vaginal dilators - sometimes ongoing. These healthcare providers are well aware that vaginal dilators really work, and there is much anecdotal evidence to support this too. Which conditions do vaginal dilators work on? Below are some of the most common medical conditions that vaginal dilators work on. At times it is necessary to dilate the vagina for relief from the symptoms of: Vaginismus Vaginal atrophy Vaginal agenesis Vaginal stenonis Vulvar dermatoses Superficial dyspareunia Provoked vestibulodynia Post-radiation adhesions High-tone pelvic floor dysfunction Psychogenic dyspareunia (used as a deconditioning therapy) There are also other conditions of the pelvic floor area that can be helped by using vaginal dilators. If you are having pelvic floor physical therapy for any reason, you may find that your therapist prescribes vaginal dilator therapy within the sessions or at home. Aside from supplementing pelvic floor physical therapy, vaginal dilators work as a supplement to the following therapies: Sexual therapy Psychotherapy Minimally-absorbed local vaginal estrogen therapy Intravaginal muscle relaxants How do vaginal dilators work? Vaginal dilators are smooth cylindrical objects made of material that is safe to insert into the vagina. They come in various sizes and weights, and are usually made from silicone, plastic, rubber, or glass. They range from the size of a pencil to the size of an erect penis, approximately. Vaginal dilators work by restoring the capacity of the vagina (birth canal and/or vaginal opening). The aim is to expand your vagina in both depth and width, as well as to increase the tissue elasticity. Dilators encourage blood flow to the area – especially dilators containing neodymium magnets. When the vagina is able to open up more, however gradually, you will find that you can have more comfortable sexual intercourse, or even just necessary clinical examinations. How do you know if vaginal dilator therapy has worked? Since the aim of using vaginal dilators is to restore proper function to the vagina, you can consider it a success when you have been able to resume normal, comfortable sexual activities or examinations. It may take anything from a few weeks to several months for vaginal dilator therapy to work, and some Doctors recommend use ongoing. To give you an example, this study demonstrated that each patient in the case studies had successfully resumed sexual activity after several months of dilator therapy, sometimes when used in combination with other medical interventions. Furthermore, this study saw good results with sufferers of vaginal stenosis after radiotherapy. In addition, sexual researchers Masters and Johnson advocated vaginal dilator use for female patients with sexual dysfunction so that they could “interrupt the cycle of pain–fear–muscle spasm–more pain, and to build confidence in the privacy of the marital bedroom.” To put your mind at ease, here at Vuvatech we also have plenty of testimonials from happy customers who have decided that our vaginal dilators really work. Feel free to check those out and ask us any questions you have!
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Can I Use a Vaginal Dilator After Radiation?
For women receiving pelvic radiation therapy, your healthcare professional may recommend that you use a vaginal dilator to improve vaginal elasticity. Vaginal dilators make examinations more comfortable, ease discomfort during sexual activity, and help stretch scar tissue caused by pelvic radiation. It's essential that you consider dilator therapy a vital part of your health maintenance once radiation therapy ends. Table of Contents Why are vaginal dilators needed? What is a vaginal dilator? When should I use a dilator? How should I use a dilator after radiation? Why are vaginal dilators needed? According to the American Cancer Society, radiotherapy uses high energy rays (such as gamma rays or x-rays) to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is the most common treatment for cervical cancer. The high energy rays may kill the cancer cells, but radiotherapy treatment could cause healthy vaginal tissue to become irritated and sore. As the abrasions heal, they form scar tissue on the pelvic floor. The scar tissue can make the vagina shorter and narrower. Once this happens, sexual intercourse, gynecological examinations, and even using tampons can cause searing and stinging pain. Vaginal dilators help stretch the vaginal canal, helping to widen and lengthen the vagina. What is a vaginal dilator? VuVa vaginal dilators are smooth plastic devices similar in shape to a tampon. They come in different sizes with the smallest about the size of a finger. It's recommended to begin with the smallest size. Vaginal dilators help stretch the vagina and soften scar tissue by increasing blood and breaking up scar tissue. When should I use the dilator? One of the most frequently asked questions is, when should I use the dilator? Health professionals recommend starting treatment four weeks after your last radiation session. This timeline will depend on whether you're experiencing any pain from the cancer treatment and the recommendation of your doctor. A healthy sex life can replace dilator use, but sexual intercourse should be consistent (3-5 times per week). How should I use a dilator after radiation? The use of a dilator after radiation is easier than you think. It’s recommended you find a private space where you won’t be interrupted. Lay on your back with your knees bent, and legs open wide. Rub water-based lubricant on the vaginal dilator. Slowly insert the dilator along the vaginal wall. Move back and forth to help stretch the vagina. Leave the dilator inside for 5-10 minutes at first, gradually moving up to 20 minutes per session. What can I expect from using the dilator? Stretching the vagina takes time and consistent dilator use. It may take 8-12 weeks to increase the vaginal opening and ease scar tissue. For some women, there's a period of adjustment before it becomes routine. At first, there may be some bleeding after using the dilator or having intercourse. This is normal but speak to your doctor if the pain is excessive. Using a vaginal dilator after radiation is a conventional treatment for women's health. It will not only help to remove scar tissue, but also improve the overall quality of one's life. ______________ This post was informed by or approved by staff, writings or colleagues of Dr. Robert J. Echenberg, MD is an Obstetrician-gynecologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Other VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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We create safe, effective products that truly work — designed to help you relax, restore balance, and feel good in your body again. Our VuVa® Pelvic Floor Support Sets gently calm nerves, ease tension, and support natural pelvic healing from the inside out.
