Care
Is it OK to Use Dilators During Your Period?
One question we get asked a lot here at Vuvatech is whether it is OK to use dilators during your period. The simple answer is, yes! You absolutely can. In fact, we feel that your period is actually a good time to use dilators. This is mainly because of the increased blood flow to the vagina, which often makes it easier to progress to a larger dilator size without discomfort. Many women say that when their flow is heavier at the start, their vaginas seem wider, so they experience less pain when dilating. On top of this (although we know it may not sound hugely appealing!) the menstrual blood provides lubrication, so you won’t need to use as much lube. We know you may have a few more questions regarding dilating during your menstrual cycle, so we will cover as many aspects of dilating on your period as possible in this article: When to use dilators during your period Although many women actually find it easier to dilate at the start of their period, others may find that they are more sensitive at this time, or are put off by a heavy flow. You don’t have to use dilators during the heaviest flow if you don’t want to; don’t worry even if you’re on a dilating protocol, a couple of days off shouldn’t make any difference to your progress. Some women prefer not to use the vaginal dilator for the first two or three days, but will resume dilating when their flow lessens. If you do find that your vagina feels a little tighter after missing a few days, you can use a smaller vaginal dilator and work your way back up. You may wish to try sleeping with a dilator inserted, as many women do. If so, to minimize mess from any leaks, it could be an idea to put a towel down or use a sanitary pad if possible. See Product See Product See Product See Product Use dilators during your period for easier tampon insertion When you use dilators during your period you may actually find that this makes it easier to transition to using tampons – perhaps immediately afterwards. Many women with vaginismus or vulvodynia are unable to use tampons easily, but successfully using a vaginal dilator while you’re menstruating can really help you to release apprehension around tampon use. See Product See Product See Product See Product Don’t cancel your pelvic floor physical therapy appointment If you have an appointment for pelvic floor physical therapy, there is no need to cancel your appointment just because you’re on your period. Your therapist may actually be able to better progress your tolerance during this time, for the reasons we mentioned above. Most pelvic floor work shouldn’t be affected by your period flow, and your therapist will be accustomed to this! Hygiene practices for dilator use It’s easy to maintain hygiene when you use dilators during your period. Firstly, our range of vaginal dilators is non-porous, so none of the dilators will retain any blood or bacteria. You simply need to wash them properly with warm, soapy water after use. While actually using your dilator, you could do it in the bathtub (no water necessary) or on a towel. It shouldn’t be a problem – we all know well that periods can be a little messy, but any mess is easy to contain and cleaning your dilators is standard protocol. Well, hopefully it’s now clear that it’s absolutely fine to use dilators during your period. If you have any questions about dilator use or anything else sexual health related, feel free to take a look around our informative blog or give us a shout! 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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Walking to Relax the Pelvic Floor: It’s the ‘How’ that Counts
Women with pelvic floor problems come to Vuvatech for assistance, and as we love to help in any way we can, we thought it was about time we addressed one of the questions we are often asked. Does walking relax the pelvic floor? The simple is answer is yes, but there’s a fine line between relaxation and contraction when it comes to the pelvic floor muscles. If you’re going to use walking as a relaxation strategy, how you walk is very important. Read on to make sure you’re walking to relax the pelvic floor, rather than strengthening it: Walking to relax the pelvic floor muscles Walk daily, but don’t run If you’ve got symptoms of a tight pelvic floor, a daily walk can do you the world of good. However, walk too briskly and you risk actually tightening the pelvic floor even more. We recommend taking a gentle stroll of 20 minutes or more, but keeping it under 2 kilometers. That’s because if you get tired or overwork your muscles, the exercise may have the opposite effect to that intended. Never walk when you’re already tired, as your pelvic floor will be more susceptible to fatigue and strain. The key word is gentle, so no treadmills, and definitely no running. Running will force your core muscles to spring into action, which could even be one of the reasons your pelvic floor is tight in the first place. If you have the option, some gentle water walking (i.e. walking in water) would be even better as this supports your pelvis and helps you to maintain good posture. When walking to relax the pelvic floor, remember that progressive, low-impact exercises will be much more beneficial for tight kegel muscles than anything exertive. Always pay close attention to your stride; if your heel is landing first and you’re pushing off from spread toes, you’re doing it right. Step away from the high heels Much as we might live the way they make us look, high heels are a disaster for our posture. They force us into unnatural positions, and as a result, our muscles have to work hard to compensate. The result is - you guessed it - constriction. If we rarely walk anywhere, and when we do it’s in heels, we are asking for pelvic floor trouble. It’s a fact that simple, flat shoes will help your pelvic floor to relax and stay in proper alignment. Heels force our body to lean forwards, and our whole frame is out of alignment. Our knees, ankles and lower spine will feel the strain, and our poor muscles… all their efforts have to go into stopping us from falling over! It’s so much better to walk in comfortable flat shoes, or even barefoot if you can. Walking barefoot in the grass or on the earth actually has lots of benefits. Known as grounding (or earthing), it will surely help you to recharge and relax your whole body. It’s vital that we are mindful about the ways we are impacting our pelvic floor, because when things get out of whack, we really know about it. Fortunately there are lots of other ways to ensure you relax your pelvic floor muscles, as we covered those in another article. We hope you find that helpful too! Do you need exercises to relax the pelvic floor? Click here for a quick pelvic floor stretch routine. See Product See Product See Product See Product 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 See Product See Product See Product See Product
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How Do You Relax Your Pelvic Floor Muscles?
There is a lot of talk out there about strengthening pelvic floor muscles (kegel exercises), and with good reason. Many women have issues due to loose pelvic floor muscles, but there are also plenty of women struggling with a tight pelvic floor too. In fact, it’s possible for the pelvic floor to get so tight that the muscles actually end up weakening, since they’re always working too hard. Muscle constriction is not only uncomfortable – it’s exhausting! So how do you relax your pelvic floor muscles? It’s a good question. Fortunately we have some answers for you. Firstly, it’s important to note that kegel exercises will perhaps do more harm than good if the muscles are weakened due to excessive constriction. Constriction can happen in the pelvic joints (sacroiliac and pubic symphysis), and the muscles of the groin, abdomen and lower back. It can also occur in the hamstrings, buttocks, and iliotibial band. This article will take a look at signs of a tight pelvic floor, how you can relax it, and what to do when you need further help: Signs you need to relax your pelvic floor muscles Your body will always let you know if things aren’t working right, and muscles are usually the first to complain! Here’s what you need to look out for: Chronic/persistent pelvic pain Sudden and frequent urges to pee (even with a relatively empty bladder) Urine doesn’t start flowing easily The feeling that you haven’t fully emptied your bladder Constipation Pain in the coccyx (tailbone) Dyspareunia (painful sex) Your pelvic floor muscles regulate continence and help to support the pelvis and lower back. When the muscles around the core are weak or dysfunctional, the rest of your pelvic floor muscles will have to overcompensate for this dysfunction. Unfortunately those muscles may then become dysfunctional too! See Product See Product See Product See Product How can you relax your pelvic floor muscles? We recommend ruling out any major issues by checking in with your Doctor first. If it seems that there are no underlying medical conditions to be dealt with, you can set about relaxing your pelvic floor by doing a range of pelvic floor stretches and breathing techniques: Abdominal breathing Abdominal breathing means simply deep breathing and directing the breath to the abdomen. Here’s how: Lie on your back with bent knees. Put one hand on the chest and the other on the abdomen Deeply inhale while picturing your abdomen inflating like a balloon. If done right, the top hand stays still and the lower hand rises Move your breath downward while lowering your pelvic floor region, with the intention of allowing it to relax and open up Don’t pause between breaths: instead, allow one breath to move smoothly into the next Exhale slowly and gently until all air is released, first from the ribs and finally from the pelvic floor Both your in and out breaths should be held for at least 3 seconds. Repeating this for 5 minutes every day should really help you to relax your pelvic floor muscles. Pelvic floor muscles stretches There are various stretches you can do to relax the pelvic floor. Such exercises help to stretch out the muscles of the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. You will find most of them in yin-style yoga classes too, which is something you might want to consider taking up if you haven’t already! Since we already have a section on pelvic floor stretches, we’ll direct you to that for full descriptions of the exercises (and images for you to check your positioning against). The page will take you through easy stretches to relax your pelvic floor, including child’s pose, cobra pose, happy baby pose and more. These are all aimed at stretching out the abdomen, hips, lower back and thighs, and you should get a great deal of relief from them. What to do when your pelvic floor won’t relax If you’ve tried the above strategies and still can’t relax your pelvic floor muscles fully, it might be time to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. Pelvic floor therapy has many benefits, and as you’ll be in the hands of a professional they’ll be able to locate the problem areas and causes. They’ll also be able to use a range of techniques to help you relax the tight muscles. The bottom line is that a healthy pelvic floor sometimes requires daily discipline to keep things functioning as they should be. We women often have crazy schedules, personal juggling acts and fluctuating stress levels… and unfortunately the pelvic floor is one area of the body that will respond negatively to this. However, there is always a solution to help you relax your pelvic floor muscles - we hope you found it here! 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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Vaginal Expanders: When and How to Use Dilation Therapy
Are you experiencing painful vaginal penetration during sexual intercourse? If so, you’re not alone. Female sexual medicine research shows that 43% of women experience some form of sexual dysfunction. The good news is that vaginal expanders can treat sexual issues. Vaginal expanders improve sexual activities naturally without any side effects. What are vaginal expanders? The more common name for vaginal expanders is vaginal dilators. Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe vaginal dilators to help stretch and lengthen your vagina. For many different reasons (physiological and psychological), your vaginal tissue has become tight and sore or constricts uncontrollably before, during, or after intercourse. What is dilation therapy? Dilation therapy consists of using vaginal expanders to open the vaginal area slowly. The treatment occurs in the privacy of your home and may take a few weeks or months before genuine improvement occurs. Clinical research shows that dilation therapy works by improving the elasticity of your pelvic floor muscles over some time. When to use dilation therapy? In sexual medicine, there are many reasons women may need dilation therapy. For some women, the cause of painful sex is unclear. For others, cancer treatment is the source, but regardless of "why," vaginal dilation therapy has helped countless women. When to use dilation therapy depends on your healthcare provider's advice, but generally prescribed when you have one of the following conditions. Vaginal stenosis Vaginal stenosis is a side effect of having pelvic floor radiation treatment or radiation therapy as a cancer treatment. It can also occur from having genital surgery. According to the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, women usually undergo vagina and sexual changes after cancer treatment. The procedures cause a lack of vaginal flexibility and narrowing of the vagina, resulting in possible scar tissue and vaginal atrophy (dryness). When this happens vaginal penetration of any kind may come with severe pain, throbbing or even a burning sensation. Vaginismus Vaginismus is an involuntary spasm or contraction of the pelvic floor muscles. The reasons for vaginismus may be physical or psychological but regardless cause pelvic pain. There are two classifications of vaginismus— primary and secondary. Sexual medicine classifies primary vaginismus as being present throughout a woman's life. Perhaps, the sexual dysfunction didn't become apparent until she had her first pap smear or tried to have sex for the first time. Primary vaginismus makes sexual penetration extremely painful or impossible. Secondary vaginismus begins after a woman has had an active sex life, and suddenly sexual intercourse becomes painful. The causes for this might be having a traumatic experience or relationship/emotional issues. Or no direct link is apparent. Vaginismus is more common than people understand and is nothing to be ashamed about experiencing. Menopause symptoms Menopause is a change in hormone levels that usually occurs when a woman is in her early 50s. It's a natural part of life and signals the end of a woman's reproductive years — symptoms of menopause cause night sweats, insomnia, weight gain, vaginal dryness, and more. Conventional treatment for menopause is hormone therapy; although, this has become controversial in the last few years. Decreasing estrogen levels can cause vaginal tissues to become dryer and thinner, resulting in pain and sexual problems. Dilator therapy can help ease these symptoms. How to use dilation therapy? Dilator therapy is easier than you think. It's important to note that vaginal dilators are not sex toys or vibrators, but medical devices used to help women overcome painful vaginal penetration and sexual problems. How to use dilation therapy depends on each person, but generally, the following steps help ensure success. See Product See Product See Product See Product Dilation therapy steps Step One The first step in dilation therapy is to choose high-quality vaginal dilators. The dilator size you want depends on how much pain you can stand when inserting it. It's best to start with the smallest sized dilator when beginning treatment. VuVa™ Dilators come in single packages, but also combo or full set. Vaginal dilators also come in medical-grade plastic, soft silicone, and can have Neodymium magnets. Once you've chosen the right dilator, you're ready for dilation therapy. Step two Vaginal dilators encourage muscle relaxation. When you begin treatment, choose a quiet, private place for therapy. Privacy helps your mind and muscles relax. Step three Before using the dilator, wash it thoroughly with soap and water. Dry the dilator entirely before beginning. Step four Lay in a comfortable position on your back with your knees raised. Add a liberal amount of water-based lubricant to the dilator. Personal lubricants help ease the pain of inserting the dilator. Step five Slowly insert the dilator as far as you can comfortably. You don't want to cause yourself too much pain and discomfort, but it's therapy, so you need to push yourself a little for vaginal dilators to work overtime. Step six Keep the vaginal dilator inserted for 2-30 minutes or for as long as you're comfortable with doing. At first, you may only be able to stand a few minutes, and you may want to quit. This is normal. Sexual problems bring up intense physical and emotional pain. Sex therapists recommend practicing deep breathing and remember that this too shall pass. You must lie on your back during treatment. Don't try to move or walk around. Walking around may cause more pain and not recommended at all with vaginal dilators. Step seven After each session, clean and dry your vaginal dilator. Please keep it in a safe and dry place. When you're ready to start treatment again, you can use the same size dilator as before or increase the size as you progress. As part of treatment, you may experience some mild bleeding afterward. Spotting is normal, but if the problem persists, consult with your doctor. Also, peeing after taking out the dilator helps prevent uterine tract infections (UTI). While this is uncommon, the Sloan Kettering Cancer Treatment Center recommends this as a prevention method. Is dilation therapy right for me? Female sexuality is beautiful and intricate. Dilation therapy is a safe and natural way to help overcome sexual problems associated with painful vaginal penetration. The choice is up to you. When you're ready to experience the power of sexual healing, try VuVa™ Dilators. You’ll be amazed at how trans formative the experience can be for you.
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Lichen Sclerosus Treatment Tips Worth Knowing About
For women who have been diagnosed with Lichen sclerosus, functioning in every day life can be both frustrating and painful. Dealing with constant inflammation, itching and pain in the genital region also has the knock-on effect of causing worry and anxiety. On top of this, lichen sclerosus sufferers are prone to thickening and scarring of the skin, leading to further complications. We have previously written in detail about the characteristics, symptoms and causes of lichen sclerosus, so rather than repeat ourselves, this article will simply highlight some of the lichen sclerosus treatment options that have helped other women. There may not currently be a cure for this challenging condition, but rest assured there are ways to manage and prevent flare-ups. Unfortunately, it rarely gets better without some form of treatment, and recurrences are common. In some instances it is necessary to see a Doctor - especially if you have an advanced case. Doctors can recommend treatments, and there are also things you can do yourself. Read on for top tips on treating lichen sclerosus: Lichen sclerosis treatment via prescribed medication or surgery If you need to get treatment, don’t wait around. Some women are shy about it because of the nature of the condition, but Doctors are familiar with it. Treatment should help to reduce inflammation and itching, as well as improving appearance of the skin and preventing future scarring. See Product See Product See Product See Product Topical medications prescribed by a Doctor Corticosteroid ointments and creams (containing cortisone) are one of the most common lichen sclerosus topical treatments. They are usually applied twice per day for a few weeks, after which time your Doctor is likely to ask you to reduce frequency of application, as this prevents flare-ups. If corticosteroid creams are working as intended, you may be given a tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment instead. Another possibility is Dermovate, a strong steroid ointment or cream. Some women have reported itching after using this cream; if that happens, ask your Doctor for the ointment before trying a different treatment. Note that some women report irritation caused by prescribed by other medications too, so it’s important to ask your Doctor to change it if this happens. What’s more, after extended periods of use, cortisone creams can lead to thinning of the skin, so your Doctor will want to monitor you to ensure this isn’t happening. However, thinning of the skin is not particularly likely since lichen sclerosus usually thickens the skin in the first place. Surgery for lichen sclerosus Generally, surgery is avoided unless totally necessary. Not only is it painful; it’s not guaranteed to prevent further recurrences of the condition either. Despite this, in some instances women with severe scarring and tightening of the vagina are given surgery to divide adhesions or reopen the vaginal entrance. For the latter issue, before thinking about surgery it may be useful to try out vaginal dilators as a method of retaining vaginal capacity. We’ll cover that in more detail below. Lichen sclerosis treatment: Natural and DIY Showering, bathing and hygiene When showering or bathing it is a good idea to use organic and chemical free products that are less likely to irritate your lichen sclerosus or cause flare-ups. For example, some women find that gentle products such as Weleda calendula shampoo and body wash are mild enough not to cause problems. After showering or bathing, applying a barrier cream of some kind can be helpful. These are also good to use before and after urinating, to prevent the urine from irritating the skin. Lots of women use petroleum jelly or aqueous creams without issue, but if you find (as some do) that such creams irritate you, try soaking in Emulsiderm for a few minutes after washing – even daily if you need to. This is an antimicrobial cutaneous emulsion/water additive, and you can add it to a sitz bath or portable potty for convenience, rather than filling a bathtub each time. You may also find that using a vaginal moisturizer regularly can help. Stick with hormone-free ones like Replens, which your Doctor may be able to prescribe if needed; it also comes in handy pre-filled wands. See Product See Product See Product See Product Improving intimacy Intimacy can also be a bit of a problem, of course; you may benefit from lichen sclerosus treatment in the form of non-irritating, water-based lubricants to ease friction and stay moisturized during sex. You may also benefit from using vaginal dilators if you are finding that sex is painful. Vuvatech Vaginal Dilators can help you to become accustomed with the feeling of penetration, thus reducing pain during intercourse. Dilators can stretch out the tissue relaxing and relax the muscles; they also prevent the birth canal from closing or tightening because of scarring. Dressing for comfort It’s also helpful to wearing loose, unrestrictive clothing if you have lichen sclerosus. Tight clothing made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are likely to cause flare-ups and exacerbate irritation. We recommend wearing underwear made from all-natural materials like 100% cotton, bamboo or silk, as these are far less likely to make your symptoms worse. They’ll also allow the area to breathe. We hope you have found our lichen sclerosus treatment tips helpful. We are here to help however we can, so do get in touch if you have any questions and check out the other articles in our women’s health blog. Thanks for reading!
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What is the MonaLisa Touch Procedure and is it Safe?
Have you heard about the MonaLisa Touch procedure? This treatment, marketed as a ‘vaginal rejuvenation’ procedure, is aimed at women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms that may be negatively impacting their vaginal function. It aims to correct or prevent vaginal atrophy using a fractional CO2 laser that targets the tissue of the vaginal mucosa. In younger women, it is said to be able to tighten stretched vaginal tissue (vaginal laxity) caused by childbirth. The MonaLisa Touch is labeled a painless, minimally invasive procedure that is over in a matter of minutes, and with no side effects. The laser stimulates collagen production in the tissues of the vagina mucosa in order to improve the balance of the mucous membrane and restore proper functionality of the vagina. See Product See Product See Product See Product Why is the MonaLisa touch used for vaginal atrophy? When women get older (and particularly after the menopause) their estrogen levels drop. This can lead to vaginal atrophy – in other words, the decline of your vaginal tissues, and its functionality. The tissues can start to thin and are likely to become dry. As a result, they may be prone to inflammation, as well as itching, burning and possibly bleeding. Post-menopausal women may also experience any of the following symptoms: Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) Lichen sclerosus Urinary tract infections (sometimes chronic) Stress urinary incontinence (leaking after sneezing, coughing or laughing) The laser stimulates the formation of new blood vessels in the vagina, which increases collagen and elastin production (the two proteins responsible for strength and elasticity in the vaginal tissues); by reactivating the collagen production, the vaginal mucosa is able to return to its previous state. The MonaLisa Touch procedure also aims to restore estrogen levels within the vaginal tissues. These processes are what prevent or improve the above post-menopausal or post-childbirth symptoms. What happens after the MonaLisa Touch procedure? Tissue regeneration begins immediately and lasts for several weeks. Positive results are reported to be common soon after the initial treatment, including hydrated mucosa tissue, thicker epithelium and a tightened, toned vagina with more elasticity in the skin. The procedure also aims to restore the pH of the vagina, thus minimizing the risk of infections. See Product See Product See Product See Product Is laser vaginal rejuvenation really safe? Although apparently quick and painless at the time of the procedure, the FDA has not approved the MonaLisa Touch – in fact, it has warned several companies against marketing this laser treatment as ‘vaginal rejuvenation’, labeling it deceptive and dangerous. It seems that the laser treatment was only permitted for use with conditions such as cancer, warts and surgical procedures (including hysterectomies). However, some companies were going ahead and using radio frequency devices for vaginal rejuvenation despite approval only being given for dermatological use (specifically on wrinkles and eyelids). The FDA does not consider destroying or reshaping the vaginal tissues a safe method of rejuvenation. It deems the treatment as incredibly risky, going by what FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb said: “These products have serious risks and don’t have adequate evidence to support their use for these purposes. We are deeply concerned women are being harmed.” The FDA says that so far, it has received 14 reports of adverse reactions to laser vaginal rejuvenation procedures, including burns, burning sensations, scarring and significant post-treatment pain. Since it cannot determine exactly how risky the MonaLisa Touch procedure is, it has not been approved. If you’re considering this treatment as a solution for vaginal atrophy, it may be worth thinking again. There are other vaginal atrophy solutions that won’t put you at risk – vaginal dilators and pelvic floor physical therapy are two options you may want to try before doing anything drastic and potentially irreversible.
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Why is my Vagina So Tight?
I can do something about this? If you’ve been wondering why your vagina feels too tight, and if this is normal or not, the chances are that there is probably something wrong. Whether it is normal is another question entirely – in a way, it is normal, as the problem is a lot more common than may be obvious. However, it is still a problem; if your vagina is too tight and this is causing you pain during examinations, inserting tampons or sexual intercourse, you may be suffering from vaginismus. Vaginismus is a genito–pelvic pain and penetration disorder that affects many women around the world. If you are experiencing involuntary contraction of your vaginal muscles at the thought of any form of penetration, the chances are that vaginismus is the problem. Contraction of your vaginal muscles creates tension, which is why you’re feeling that your vagina is too tight for penetration of any kind. When penetration is attempted anyway, you’re likely to experience pain to varying degrees, which understandably makes penetration challenging, if not impossible. See Product See Product See Product See Product If your vagina is too tight, you’re not alone Although it may seem like vaginismus is an unusual problem, rest assured that it really isn’t. It’s just that plenty of women don’t feel comfortable talking about it, so they choose to suffer in silence. Unfortunately a solution is rarely found without some kind of assistance, so if your vagina is too tight, it is likely that you’ll need to seek treatment of some kind. We’ll get to those options below. It may help to know that medical industry statistics indicate that around one in two women are suffering from vaginismus – now that is a lot! Although it is difficult to be sure of just how many women are dealing with the condition – since many instances go unreported and records are not always accurate anyway – the statistics are based on instances that are reported, and that number is quite clearly high enough. The causes of vaginismus are relatively diverse, but generally speaking, if your vagina is too tight, it is probably caused by traumatic sexual or medical experiences, or fears around intimacy and partnership dynamics. What to do if you think you have vaginismus The first step is overcoming any reservations about seeking help. Now that you know you are far from alone with this problem, it stands to reason that there are many types of sexual health practitioner accustomed to dealing with the problem. Once you have received a diagnosis from your healthcare provider, you might want to consider one or more of the below options for vaginismus treatment: Pelvic floor physical therapy Pelvic floor physical therapy has many benefits and is a popular method of treating vaginismus. If your vagina is too tight, your pelvic floor physical therapist will work with you to loosen up the muscles via various methods. These usually include pelvic floor stretches (which you can also do at home), trigger point therapy and use of vaginal dilators. Vuvatech is here to help if you’re not sure where to find a good pelvic floor physical therapist. We’ve also written an article to prepare you for your first visit to a pelvic floor physical therapist, so you’ll know exactly what to expect. Psychological treatment for vaginismus When your vagina is too tight, you might be tempted to consider it a physical issue only. However, sometimes we are more adept at shutting out psychologically challenging experiences than we realize. There may be some underlying trauma that isn’t present in your conscious memory; whether you recall it or not, treating vaginismus psychologically can boost your recovery time dramatically. There are many sex therapists out there with great compassion and a wealth of useful experience. Using vaginal dilators at home Finally (and going by our customer testimonials), you can find relief from vaginismus by using vaginal dilators at home, in your own time and at your own pace. Your pelvic floor physical therapist is likely to recommend this, so you may want to wait until you’ve experienced dilator use with them – otherwise, we have a guide to using dilators and you can start practicing now. Vaginismus doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With patience and perseverance, you will eventually find that your vagina is no longer too tight for examinations, tampons and sexual intercourse. Don’t forget to check out the Vuvatech blog for vaginismus advice and if you need to message us, please do… we’re happy to help! 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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First Visit for Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy? Here’s What to Expect
What is going to happen? Women all around the world suffer from various pelvic disorders. It is far more normal than it may seem, since we tend not to discuss these things openly. However, conditions like vaginismus, dyspareunia, vaginal atrophy, vaginal stenosis and other pelvic problems often need treatment. If you have any kind of pelvic dysfunction, it’s possible that your Doctor may refer you for pelvic floor physical therapy. Ahead of your first visit, you may have questions whizzing around your head. As you may not be used to (or comfortable with) examinations in this region, it’s also normal to be nervous. We wanted to give you the lowdown on what to expect from your first visit to a pelvic floor therapist so that you can turn up with peace of mind. It may help to know that pelvic floor physical therapy has been around for more than two decades – at least 25 years! There are plenty of compassionate and well-trained therapists around who have worked with pelvic conditions like yours before. They are used to alleviating discomfort on both a physical and emotional level, and they understand your fears and concerns. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from your first appointment: When your assessment is done, your therapist will let you know what they found and what your treatment plan will look like. For example, you may need some of the following techniques to help you overcome your condition: Trigger point release Visceral mobilization Biofeedback Pelvic floor stretches and exercises Connective or scar tissue release E-stim Pelvic floor physical therapy often includes activities you must do at home. This is why therapists often recommend their clients come to us for vaginal dilators, which are a commonly used tool at therapy sessions. You can use dilators at home in your own time and at your own pace, which can greatly assist progress. Your therapist may also recommend stretches and exercises or postural changes, and it is wise to make sure you do those if you want to achieve lasting benefits from your pelvic floor physical therapy. We hope your nerves are somewhat calmer now, and if you need to find a pelvic floor physical therapist, we may be able to help with that too. Tara Langdale Schmidt is the owner of VuVa Vaginal Dilators. She has Vulvodynia, a pelvic floor disorder. You can always email her at Tara@vuvatech.com if you need help finding treatment options. See Product See Product See Product See Product What does pelvic floor physical therapy cover? Your pelvic floor physical therapist will have been trained in pelvic anatomy (and the surrounding areas), including the organs, joints, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. Through both study and experience, they learn about the different pelvic conditions and how symptoms manifest in the body. They have been taught effective treatment protocols for these conditions, and can also show you how to manage or heal symptoms yourself at home. How should you prepare for your appointment? Most therapists will ask you to bring a few things along to your appointment. Do refer to the specifics outlined by your therapist, but generally they will ask for documents such as a prescription, insurance card, evidence of tests or records related to your problem, some ID and payment card or cash. You might want to arrive early in case you are asked to complete some forms on arrival, although these may be sent ahead of the appointment. This is so that the therapist is clear on exactly what needs to happen, and so that you can make the most of your time with them. What should I wear to my appointment? You do not need to wear anything specific. They do look at your hips and SI joints though in most cases, so wearing something you can be flexible in like yoga pants might be easier to assess you in than jeans. See Product See Product See Product See Product What is the pelvic physical therapist looking for? Firstly, your therapist will want to assess your personal history and symptoms. They will then talk to you about your particular conditions, your biology, and how and why it is being affected. The therapist will also need to assess areas of restriction and dysfunction so that they can tailor a suitable program for you. Pelvic floor physical therapy aims to restore mobility and movement, as well as reduction of pain or referred pain. For example, the therapist will be looking for details such as muscle trigger points that cause pain, tight connective tissues or ineffective muscle contractions. What do pelvic floor examinations consist of? Your therapist will need to do a physical examination, which will certainly include the pelvic area and probably the hips, back, and abdomen too. There will also be an internal exam, which is often the part women are nervous about. It is very important as your therapist can gain a lot of information from this. Although for some it can be uncomfortable, your therapist generally only uses a gloved finger and will be as careful as possible not to hurt you. You will be able to dictate the pace and your therapist will stop if you are not happy to continue. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will be doing their best to put your mind at ease throughout the process, by answering questions and explaining processes before (and while) they happen. What happens after your pelvic floor physical therapy appointment?
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How to Avoid Painful Sex and When to Use Dilator Therapy
Painful penetration is more common than you think and has a significant impact on sexual health. When you have recurring pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic exams, or tampon insertion, you might have a more in-depth medical condition. For some, improving sexual pain might be as simple as using a vaginal moisturizer like a lubricant to help enhance sexual pleasure, but for others, it isn't that simple. One effective treatment is dilator therapy. Healthcare professionals have been prescribing vaginal dilator therapy to help improve sexual dysfunction for many years. The reason is that it's a proven method for improving sexual function and has a positive impact on female sexuality. But why is this true, and how do dilators treat penetration difficulties? Vaginal Dilators to Treat Painful Penetration Many women report significant improvements in sexual activity using vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilators are long tube-shaped devices with tapered ends that help stretch a tight vagina. Our VuVa Magnetic Vaginal Dilator Set comes in different size dilators, starting with ones as small as a pinky finger and increases from there. When you begin dilator therapy, you'll choose the smallest dilator size you can handle, based on your pain threshold. It’s important to start off slow and work up to treatments, one to two times per day. How Do Vaginal Dilators Treat Painful Penetration? Some health care providers prescribe medications or surgery to help treat pelvic pain, but these can come with serious side effects. Sometimes the best sexual medicine is the one you wouldn't expect. Vaginal dilators help stretch the pelvic floor muscles in your vagina. When you insert the dilator into the pelvic floor, over time, the muscles begin to soften and spread naturally. Treating Painful Penetration The key is to start slowly and be patient. It takes time to improve sexual pain. Some dilators are only medical-grade plastic, and others like the VuVa™ Neodymium Magnetic Dilator have magnets to increase the blood flow to the vagina and calm nerves. Magnet therapy works on the principle that the north side of the attraction allows healing energy to flow into the tight, scarred, or sensitive vaginal tissue. Dilators Stretch While Balancing One critical component of blood is iron, and every atom in our cells contains oxygen and produces an electrical impulse. When you pull fresh oxygenated blood into the nerves and surrounding muscles, you help heal them. While the north side of the magnet helps circulate fresh oxygen, the other side helps to reduce acidity in the body caused by disease, tearing, or treatment. Basically, as a result, magnets create a positive energy field to counteract the acidity and provide alkalinization. In the end, it helps reduce pain associated with painful penetration. If you're looking for female sexual medicine that works, then vaginal dilators are for you. Dilate or Vibrate? When you're having pain during sexual activity or when undergoing a pelvic floor physical, your healthcare provider might prescribe vaginal dilators. For some, dilators resemble a vibrator. It's common for some women to consider using a vibrator or dildo to help stretch and lengthen vaginal muscles. While vibrators do help relax muscles and encourage sexual pleasure, using them for vaginal physical therapy is not the intended use. You need a set of graduated dilators to move up to desired size during pelvic floor therapy. The sole purpose of vaginal dilators in women's health is to ease painful penetration and help you live pain-free. Vibrators intended use is sexual pleasure, and may not be the best option for treating vaginal pain. See Product See Product See Product See Product Causes of Painful Penetration There are many health conditions responsible for painful penetration. Reasons range from structural problems to mental health concerns, and many women experience painful intercourse at some point in their lives. Recurrent or ongoing vaginal pain that occurs just before, during, or after sexual activity is dyspareunia or painful sex. The following are medical conditions associated with or cause painful penetration. Vaginal agenesis Vaginal agenesis is a rare condition that develops when the vagina and womb (uterus) is only partially intact or not all. This disorder occurs before birth, and may also be associated with other heart, kidney, or skeletal abnormalities. Usually, the discovery of vaginal agenesis happens during puberty or when the woman starts to become sexually active. Vaginal Stenosis from Radiation Therapy Vaginal stenosis (VS) is the shortening and narrowing of the vagina. Cancer treatment of vaginal, cervical, uterine, and anorectal cancers often involve pelvic radiation therapy (RT), leading to the common side effect of VS. Most oncologists recognize that VS harms your well-being, including sexual health and comfort during pap smears. Breast Cancer Treatments When you have breast cancer, it's common to have chemotherapy and your ovaries physiology to change. The treatment can bring on early-onset menopause more abruptly and reduce the amount of estrogen in your body. Estrogen is a sex hormone responsible for the many functions, but one of them helps lubricate the vagina. The lack of estrogen may cause vaginal atrophy or dryness. Vaginal atrophy may make sexual intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. Going Through Menopause Menopause usually affects women in their late 40s and early 50s. Although early-onset menopause may occur earlier either due to a hormonal imbalance or other medical conditions, it signals a time with conception comes to an end. Making this transition may cause painful menopausal symptoms. One of them is vaginal atrophy, resulting in uncomfortable or painful intercourse. Lichen sclerosusLichen sclerosis (LS) is a skin disorder that can affect the anal and genital areas of both men and women. Signs include white spots on the skin, burning sensations, bleeding, and pain. LS may lead to changes in the vulvar anatomy. As a result, the vagina can become narrower, and the tissue may grow thin and develop tears, especially during sexual activity. The condition may cause acute pain during sexual intercourse, leading to further bleeding and tears. Women may decide to forgo sex altogether. Vulvodynia According to the National Vulvodynia Association, Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain without a known cause. While some women experience pain in one specific area of their vagina, others have pain in different areas. Including pain, women report a burning or stinging sensation. Sometimes women even claim it’s like “acid being poured on my skin,” and others describe it as “constant knife-like pain.” Vaginismus Vaginismus occurs when the genital area is touched or during attempted penetration either through the penis insertion, pelvic exam, or putting in a tampon. The pelvic floor muscles involuntarily contract or spasm, making the activity (sexual or otherwise) impossible and painful. There are different forms of vaginismus, and the amount of reported pain varies by individual. Several factors affect this condition, including emotional, medical, or both. Without treatment, vaginismus may become worse. Surviving Painful Penetration Experiencing painful penetration can lead to emotional and physical problems not only with the women’s anatomy but also for her relationships. Being proactive in finding a solution is crucial for saving relationships and easing the pain. Talking about sex with your partner or therapist may help begin the healing. Another option, either in conjunction with therapy or by itself, is using a vaginal dilator. Dilator therapy is proven to help ease painful penetration and help women suffering lead the life they deserve. You'll be surprised by how well it works over time and what a safe treatment pelvic dilator therapy is. Avoiding Painful Sex - Twitter Dilator News 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. See Product See Product See Product See Product Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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Made in the USA
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.
