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Vulvodynia Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Do I have Vulvodynia? It’s common for women with vulvodynia to suffer in silence. When they do speak up, women use words like burning, stinging, itching, and stabbing. The National Vulvodynia Association (1) reported the sensation as “having acid poured on my skin.” In a paper published in the International Journal of Women’s Health (2), chronic vulvar pain affects up to 16% of all women in the United States, and 8% experience vulvodynia for their entire lifetime. The severe condition takes a toll on relationships, produces anxiety and depression, and significantly lowers the quality of life for women who suffer. The good news is that vaginal pain treatment options are available. What is vulvodynia? Vulvodynia is severe pain in the vulvar area of the body with no identifiable cause. The vulva is the sensitive area in the woman's body that includes the nerve endings and vaginal tissue around the entrance to the vagina. The vulva also encompasses the labia majora (outer folds of skin) and labia minora (inner folds of skin). It includes the vulvar tissue leading to the vestibule, an inner fold, or space before the vaginal entrance. Another important anatomy of the vulvar is the clitoris. The clitoris is at the anterior end (top) of the vulva and helps stimulate sexual pleasure. Vulva pain affects women from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and ages. The most common age for women to report vulvar pain is between 20 to 40 years of age. The severity of the chronic pain reported ranges from burning to severe unbearable pain. In a study of 1,900 women, vulvodynia was linked to other pain syndromes, including interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome Vulvodynia is further classified into two types: localized vulvodynia and generalized vulvodynia. Localized vulvodynia Localized vulvodynia (3) is when the pain occurs in one vulvar spot. It's the most common form of vulvodynia. When the pain occurs around the vaginal opening, it becomes vestibulodynia (previously known as vulvar vestibulitis syndrome (VVS)). Most women suffering with localized vulvodynia have Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD). PVD happens from applied pressure to the vestibule. For example, sexual activity, inserting a tampon, pelvic exam, horseback riding, wearing tight clothing, and sitting for long periods. PVD also has two further classifications: primary vulvodynia and secondary vulvodynia. Primary vulvodynia: If you've had localized pain in the vestibule since your first sexual experience, tampon insertion, or any pressure in the vagina, then it's primary vulvodynia. Secondary vulvodynia: It occurs when the unexplained pain happens after you've had pain free intercourse, tampon insertion, or any applied pressure or touch to the vulvar. Generalized vulvodynia Generalized vulvodynia is chronic or irregular pain throughout the vulvar area. The pain may affect different parts of the vulvar such as the vestibule, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. In some cases, the pain may spread to the perineum (the space between the vagina and anus) and inner thighs. Symptoms of vulvodynia Women with vulvodynia experience many different kinds of symptoms, but the main one is a pain in the vulvar skin. Women describe the pain as the following: Stinging Rawness Burning Tenderness Dyspareunia or painful intercourse Itching Muscle spasms or throbbing The vulvar pain may be intermittent or ongoing and highly individualized. Or only occur when touched during sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. The vulvodynia symptoms may arise in one spot (localized) or spread throughout the vulvar (generalized). Examining the vulvar tissue may reveal it to be swollen and inflamed, but can also appear normal. Causes of vulvodynia The American Family of Physicians (4) says vulvodynia may begin suddenly and continue for many years. The cause of vulvodynia is unclear. For most women, the reason is never identified and may be the result of different factors. There's no evidence that sexually transmitted diseases cause vulvodynia. Here are possible causes of vulvar pain. Previous vaginal infections Hormonal changes, such as menopause Sensitive or inflamed vulva skin Damage to the vulvar area Specific genetic disorders Environmental irritants and allergies Pelvic floor muscle spasm or weakness Vulvodynia diagnosis The process of a vulvodynia diagnosis (5) begins with meeting with your doctor or gynecologist. Your health care professional will get a detailed health report covering your sexual, medical, and surgical history. It’s important the location and type of pain you’re experiencing. After answering the detailed questions, you'll undergo a gynecological exam. During the exam, your doctor will use a cotton swab to check for where you're experiencing pain. Other tests might include checking for a vaginal or yeast infection, even if the vulvar shows no sign of this being the case. After being diagnosed with vulvodynia, you can discuss a treatment plan to relieve the pain. Treatment of vulvodynia Vulvodynia treatment focuses on reducing pain. Every woman is different and needs to try different treatment options for reducing pain associated with vulvodynia. Treatment options may include medications, such as steroids or tricyclic antidepressants. Some women seek sex therapy or biofeedback therapy. But a lot of women find relief with vaginal dilation. Vaginal Dilation Vaginal dilation uses vaginal dilators to release tension in the pelvic floor safely. Pelvic floor therapy with dilators helps relax the muscles and tissues that cause vulvodynia pain. Vaginal dilators are tube-shaped devices and come in various sizes. You have the choice between dilators made with neodymium magnets,smooth dilators, and ones made of silicone. All help improve women’s health and are safe and effective for easing vulvodynia symptoms. In a clinical trial, conducted by Physician Care Clinical Research, 80% of participants had decreased vaginal pain when using dilation therapy. All women in the study reported reduced anxiety linked to vulvodynia and significant improvements in sexual health. When using vaginal dilators to treat vulvodynia, you should use them regularly to stretch and relax the vulva. You should also start with the smallest dilator and increase the size as your vagina relaxes. When you're suffering from vulvodynia, it may seem hopeless. One answer is vaginal dilation. Ask your medical professional about how VuVa™ dilators can help you overcome the pain associated with vulvodynia. Begin your healing today with vaginal dilation. https://www.nva.org/media-center/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014358/ https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2015/july/localised-provoked-vestibulodynia-(vulvodynia)-assessment-and-management/ https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0315/p1561.html https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7157544_Vulvodynia_Diagnosis_and_management 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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VuVa Vaginal Dilator Success Stories
What are folks saying about us? With there being so many products on the market now for painful sex, it can be hard to know which one might be best for you. We have compiled testimonials from our customers about our Vaginal Dilators. You are not alone in your pelvic pain journey. Read below how VuVa has changed lives. JP on Jun 15, 2019 Hi, I just wanted to let you guys know that your magnetic dilators have been AMAZING! I've been in therapy for 6 months and started going to a midwife as I've had a fear of inserting things into my vagina for as long as I can remember (I'm 24 and never worn a tampon or had anything except for a gyno's finger up my vagina). My midwife suggested buying dilators and I bought yours and, while they were intimidating at first, the insertion was even easier than a finger! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING product thank you guys so much!!! T.K Clinical Trial Patient ON MAY 16, 2019 I was so excited to meet you last week!! Thanks for your time in talking with me. Before the study I struggled with very painful sex (vaginal atrophy) for many years. I tried many different creams nothing worked for me. I thought my sex life was over. When I got involved in the clinical trail study for VuVa Magnetic Dilator. There wasn't anymore pain! I had found a solution for vaginal atrophy. My sex life was not over! Women need to keep their conversations going and they too, will be thanking you for developing the VuVa Magnetic Dilators. Sincerely, T.P Sarasota, FL S.A ON APRIL 13, 2019 I don’t normally do this but I just felt the need to thank you personally because your dilators really changed my life:) I’m an 18 year old girl who previously couldn’t insert even a finger into my vagina without feeling pain, and slowly working through the dilators (I can fit all 5 in now!) has really opened doors for me and my boyfriend, and we successfully had sex all because of the work of dilators! So again, thank you so much, your product is really helping people and I appreciate it so much :) -Sam LL ON AUGUST 27TH, 2018 The VuVa Dilator with the Neodymium magnets has been a total game changer in my life. I have had vaginal intercourse pain for more years than I care to remember. I’m 65 years old, I went to my Gynecologist he recommended Mona Lisa Touch laser treatments that has helped with my pain but I think the dilator that was also recommended by my Gynecologist has made a huge difference too. I wish I would’ve known about dilators years ago. I can’t thank you enough VuVatech I’m pain free and totally enjoying enjoying my husband of 49 years. C.B ON JULY 23RD, 2018 Along with developing a product that's giving hope to women who are treating Vulvodynia, Vestibulitis, Vaginismus and other challenging conditions, Tara is a wonderful person who is there to actually support the women purchasing and using her unique dilators. I have spent so much time and money on countless 'specialists' and products (to little or no avail), and have never encountered such a personal level of customer service as I have with Tara. She is someone who is incredibly empathetic with what you are going through. This is much more than something to try, it's something to believe in. TORI ON JULY 2ND, 2018 VUVATECH HELPED ME OVERCOME MY DISCOMFORT When I first started having my period I tried tampons and found them IMPOSSIBLE to use, very uncomfortable. I tried them now and again over the years and the result was pretty much the same - DISASTER. I’d use them when I had to (swimming and such) but could really only manage Lite or Junior tampons with a plastic applicator. Two years ago I started having an annual GYN exam and found that really difficult and uncomfortable for me. In talking with my mother (and eventually my gynecologist) I discovered I was suffering from Vaginismus. I started working with the Size 1 and Size 2 VuVatech vaginal dilators and now find using tampons pretty easy and comfortable. I would say my GYN exam is “tolerable” at this point. I am really surprised by the awesome progress! JKS ON JUNE 25, 2018 VUVATECH HAS PROVIDED ME A LOT OF RELIEF FROM VAGINISMUS! Vuvatech has provided me a lot of relief from Vaginismus! I have struggled with vaginal pain a lot over the years and didn't even know why or what it was? But, it's been a HUGE theme in my life since I struggled to use my first tampon as a teen. Losing my virginity was a HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE experience! Even as a sexually-active adult, I still struggled to use tampons many months (opting to use "teen-sized" tampons solely for comfort). My annual exam was often a disaster for me (something I would dread weeks in advance). Any partner that I had over the years that was "larger than normal," was a monumental challenge (of not impossible). It's been horrible. I recently learned about vaginismus and am seeking treatment for it. Vuvatech is part of that treatment, and, it's working! My husband and I are sincerely grateful to Vuvatech for its wonderful products! - JKS JULIE ON JUNE 14, 2018 VUVATECH HAS HELPED MAKE ANAL SEX FUN FOR ME! VuvaTech has helped make anal sex fun for me! I had tried anal sex a few times over the years and my experiences with it ranged from "painful" to "boring." I never understood what my girlfriends were raving about? It was often very painful for me and "good anal sex" would mean that it didn't last very long. A friend of mine suggested I try VuvaTech. After working my way up in size and depth over several months, everything changed for me! Wow! I now look forward to anal sex and can even orgasm during it! - Julie. KAITLYN ON MAY 30, 2018 I’m 25 years old and had issues having intercourse with my boyfriend. I was recently diagnosed by my gynecologist with vaginismus. She referred me to a physical therapist that recommended I use dilators along with my daily exercises. I’m so unbelievably happy I purchased these. They really help with reducing pain with a heating sensation like a heating pad. I have been able to go from the first size to the second size in about 2 weeks. I was shocked and didn’t think I would transition that quickly. This process has been an emotional experience for me, as I had difficulty coming to terms with my condition. However, I have been determined to work at my pelvic floor muscles and show my boyfriend, as well as myself that I can do this. These dilators have helped my confidence sexually, as I continue to be intimate with my boyfriend in other ways. Which I wasn’t sure was possible for me to have confidence in that place of my life. Thank you so much. I recommend these to any woman suffering with vaginismus and seeking a change. ANGELA N. ON MAY 13, 2018 I want to express my gratitude to vuvatech for making my wedding night truly wonderful for me! THANK YOU VUVATECH! As a teen I struggled horribly to use even the smallest tampon – only resorting to them when I had to (swimming in the summer). In college, I would absolutely dread my annual female exam. No matter how gentle my GYN would be, it would hurt, a lot. When my GYN found out I was engaged, she suggested I try vuvatech so that my wedding night would be more comfortable for me. She suggested I work with sizes 1 and 2, starting three months before my wedding. I took her advice. By my wedding day I could comfortably use size 2. My wedding night was WONDERFUL. Without vuvatech, I think it would have been a disaster. Thank you vuvatech!
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Vaginal Dilators: How to Use Dilation Products
Many women struggle with vaginal tightness because they have been using objects or other phallic instruments since their early teenage years and the muscles around that area are too tense to allow penetration by anything else.
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The Vaginal Side Effects of Anal Radiation
Statistics say that anal cancer affects 1 in 10,000 people. However over the last few decades, incidences have been rising. Women tend to be affected by anal cancer more often than men, and unless a tumor is only in its early stages, the standard recommended therapy for anal cancer is primary chemoradiation. Anal radiation side effects can be short-term and long-term, and unfortunately for some women, there are also vaginal side effects from anal radiation therapy. Short-term side effects include diarrhea, skin changes, irritation and pain in the anal area (radiation proctitis), pain and discomfort passing stools, nausea, fatigue and low blood cell counts. When treatment ceases these symptoms are likely to abate. The longer-term side effects of anal radiation include formation of scar tissue (which disrupts sphincter function), weakened pelvic and hip bones, and chronic rectal inflammation. It goes without saying that all radiation symptoms can be difficult to deal with, but for women, there can be side effects of anal radiation in the vagina. Since these bring about a whole new set of problems for female radiation patients, it’s the main topic in this article… The vaginal side effects of anal radiation Anal radiation can at the very least irritate the vagina, causing discomfort and discharge in the short term. Radiation-related genital toxicities can lead to longer-term, or more chronic side effects. Although such symptoms might be alarming, it is important to note that if you are receiving anal radiation therapy, the severity of your symptoms is likely to depend on the dose of radiation and the number of treatments you have. Even more importantly, there are always things you can do to mitigate symptoms and work towards regaining long-term health and body balance. Vaginal irritation Anal radiation can severely irritate the vagina (and sometimes the external genital area). If your vaginal tissues are inflamed or irritated, you might find some relief from sitz baths. Another good option is vaginal moisturizers. Yeast infections Some anal radiation patients find that they are more prone to yeast infections, inside the vagina and wherever there is radiated skin. Although there are many over-the-counter treatments for yeast infections (thrush), vaginal probiotic suppositories are one of the best since they can replenish the friendly vaginal microbiome rather than simply destroying the problematic bacteria. Vaginal fibrosis Vaginal fibrosis is a common side effect of high dose pelvic or vaginal radiation therapy, affecting up to 80% of women who received it. Vaginal fibrosis is the name for the growth of adhesions from fibrous tissue in the vagina, which can make sex painful or difficult. Due to the proximity of the anus to the vagina, vaginal fibrosis can also occur after anal radiation therapy. Vaginal fibrosis can also lead to vaginal stenosis (see below). Vaginal Stenosis Another anal radiation symptom affecting the vagina is vaginal stenosis, which is a shortening and narrowing of the birth canal. Other vaginal stenosis symptoms include a dry, thinned and fragile vaginal lining, muscle loss, loss of elasticity and flexibility, discharge and reduced blood flow to the tissues. As is the case with vaginal fibrosis, all of these can make sex a challenge. One of the most effective treatments for vaginal stenosis (and fibrosis) is vaginal dilators. When used to stretch the vaginal walls several times a week, the vaginal conditions can greatly improve over time and sex can return to normal. Early menopause/infertility Radiation anywhere in the pelvic region may bring the troublesome side effect of early menopause, which in turn leads to infertility. If the radiation field has reached the ovaries, you are at risk of early menopause, which means your reproductive cycle will come to an end. The menopause also means gradual vaginal atrophy for many women. Thankfully vaginal atrophy is another gynecological condition that can be greatly helped by using vaginal dilators. If you have not yet had anal radiation therapy, you might want to consider having your eggs frozen - especially if you think there’s a chance you will want to have children in the future. It is a good idea to speak with your doctor about fertility concerns as soon as possible, as this could give you more options than if you leave it until after your treatment. Sexual problems When anal radiation causes vaginal side effects, you may find that you develop scar tissue in your vagina. This can make sexual intercourse and pelvic exams difficult or very painful. Vaginal dilators are also recommended for women with non-gynecologic cancers (for example, anal cancer) that occur in close proximity to the vagina. We know that the vaginal side effects of anal radiation can be very difficult to deal with, so we hope you found this article helpful! Don’t forget to check out our VuvaCare blog for education and advice on a range of women’s health issues. If you need any assistance with choosing the right vaginal dilators for you, simply drop us a line and we’ll be happy to advise. References Intrafractional vaginal dilation in anal cancer patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy (DILANA) Noninvasive evaluation of vaginal fibrosis following radiotherapy for gynecologic malignancies Radiation Therapy for Anal Cancer (The American Cancer Society) Dilator therapy helps improve pelvic health and female sexuality. They are used to help a wide variety of female health concerns. Speak to your doctor today about how dilator therapy can help you. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Dilator Company Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 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 Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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Vaginal Dilators Q&A: What do the experts have to say about dilator therapy?
When coming to terms with a challenging health condition in life, naturally you will look for the perfect solution to your problem. One of the key factors in finding a solution is good research, and this should come from authoritative sources – which generally means that it has come from (or is backed by) experts in that field. We know that if you’ve come across vaginal dilators as a solution to your health problem, you probably have questions about them. What are vaginal dilators for? Is my problem serious enough for me to need one? How do dilators work? Who are they suitable for? In fact, these are some of the most common questions asked about vaginal dilators. Thanks to our wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of women’s health and vaginal dilators, we are able to answer these questions for you and offer you the solutions you’re looking for. We thought it would be a great idea to complement our services by collating some valuable information straight from the mouths of clinicians and Doctors who specialize in this field. So we came up with a little Q&A backed by the experts in order to address some of the most common questions around women’s sexual health and using vaginal dilators… Do I really have a serious health problem? It’s surprisingly easy to convince yourself that you’re overreacting, or that certain kinds of dysfunction are common enough to be considered normal. Sometimes the opposite is true: you might feel that you’re the only one, or that there’s something inherently wrong with you. Another issue is that the topic can feel rather sensitive, which might dissuade you from seeking help - even though you would be much happier in the long run. Perhaps the journey ahead seems difficult or never-ending, and this puts you off starting it. One way or another it is important to give your body what it needs so that you can have the peaceful life you deserve. Here’s what Healther Jeffcoat (Doctor of Physical Therapy) has to say about this: “Far too often women have been told by doctors and even some sex therapists that the concerns and physical problems they have are normal. In fact, they are common. Peeing on yourself, having painful intercourse, having to go to the bathroom 10+ times per day, and many other symptoms that women experience throughout their lives are far from normal. I want women to know that their problems are real and happen to many other women but should not be normalized. Common does not equal normal.” Heather Edwards and Tracy Sher, both Physical Therapists, want you to know this: “You are not “broken”- be kind to yourself through this process. You may have times of frustration but there is a lot of hope.” What are vaginal dilators for? Our entire website is dedicated to illuminating women’s health problems and educating on vaginal dilators and other solutions, so on this occasion we’ll hand the baton over to Heather Jeffcoat and Lauren Streicher for some concise insights: “Vaginal dilators are a medical tool used to either relax and stretch the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues to reduce pain or help desensitize hypersensitive vaginal tissue.” - Heather Jeffcoat (DPT) “Vaginal dilators have two purposes. One is to get the vagina used to having something inside of it. Even if the size of your vagina is normal, painful sex initiates a cycle of pain–fear–muscle spasm–more pain that results in the vagina constricting at any attempt to have intercourse. Dilators are often needed after the initial cause of the pain has been eliminated to erase muscle memory that has kept your pelvic floor in protective mode. Vaginal dilators are also a way to gently and gradually stretch tissues that are tight and have lost their elasticity, which is often the case if a woman has vaginal dryness and thinning from hormonal changes, skin conditions (such as lichen sclerosis) or her vagina has been altered by radiation or surgery. Scarring and shrinkage of the vaginal opening is almost always reversible! The other important advantage to using a dilator is that you will know when you are ready for intercourse.” - Lauren Streicher (MD). How do vaginal dilators work? You might be wondering what vaginal dilators actually do in order to solve your pelvic health problems… perhaps you’re unsure whether vaginal dilators actually work. The below experts can put your mind at ease: “Dilators work by desensitizing the central nervous system and by providing trigger point release (intentional pressure to points of muscular tension for the relief of pain, much like in your neck or shoulders),” says Robert Echenberg (MD). Vuvatech patented magnetic vaginal dilators were created for this purpose. The strategically placed magnets encourage blood to flow to the troublesome areas thus accelerating healing. They desensitize painful nerves and relax tension in the muscles and tissues. Here’s a take on vaginal dilators from Michael Krychman (MD), Marisa C. Liu (MD), and Daniel Meller (BS, MS on the Contemporary OB/GYN Journal): “These therapeutic medical devices (vaginal dilators) can be used by patients to effectively treat pelvic pain and anxiety related to intercourse. Proper usage is thought to recondition and facilitate an adaptive body/brain connection to eliminate anticipatory anxiety and pelvic discomfort or pain that women often experience in anticipation of intercourse.” Who needs vaginal dilators? Vaginal dilators are the answer to a surprising number of pelvic health conditions, from dyspareunia (painful sex) to vaginismus, vulvodynia, vaginal atrophy, vaginal stenosis and more. Jennifer Wilder (MD) and Emma McGeorge shed some more light on this: “Dilators can also be used by patients undergoing radiation for cervical, vaginal, endometrial, or uterine cancer to help prevent the treatment from altering the length/shape of the vaginal canal.” – Jennifer Wilder (MD) “People experiencing painful sex (dyspareunia) or vaginismus can use vaginal dilators to retrain the body to relax when presented with stimulus around the vulva and vaginal entrance (this is also known as desensitisation therapy). Dilators can help lessen pain and muscle spasms, and help people learn how to control, and relax, their pelvic floor muscles. They can also help a person warm up to sex if they’re feeling apprehensive or need to prepare their tissues and muscles,” Emma McGeorge, The Pelvic Hub We hope you found these experts’ quotes inspiring! If you’re still unsure about whether your condition warrants using vaginal dilators, Vuvatech will be happy to help. Feel free to use our search bar to find a library of articles and information relating to your condition, or drop us a line and we’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Dilator Company Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 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 Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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Tips for Successful Vaginal Dilator Treatment
Vaginal dilators have for a long time been considered one of the most effective treatments for a wide range of pelvic floor and sexual disorders. One of the most common reasons for using vaginal dilators is to restore normal sexual function, often including the reduction or elimination of pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia). Sexual health professionals are usually the first to recommend vaginal dilator treatment for women presenting with such symptoms. Vaginal dilators come in many forms, such as plastic, silicone, latex, and medical-grade materials. You can purchase them individually according to size requirements, or as a set. Some have special features, such as our patented range with strategically-placed magnets, which increase blood flow and sooth painful nerves. Dilators are able to create a brain-body connection that reduces the anxiety and pain associated with both the anticipation and the act of sexual intercourse for women with issues in this regard. Vaginal dilators are popular with postmenopausal women, those who have completed a course of cancer treatment (chemotherapy), and women with pelvic pain disorders such as vaginismus or vulvodynia. However this list is far from exhaustive, since dilators rehabilitate women suffering from a long list of pelvic conditions. Is vaginal dilator treatment always successful? Studies and statistics say that yes, vaginal dilator treatment is generally successful, and this is certainly confirmed by our customers, as you can see on our testimonials page. However, we recognize that ‘success’ is not always black and white. When managing and overcoming sensitive and complex conditions, it goes without saying that successful treatment can depend upon various factors. Similarly, what constitutes success can be very subjective – or you could say that there are degrees of success. Furthermore, there are no clinically proven standardized protocols for women who wish to use dilators, which leaves many guessing about the best ways to use their dilators for the most successful outcome. At VuvaTech we want to be sure that all of our customers get the best possible use from our products, so we have compiled some helpful data and tips on best use of vaginal dilators. Factors involved in successful vaginal dilator treatment Among the factors that contribute to successful dilator treatment are: Adopting effective tried-and-tested protocols Consistency and correct frequency of treatment Attitude (for example, compliance to protocols and the will to be persistent) Longevity of dilator treatment Quality of vaginal dilators and adjunctive treatments User behavior is a primary factor in optimal success, yet aside from the occasional clinical study, this is something all too often overlooked. For this reason there isn’t a huge amount of data out there on how user behavior affects the success of vaginal dilator treatment, nor how successful clinical assistance has been for those who sought it. Fortunately there is some, as outlined in this PubMed article on vaginal dilation, which summarizes the results of various other vaginal dilator research studies. The researchers reviewed and summarized 29 English articles to come to the conclusions therein. A large proportion of the summary data on user behavior was derived from early data from a 3-month survey of women using a vaginal dilator called ‘Milli’, an electronic dilator that gradually expands at a rate controlled by the patient. Patients described feeling emotions such as anxiety and frustration during the process, which is typical when starting out with vaginal dilators. Encouragingly they also indicated that using the dilators made them feel empowered and optimistic. We have used this information in conjunction with our wealth of experience on women’s sexual health issues and vaginal dilators to bring you insights into best practices when using vaginal dilators. Typical dilator user behaviors The PubMed article above indicated the following user behaviors on average: Patients used the vaginal dilators for an average of 2.72 days every week The average patient’s dilator session lasted for between 6 and 10 minutes 3% of patients dilated mostly in the evening time, or at bedtime, and 96.8% did so in the bedroom It is important to note that the above factors were not cited as being part of the trend toward improved patient outcomes. In our experience it is very important that dilators are used regularly, and that the session times are appropriate in length. Conversely, it is of no particular importance when and where you choose to dilate, except that it is wise to be in a private and comfortable setting so that you can relax fully. User behaviors that did indicate improved patient outcomes in the PubMed article were: Practicing mindfulness (meditation) Listening to soothing music Dilating for a period of more than 3 months Although watching TV or videos during vaginal dilator sessions was cited as a common user behavior, best results came from listening to soothing, relaxing music, and meditation. Our top tips for dilator success Based on our experience and feedback from customers who had success with our dilators, we recommend the following protocol to achieve the best results from your vaginal dilator treatment: Use your dilator at least 5 times per week, up to 7 times per week Use your dilator for between 20 and 30 minutes each time Use your dilator once or twice per day (you can decrease frequency once you see improvement) Continue using your dilator for as long as is necessary to drastically improve your condition, before dropping to a ‘maintenance frequency’ (e.g. once or twice per week ongoing, if needed) We know that it can be difficult to use a dilator for 20 minutes when you first start using them, so we recommend being persistent. Everyone progresses at different rates, and everyone has different pain levels and conditions to deal with. You will be able to tolerate the process much more easily with time. It is important to keep at it, doing it for as long as you can stand it until you work your way up to the 30-minute mark. As the PubMed article mentions, listening to soothing music or meditating while you use your dilator will bring about the best results, mainly because this puts your mind and body in a relaxed state so that you are more able to move past your comfort zone. Adjunctive treatments worth considering are vaginal moisturizers and personal lubricants, local estrogen products (if prescribed by a doctor), and pelvic floor physical therapy with a recommended practitioner if you are not improving over time. It is worth noting that in the study using the Milli dilators, over 70% of participants were using them with no direct guidance from a qualified clinician, suggesting that optimal results are often achieved without this. To summarize, provided that you are persistent with your vaginal dilator treatment and dilate regularly, use quality products while using relaxation aids (if needed), and incorporate beneficial adjunctive treatments into your protocol, there is no reason you won’t achieve excellent results! Liu M, Juravic M, Mazza G, et al. Vaginal Dilators: Issues and Answers. Sex Med Rev 2020;XX:XXX-XXX. VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 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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Vulvodynia Exercises Besides Dilators
Given that around 1 in 4 women are victims of sexual pain and dysfunction, it’s safe to say that too many women are suffering. Vulvodynia is not an easy condition to deal with, but studies conclude that up to 28% of adult females have it at some point. Vulvodynia pain can adversely affect wellbeing, physical comfort and your relationships… so naturally you’ll want to do everything in your power to distance yourself from this troublesome and painful problem once and for all. Many women use vaginal dilators as part of their treatment for vulvodynia, and there’s no doubt that they can bring great results. Chronic pain does not have to be a way of life, but the reality is that it can take time and effort to overcome the symptoms of vulvodynia. We wanted to help by recommending a few vulvodynia exercises besides dilators, which you can read about in this article. Which exercises will relieve vulvodynia symptoms? The fact is that you can get great relief from vulvodynia pain through various methods. Some of the favored treatments for vulvodynia are multi-modal therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy, both of which consist of helpful exercises under the guidance of a trained professional. When it comes to exercises for vulvodynia besides dilators, you will be focusing on the pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor dysfunction commonly exacerbates (and sometimes causes) vulvodynia. However, if you have vulvodynia it is important to recognize the reason for your pelvic floor dysfunction so that you choose the right types of exercises. This could mean the difference between healing or worsening the problem; it’s easy to assume that strengthening kegels are the answer, but actually there are times when kegels might be a bad idea. For instance, pelvic floor muscle weakness (known as a hypotonic pelvic floor) could be contributing to your symptoms. In that case you would want to strengthen the pelvic floor to find relief… but the thing is that a tight pelvic floor (hypertonic) is more commonly behind the problem. So instead of strengthening exercises, a hypertonic pelvic floor requires relaxation exercises. Your best bet is to have a professional (such as a pelvic floor physical therapist) assess you before embarking on any particular type of exercises. Vulvodynia exercises besides dilators Since a hypertonic pelvic floor is most likely, we’ll take a look at exercises for relaxing your pelvic floor muscles first. You may have increased tone, which can result in depleted blood flow and oxygen to your pelvic floor muscles. In turn this can cause accumulation of lactic acid. The lactic acid might be causing your vulvar pain, burning sensations and tenderness. Other indicators of a tight pelvic floor are dyspareunia (painful sex) urinary problems or constipation, hemorrhoids or anal fissures. Exercises to relax the pelvic floor Pelvic floor stretches and abdominal breathing are great for relaxing your pelvic floor. Some of the best stretches are actually yoga poses, such as: Child’s pose Cobra pose Garland pose Happy baby pose Bound angle pose Half Lord of the Fishes pose If you’re not familiar with yoga postures, we have made a step-by-step guide to these pelvic floor stretches. We hope you find it useful! You might also want to read about the best abdominal breathing techniques, which you can find here in our article on how to relax the pelvic floor. Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor If you do have problems with pelvic floor muscle weakness, you will want to do strengthening kegels instead (different protocols of squeezing and releasing). Electronic kegels can also be great vulvodynia exercises besides dilators, although you may need to visit a pelvic floor PT for these. An electronic pelvic toner stimulates nerves for pain relief, and is sometimes used in conjunction with vaginal probes or skin electrodes on your ankle or lower back. Another option (which might be part of your pelvic floor physical therapy) would be biofeedback with pelvic floor exercises. The electrical biofeedback machine scores your muscles strength while you squeeze a vaginal probe. If you are someone who does need to strengthen your pelvic floor, this can help you to perform kegels more effectively, as well as monitoring your progress. Once you have understood the cause of your tight pelvic floor, you’ll be ready to start your vulvodynia exercises. You may find that doing these in conjunction with vaginal dilators is beneficial too, of course. If so, feel free to get in touch if you would like any advice on the dilators in our range. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 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 Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain.
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Painful intercourse medical term: dyspareunia causes, treatments
For most people, the medical term for painful intercourse, dyspareunia is unfamiliar. For those who suffer from pelvic pain, you're all too familiar. Dyspareunia is when women experience pain during vaginal penetration, a pelvic exam, or even when inserting a tampon. The penetration pain can occur before, during, or after sexual activity. While it's a more significant concern in women's health, men can have dyspareunia, too. Symptoms Sexual pain symptoms can vary from person to person. The penetration pain may be felt in the vagina, bladder, or urethra. It may come with an aching, itching, or burning sensation. Some sufferers report a feeling similar to menstrual cramps (a stabbing pain). The pain may occur: during or after intercourse when penetrated deep in the pelvis during sexual activity when inserting a tampon after pain-free intercourse happens only with certain people or situations Causes of dyspareunia Determining the underlying cause can be difficult for those with dyspareunia. Sometimes there's no discernible reason, and other times it's connected to a physical condition or emotional state. Medical professions can divide the pain into two categories: outer and inner pain. Outer pain If you experience entry pain in the vaginal genitals or anus, then this is dyspareunia outer pain. The causes of pain in the outer area may come from different conditions. Vulvodynia This condition is unexplained chronic pain at the vaginal entrance that lasts more than three months. When the pain is around the vaginal opening, it's also known as vulvar vestibulitis. The burning pain associated with vulvodynia makes sitting for long periods or sexual intercourse unbearable. Lack of lubrication Experiencing painful intercourse may come from a lack of lubrication. The reasons for the feminine dryness may come from various reasons, including: not enough foreplay breastfeeding smoking excessive stress cancer treatment (pelvic radiation) rigorous exercise removal of the ovaries taking birth control Inflammation, skin disorder or infection Dyspareunia may be caused by inflammation, skin disorders, or infections. Inflammation makes the vaginal skin tight, sore and throbbing leading to painful intercourse. Skin disorders, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause painful bumps and itching in the genital area. When scratched or rubbed against, the condition worsens. Vaginial infections, including urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted diseases, can cause dyspareunia as well. Vaginismus This condition is uncontrollable muscle spasms in the pelvic floor muscles. It can make it impossible for any penetration from sexual activity, tampon insertion, or undergoing a gynecological exam. Congenital abnormality While rare, women may have a congenital abnormality that makes sexual intercourse painful, including a retroverted uterus or vaginal agenesis. Vaginal agenesis is when women have an incomplete or missing vagina. Congenital concerns can affect the genitals, vulva, cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. The diagnosis may occur at birth, during puberty, or when becoming sexually active. Inner pain Pain during intercourse may have deep pain inside the vagina or anus that has a severe impact on sexual health. While the exact cause can be hard to determine, the following factors may play a role. Certain illnesses or conditions Dyspareunia may have a direct link to physical causes and conditions, including: interstitial cystitis pelvic inflammatory disease ovarian cyst endometriosis irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) hemorrhoids If you suspect you're experiencing any of these illnesses, speak to your healthcare professional as soon as possible. Menopause Menopause is a period in a woman's life when her reproductive years come to an end. While a normal part of the life cycle, the leading cause is plummeting estrogen levels. Estrogen is the female hormone responsible for many essential functions, including fertility and the menstrual cycle. It also helps with lubrication, supple skin, and feeling balanced. Living with depleted estrogen levels results in vaginal dryness for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Surgeries or medical treatments If you've had pelvic surgery, you may have had surgeries or treatments that affect the vaginal wall. Breast cancer or prostate cancer treatments usually include pelvic radiation to remove and prevent cancer cells from returning. Pelvic floor radiation can change the shape of the vagina and leave the vaginal walls dry and papery, making sexual intercourse extremely painful. Emotional factors The cause of painful intercourse may come from emotional factors, including psychological issues and stress. Both can wreak havoc with your sex life. Psychological problems may stem from a history of sexual abuse or experiencing a traumatic event, such as a physical assault or attack. When you experience sexual abuse, it can have long term effects on sexual behavior and satisfaction. Stress from your job, family, or mental health may make sex painful, as well. Diagnosis & treatment options The first step is to see your health care practitioner for a diagnosis. Your doctor takes a complete medical history, conducts a pelvic examination, and may send vaginal samples off for testing; it may be that two conditions may be the cause. In that case, you need a differential diagnosis to determine which one is causing dyspareunia. Undergoing behavioral therapy Decreasing pain associated with dyspareunia may happen with therapy. Popular choices are cognitive therapy, sex therapy, or desensitization therapy. Therapists give you medical advice and treatments to overcome female sexual pain through talk therapy, mental health exercises, biofeedback. Vaginal dilators One of the best health solutions for treating painful sex in women and men is vaginal dilators or trainers. Vaginal dilators are tube-shaped devices that resemble a sex toy but are proven medical treatment for dyspareunia. America's safest dilator company, VuVatech, offers dilators in various sizes to help ease the searing pain and discomfort associated with painful sexual intercourse. In the privacy of your own home, you use vaginal dilators to stretch and relieve painful vaginal tissue and walls. There are no side effects of using vaginal dilators, and treatment is at your speed and comfort level. Thousands of people trust VuVatech dilators as one of the best home remedies for dyspareunia. In a double-blind placebo study by Physician Care Clinical Research, 80% of all participants reported a reduction in pain after undergoing treatment with VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Try vaginal dilators today, to help you overcome dyspareunia. 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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Vulvodynia Treatment: Causes, Symptoms & Care
Are you looking for a vulvodynia treatment that works? For years, you've tried everything to reduce the burning and stinging associated with vulvodynia, but haven't been able to find relief. You're not alone. Eight percent of all women afflicted with vulvodynia never find a cure for that pelvic pain. While 8% may not seem like a large number at first, it translates into over 13 million women in the United States having to bear the vulvar pain of vulvodynia. (1) Vulvodynia places a significant hardship on emotional wellbeing, society, the health care system, and significant others. In this article, we'll discuss vulvodynia treatment, causes, symptoms, and care to relieve pain for the millions of women suffering in silence. What is vulvodynia? According to the National Vulvodynia Association, vulvodynia is chronic pelvic pain in the vulva with no known etiology for three months or longer. (2) Women with vulvodynia report varying levels of chronic pain in different places in the vulva. In some cases, women experience pain solely in one area of the vulvar tissue, referred to as localized vulvodynia. The specific pain points may include the external genitals like the clitoris or the vestibule (vaginal opening). Generalized vulvodynia is when the pain occurs on the entire vulva. The severity and constancy of the pain varies, too. It can be chronic, during certain activities such as sexual intercourse or when applying pressure while inserting a tampon. Also, the pain can be present with or without touch. When discussing the pain with their health care professionals, women often don't report it as pain, but rather as stabbing, rawness, burning, itching, and tearing. How is vulvodynia treated? The American College of Obstetricians says vulvodynia treatment should be individualized and can be treated by one or more of the followings ways: (3) pelvic floor physical therapy with vaginal dilation medications including oral, topical, and injectable biofeedback training dietary changes sexual counseling cognitive behavioral therapy surgery Relieving pain with vaginal dilation The American Family of Physicians states that physical therapy may help relax and strengthen pelvic muscles. (4) Vaginal Dilator Therapy is a type of physical therapy that uses vaginal dilators to treat and cure vulvodynia. In a clinical trial by the Physician Care Clinical Research, 80% of all women reported less pelvic pain using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators help stretch and lengthen the vagina naturally. Each dilator has Neodymium magnets that help pull fresh oxygenated blood to pelvic floor muscles and surrounding nerves. It creates a positive energy field that draws out any acidity in the pelvic floor. The nourishing energy rejuvenates the nerve endings to promote faster healing while soothing pain. Over 30,000 women around the world, suffering from vulvodynia and other pelvic pain conditions, have found relief with VuVatech vaginal dilators. The pelvic floor physical therapy happens in the privacy of your home without a physical therapist, at a pace that works for you. What are the causes of vulvodynia? The exact cause of vulvodynia is unknown. It isn't caused by an underlying condition, such as a sexually transmitted disease, skin disease, or cancer. Each woman is different, but the following factors increase the risk of vulvodynia. It's also essential to remember that one or more of these factors may be working together. (5) Inflammation and tenderness in the vulva Damaging and weakening of the vulva nerves Genetic predisposition Environmental allergic reactions to certain foods or chemicals Long-term exposure to infection or trauma Hormonal changes due to menopause or birth control Debilitation of the pelvic floor muscles Provoked vestibulodynia may occur from having sexual activity, a pelvic exam, and prolonged sitting. Horseback riding and wearing tight clothing may also "provoke" the pain. Other risk factors include undergoing pelvic radiation therapy. Pelvic radiation therapy is a treatment for women with certain types of cancers, including the breast and cervix. The process can cause painful scarring and shortening of the vagina. When this happens, the vaginal tissue becomes thin, dry, and tight. What are the symptoms of vulvodynia? Vulvodynia symptoms vary from person to person, but characteristics include an itching, irritating, burning, or stinging sensation. The vulvar tissue may give the appearance of being inflamed or may look normal. It’s thought that vulvodynia is a neuropathic pain, which means the surrounding nerve fibers in the vulvar send irregular messages. Hypersensitive nerve endings are a result. While vulvodynia isn't life-threatening, it can prevent women from engaging in ordinary or everyday activities. In some cases, it can lead to depression. How to care for vulvodynia? Women with vulvar pain do have options for care. Using vaginal dilators to stretch the vagina is a safe and effective way to treat the pain syndrome associated with vulvodynia. Women can also help ease and prevent symptoms by making dietary and lifestyle choices. Clothing choices: Try to wear 100% cotton underwear, avoid tight underpants and pants, and forgo wearing underwear at night. Personal care choices: Avoid products (shampoos, perfumes, detergents, deodorants) with fragrances, dyes, and chemicals that may irritate the skin and vulva. Bathing considerations: Don't clean the vulva with anything but water and after bathing dry thoroughly. You can also apply petroleum jelly or preservative-free oil to help preserve skin moisture and nourish the skin. Sexual activities: You can use lubricants during sexual intercourse, but don't use flavored oils or ones with a cooling or warming sensation. Also, add more foreplay into your sexual routine to help with penetration. Other care tips: After going to the bathroom, rinse and dry the vulva. Also, avoid douching or applying anything inside the vagina that might irritate. Switch sanitary pads to 100% cotton pads to prevent irritation. Another way to soothe vulvodynia symptoms is to apply cool gel packs to the vulva. How is vulvodynia diagnosed? Scheduling an appointment with your doctor or gynecologist is the best way to diagnose vulvodynia. During the first meeting, your physician will ask you personal questions regarding your health and pain symptoms. It's essential to gain a full picture of your particular situation. In most cases, the doctor will use a cotton swab to test for pain points in the vulvar. Your doctor wants to determine how mild or how severe the vulvar pain is for you. The swab test can be the most stressful part of the exam. Your doctor may order additional tests to rule out a yeast infection or sexually transmitted disease by taking a sample of vaginal discharge. If you're suffering from vulvodynia, it's time to find a cure that works for you. Using vaginal dilators daily can help provide long-lasting relief. When you’re ready, we can help you. 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 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014358/ https://www.nva.org/what-is-vulvodynia/ https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Gynecologic-Practice/Persistent-Vulvar-Pain https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0315/p1561.html https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189076.php#treatment
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