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Why Sex is More Difficult After Menopause?
Written by Caroline Knight The menopause is something that all women know they will eventually have to deal with, and many also have an idea of the type of symptoms they will experience when that time comes. The most commonly anticipated symptoms of the menopause are hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability and difficulty sleeping. There are quite a number of other symptoms that women are likely to experience during the menopause, but one of the more challenging menopause symptoms is sexual problems. Sex after the menopause is likely to be more difficult because of the bodily changes you inevitably go through, but rest assured this does not mean that sex will be impossible, or not enjoyable. With education on the products and practices to help you deal with the physical aspects of the change, you will be able to find some equilibrium in your sexual life once again. The average age for women to reach menopause is 51, although in some cases it arrives later. For others still, the menopause comes earlier than expected, starting at between 41 and 45. This is known as ‘premature menopause’ and affects around 1% of women. Most women enter the pre-menopausal phase in their late 40s, and that can last for up to ten years. It is called the perimenopause, and it happens when estrogen and progesterone production starts to slow down. During this phase, women are likely to experiences changes in the monthly cycle and other menopause symptoms, just at a lesser degree of intensity. Although there are many menopause symptoms that can affect you, this article will focus on the issue of why sex is harder after the menopause. We will also give you some of the most effective solutions for a healthy sex life during menopause. See Product See Product See Product See Product Will the menopause make sex more difficult? Although there are no guarantees here because every woman is different, it is likely that you will experience at least some changes in your sex life after menopause. Different bodies might respond to the changes in different ways; some might experience more intense symptoms than others because of their lifestyle, their general state of health, or their lack of knowledge as to how to manage menopausal changes. That said, given that the menopause goes through the same process in all women, you can expect your hormone production to decline as part of this process. This does lead to physical changes (over time) in the vagina, and of course differences in your libido. These are the main reasons the menopause may well affect your sex life to some extent, but it does not have to mean you completely relinquish your sexual relationship with your partner! It is a good idea to expect some changes but to commit to making efforts to retain balance in your body so that your sex life isn’t too dramatically affected. Which physical changes make sex harder after menopause? The hormonal changes in the female body at menopause can lead to some physical changes that may have a detrimental impact on your sex life, until you find ways to make post-menopausal sex easier. Some of the most common physical changes that affect sex after the menopause are: Dryness in the vagina Thinning of the vaginal tissues Vaginal discharge Declining flexibility in the vaginal tissues Vaginal tightness and/or shortening of the birth canal Vaginal atrophy (inflammation and irritation) Loss of libido Menopause symptoms are a big topic and there is a lot to say about them. This list is distilled down to the ones that cause the most problems when it comes to sex, but each has a treatment option that may well work for you… so read on if you want to find ways to manage your menopausal sex problems. Which sexual problems are likely during the menopause? When your estrogen levels decline it is probable that you will experience a drying and thinning of your vaginal tissues, which may result in sexual intercourse feeling less comfortable than before – and even painful. Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) is not uncommon in women going through the menopause; it happens most often to women over 50. In fact, it affects between 17 and 45 per cent of postmenopausal women. You might also experience some degree of tightness in the vagina, or burning sensations in the vagina or vulva region. This can happen due to inflammation, tearing or bleeding caused by penetration when there is insufficient lubrication in the vagina. It may also happen because of vaginal atrophy. We will discuss vaginal atrophy in more detail below, since it is one of the more common problems with sex after the menopause. As your hormone levels decline and your periods come to a stop, your libido is also likely to diminish. Falling estrogen levels are the reason for your hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, night sweats and vaginal dryness… and (quite understandably) these won’t make you feel particularly sexy! On top of this, the decline in testosterone levels in women of menopause age can result in a decrease of sexual desire and motivation. It is important to note that even if you have been through the menopause, painful sex can happen for other reasons. For example, you may have vulvodynia (chronic pain of the vulva) or vaginismus (involuntary spasms and tightness in the vagina) due to other underlying conditions – be they physical or psychological. Likewise, vaginal stenosis (shortening and narrowing of the birth canal) can happen because of radiotherapy treatments and is not necessarily menopause related. Another possibility is vaginitis, or a urinary tract condition. If you are unsure that your sexual challenges are due to the menopause, it is wise to discuss them with a qualified healthcare professional. What is vaginal atrophy? Vaginal atrophy (also called atrophic vaginitis) is characterized by the thinning and drying of the vagina, and inflammation of the vaginal walls. It happens when your estrogen levels decline, so most often after menopause. Vaginal atrophy can definitely make sex more difficult after menopause; it leads to pain, but also urinary complications, which can also contribute to uncomfortable sexual experiences. When vaginal atrophy is menopause related, it is often referred to as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Vaginal atrophy (or GSM) symptoms are typically as follows: Vaginal dryness Vaginal burning Vaginal discharge Urinary incontinence Light bleeding after intercourse Discomfort with intercourse Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal (vaginal stenosis) Genital itching Burning when urinating Urgency or increased frequency of urination UTIs If you have any of these symptoms, know that there are things you can do treat vaginal atrophy… and that by treating it, you are likely to make sex easier after menopause. How can I improve sex after menopause? If you are finding that sex is more difficult after menopause, you might want to try out some of the tried-and-tested products and practices below: Use vaginal lubricants With the decline of your estrogen, you’ll also experience a decline in vaginal lubrication. It therefore makes perfect sense that you would give your body a helping hand by using a personal lubricant during sex. We recommend using a high quality water-based lubricant so as not to irritate the sensitive vaginal tissues - especially if you have any menopause-related inflammation. Use vaginal moisturizers Although similar to lubricants in their overall effects, moisturizers have a slightly different purpose. You can apply a vaginal moisturizer even when you are not having sex, since your vagina will gradually absorb the moisture. This way your body will already be primed for sexual activity when it does happen. Use Neueve Suppositories NeuEve suppositories and creams are an all-round menopause treatment because they help with symptoms such as vaginal odor, dryness, vaginal atrophy, itching, burning, painful sex, and bacterial vaginosis… all of which are common menopause symptoms that affect your sex life! Try Vaginal estrogen therapy ERT is a way of reintroducing the missing hormones that contribute to the decline of your sex life. ERT comes in topical estrogen creams, but you may prefer to take an estrogen tablet. ERT may not be for everyone, and there is evidence to suggest that it is not suitable for older women due to serious side effects. You will need to discuss this option with your Doctor. Try MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy) Studies have shown that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is one of the most effective treatments for vasomotor symptoms (such as hot flashes and vaginal atrophy). Note that for women under 60 the risks are less, but they do still exist. However, the benefits tend to outweigh them. You can ask your Doctor about this possibility. Go for Plant-based BHT For those who would rather stick with natural products, you might want to look into plant-based Bioidentical Hormone Therapy, which many women find very helpful. There are also lots of herbs and natural preparations recommended by holistic practitioners all around the world. Vitex and Black Cohosh may be a good place to start your research! Have more foreplay with your partner This may seem obvious, but if your partner is used to a certain dynamic, you may need to encourage him to take more time with you, now that you have reached menopause. This will help your body to relax more and respond better, even if your libido has decreased. It will also create more emotional intimacy, meaning that you’ll be more likely to engage in the act again sooner. Have sex often You might not feel in the mood as much these days, but if you want better sex after menopause you should try to have it more often. This will help to prevent the shape of your vagina from changing as much, and you’ll be able to retain your previous vaginal capacity. If your birth canal is smaller, sex will be more painful – so you can prevent this from happening by making an effort to have sex regularly. See Product See Product See Product See Product Use vaginal dilators VuvaTech vaginal dilators are small, cylindrical tools that help to keep the vagina open and extend its capacity. They will help to stretch the tissues so that even if you don’t feel like sex, your vagina will be ready for it when you do. Dilators help with all kinds of gynecological conditions, which is why healthcare practitioners often recommend them as part of a treatment protocol. In terms of menopause, dilators can help with vaginal atrophy and vaginal stenosis. Our Neodymium magnetic dilators improve blood flow to the tissues, which aids in muscle relaxation. They come in various sizes and full sets, and you can work your way up to the larger sizes with time. Why not check out our article on using vaginal dilators if you’re new to them? This will give you an idea of what to expect and the best ways to use them to improve your sex life after menopause. The Bottom Line: The menopause may bring challenges but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your sex life. The menopause can be a tricky time for women, but after some adjustment they can once again enjoy a healthy sex life with their partners. Take heart in knowing that all women go through the same process, and most will know what you are dealing with, to some extent! Even when sex is difficult after menopause, you can find treatments for your specific symptoms and it won’t be long before you can resume a normal sex life, even if it is with the help of products and tools. There are lots of things you can try in the comfort of your own home, but it may be necessary to consult your GP or a qualified gynecological practitioner when symptoms are too difficult to manage on your own. Resources/Links Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/symptoms-of-perimenopause-what-to-look-out-for Vuvatech.com/pages/vaginal-atrophy-treatment 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/natural-dyspareunia-treatment Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/loss-of-libido-in-women-why-is-it-happening-and-what-can-you-do
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7 Common Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen Up Down There
Having a tight vagina is a difficult and commonly overlooked issue when it comes to women’s health. Several concerns may surface from vaginal tightness that can lead to a variety of issues ranging from difficulty in inserting a tampon to avoiding gynecological examinations, and/or even having a painful and discouraging sex life.
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Should I Sleep with a Vaginal Dilator in?
What to do at night? We are often asked whether it is a good idea to sleep with a vaginal dilator in. It’s a reasonable question, as when you buy a dilator one of your first concerns will be how and when to use it. Generally speaking, we recommend using vaginal dilators once or twice every day for between 20 and 30 minutes. A 30-minute session is optimal for lengthening and stretching your vaginal muscles. Having said that, how long you dilate for will depend on how familiar you are with dilators and how comfortable you are with penetration. Over time you will be able to dilate more comfortably, eventually using larger sized dilators. Initially it can be painful to dilate, so you might not be comfortable with longer sessions - and almost certainly not all night. So it is perfectly normal to start off with just a few minutes (or once per day) with a view to extending your sessions over time, including sleeping with a dilator in. If you think you might want to sleep with your dilator inserted at some point, read on for our best advice… See Product See Product See Product See Product Should you sleep with a vaginal dilator in? The answer is not a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’. There is conflicting advice circulating out there, and it does depend on the gynecological issue you have. We can tell you that vaginismus patients are often advised by Doctors to keep a dilator inserted during sleep. This is especially recommended after intra-vaginal Botox, which according to a clinical trial may cure vaginismus - when in conjunction with progressive dilation. On the other hand, sleeping with a dilator in might seem a little counterintuitive, given that women with vaginismus usually have a strong fear of penetration. It may not be of benefit over the long term, since initial insertion of the dilator is often the most challenging. Once it is inserted, it tends to be easier to push the dilator in further. Furthermore, successful treatment may not be so much about long sessions of stretching the vagina; it is logical that the woman should be conscious while she dilates in order to get accustomed to the feeling of expansion and movement during penetration. It is probably fair to say that using a dilator overnight will work for some, but not for others. However, many vaginismus sufferers do report positive results from keeping a dilator in at night. In fact, a study of vaginismus patients who dilated while sleeping suggested that waking up with a large dilator inserted could “flip a switch” in some women. In other words, a woman may be reassured that penetration is possible, speeding up her progression toward having penetrative sex. What are the benefits of sleeping with a dilator inserted? The main benefit of keeping a dilator in while you sleep is that you are passively stretching the vaginal muscles. If you don’t have time to dilate during the day, sleeping with your dilator in may be useful. Women with various other gynecological problems may benefit from sleeping with a dilator inserted. This could work well if you have a condition in which the vagina is tighter, shorter or narrower than it should naturally be; the same goes for women who have adhesions or scar tissue that is closing the vagina (as can happen after radiation therapy in the pelvic area). Some examples might be: Vaginal stenosis Vaginal atrophy After vaginal reconstructive surgery Lichen sclerosus Vaginal agenesis A hypertonic pelvic floor In the case of vaginal reconstruction, birth defects or post-radiation treatment, it is common for Doctors to prescribe custom-made vaginal dilators designed for patients to go to sleep with. The dilator ensures that the vagina is able to maintain a functional capacity, so sleeping with the dilator in is especially beneficial in the healing stages. Tips for sleeping with a dilator in You only need to put a dilator about three quarters of the way in for nighttime use. That’s because if your vagina is tight, you may also have particularly tight puborectalis muscles (found several centimeters deeper inside). These muscles can push your dilator out during the night, so you’ll want to insert a dilator long enough to pass them without reaching the cervix. You won’t want the dilator to protrude too far outside the vagina either - it won’t be comfortable. Here are some other useful tips for sleeping with a dilator in: Position the dilator somewhere between halfway in and three quarters of the way in Wear well fitting panties so that the dilator can’t be pushed out by the pelvic floor muscles Holding the dilator in place while adjusting positions may help you find the most comfortable one Sleeping on your back may feel less awkward than other positions Sleeping with a with a small to medium sized dilator overnight makes it easier to dilate with a larger one in the morning Use personal lubricant for easy removal – many find that silicone lubricant is best for overnight use as it doesn’t dry up as quickly as water-based ones If it does feel stuck, rotate the dilator once before removing to ‘break the seal’ When you awaken, urinate as soon as you can to prevent UTI infections We hope this has answered the question of whether you should sleep with a vaginal dilator in. Ultimately only you and your healthcare provider can decide if it’s right for you, and it may be a case of trial and error. Either way, it is unlikely to hurt you – at worst it might feel a little uncomfortable at first. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to check our blog for more women’s sexual health advice! Resources Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5440634/ Clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01352546 Do you have painful intercourse? 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
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Are You Getting Recurrent BV and UTIs in the Perimenopause?
This complexity brings many benefits, but it’s a double-edged sword since it also means that there are plenty of things that can go wrong – especially during the perimenopause. For instance, as is the case in your gut, many types of bacteria coexist in the vagina - a little like a mini-ecosystem. Your vagina requires an appropriate balance of good and bad bacteria in order to maintain a healthy state. Fluctuating levels of both hormones and bacteria can alter its precious balance, leading to challenging symptoms and conditions. This problem may well worsen when you hit perimenopause and your body embarks on its mid-life journey of gradual changes. If and when your vaginal balance is upset, two of the most common problems to arise are bacterial vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Read on to find out how to spot BV and UTIs, why they happen in the perimenopause and what you can do to prevent and treat them… The symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections Bacterial vaginosis Firstly, know that BV is actually very common. In fact, one in three women in the U.S. have had BV, and for many of them, it keeps on coming back. Since the symptoms of BV are quite unpleasant, this can be very frustrating and commonly causes embarrassment – particularly when it comes to sex. The symptoms of BV do vary, but generally the condition is characterized by a fishy odor, as well as a thin, watery off-white, yellow or grey vaginal discharge. Some women experience itchiness or irritation too. Urinary tract infections If you are getting intense burning pain when urinating, and/or a feeling of urgency (only to find out you have little or nothing to pass), there is a good chance you have developed a UTI. For an unfortunate few, blood in the urine and bladder spasms afterwards are a problem. UTIs can make you feel pretty awful and have you dreading going to the toilet. However since they can lead to kidney infection it’s important to treat them quickly. See Product See Product See Product See Product Why you may have recurrent BV in the perimenopause One study of 1,486 smears noted that 6.3% of postmenopausal women without HRT and 5.4% of postmenopausal women with HRT tested positive for BV. Although BV can happen to women of any age, perimenopausal and post-menopausal women are more likely to develop it due to diminishing levels of estrogen, which plays a crucial role in keeping the vaginal flora levels in check. Estrogen allows the ‘good’ bacteria (lactobacillus) to thrive. These bacteria create an acidic environment in the vagina, lowering its pH. The vagina should be naturally slightly acidic, since this keeps the ‘bad’ bacteria in check. So when estrogen starts to decline during the perimenopause, the ‘bad’ bacteria are better able to flourish and BV can be the result. Reasons for recurrent UTIs in the perimenopause It’s a similar story with UTIs. In fact, studies have concluded that UTI is the most common bacterial infection in both young and elderly women. Recurrent UTIs can happen to women at any point in their life for the same reason: their vaginal flora can all too easily get out of balance. Having a lot of sex is understood to be one of the main risk factors for developing a UTI. That’s because sex can transfer bacteria in the vagina and rectum to the urinary tract. During the perimenopause – and particularly after the menopause – frequent sex may not be the main reason. It’s likely that your UTIs are happening because of the hormonal changes. These changes can lead to vaginal atrophy, incontinence or difficulty emptying your bladder completely. There is a link between vaginal atrophy and recurrent UTIs. How to prevent and treat BV and UTIs BV Although BV is often treated with antibiotics, this isn’t really a good idea because it destroys bacteria indiscriminately (as well as the good bacteria in your gut). This can lead to yeast infections, or later recurrences of BV. If you think you have BV (or you test positive after a swab), try out a course of pessaries containing lactic acid and probiotics designed to replenish the vaginal flora. There are lots of products on the market for rebalancing vaginal pH and flora; most importantly, they won’t lead to any other health problems. Preventing BV can be tricky, because there are so many things that can alter the pH and destroy the good bacteria. Antibiotics, semen, douching, smoking, using perfumed products or consuming an acidic, sugar-laden diet can all contribute. Avoiding these things is a good idea if you are getting recurrent BV. Consider using condoms if you think semen is disrupting your pH, and keep your vagina clean – just don’t douche. Cotton underwear is best, and a good probiotic supplement could also help. See Product See Product See Product See Product UTIs As for preventing UTIs, developing good urination habits is key. When urinating, be sure you’re relaxing your pelvic floor and don’t rush to empty the bladder. Urinating after sex is a good idea, as this can flush away bacteria that might have entered the urinary tract. There are many natural UTI remedies you can try. Cranberry extracts and juices are often reported to have good results, and this is confirmed by studies. Supplements may be better than juices because of the sugar content in commercial juices. Again, antibiotics are not a good option because of the likelihood of developing yeast infections. Although the jury is out, it is thought that apple cider vinegar can help, as it contains chlorogenic acid. This may reduce the production of inflammatory substances that worsen UTI symptoms. Vitamin C is also reported to have positive effects. For perimenopausal and post-menopausal women, vaginal estrogen creams or rings may help to restore the bacterial balance. Although recurrent BV and UTIs can be stressful, once you know what to do about them it shouldn’t be too difficult resolve them once and for all. We hope you found our article helpful, and we wish you the best of luck in getting back to good vaginal health! Resources Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC130764/ Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3246510/ Health.harvard.edu/blog/not-again-when-utis-wont-quit-at-midlife-201509258353 Do you have painful intercourse? 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.
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What Exercises Will Loosen Down There?
Do you have tight pelvic floor muscles causing you pain? It may be time to loosen and relax your tight vagina. Tight and inflamed vaginal tissue causes painful intercourse (dyspareunia), pelvic pain, and mental health concerns. The good news is that you don't have to suffer. Specific exercises will help loosen down there by easing vaginal tightening naturally. Female Sexual Medicine is important and should be discussed. Gentle Yoga Poses Yoga has been around for hundreds of years and is well-known for its health and wellness benefits. As you grow older, pelvic floor muscles tend to tighten up and constrict. Still, a regular stretch routine helps keep you flexible and encourages healthy blood flow throughout your body, including your vagina and floor muscle. It's important to note that kegel exercises aren't recommended for loosening a tight vagina. Kegel exercises are meant to strengthen pelvic core muscles in preparation for childbirth or if you suffer from urinary incontinence. They shouldn’t be practiced for those who have painful sexual intercourse or other pelvic floor dysfunction unless you have been seen by a pelvic floor PT and have been shown how to do the correctly for incontinence. It’s the constant tightening without relief that causes the pelvic floor muscles to become weak. Kegel exercises make it worse in come cases. Child’s Pose The Child's Pose or Balasana is probably one of the best asanas you can incorporate into your daily routine. It's rejuvenating effects help calm the mind, soul, and tight vaginal muscles. It's a resting posture that helps calm and relaxes your entire body. Sit Japanese style on your mat (knees bent and folded underneath you). Slowly lift up your arms and stretch them forward onto the floor in front of you. Rest your forehead on the mat and your belly on your upper thighs. Continue to extend forward with your arms and back down with your tailbone. This opposite stretch will gently pull your pelvic floor without pain. Breathe into your vagina consciously and deeply. Imagine the muscles loosening and strengthening at the same time. See Product See Product See Product See Product Cobra Pose The Cobra Pose or Bhujangasana has many powerful benefits. It helps alleviate neck, back, and abdomen pain while relieving stress, anxiety, and depression. The pose resembles a cobra with its head raised. While extremely helpful for loosening tight vaginal muscles, you need to work up to this pose. Make sure you stretch your body before getting into the Cobra Pose. Begin by lying flat on your stomach on your mat in a comfortable position. Both your feet should be together and down on your mat. Place your hands shoulder-width apart with palms faced down and your elbows against your rib cage. Breath in deeply, and as you release, slowly push your upper body, neck, and head up with your hands. Remember to engage your abdominal muscles, and you hold the pose. Keep breathing in and sending breath to your pelvic floor muscles. As you release the pose, you can fall back into Child's Pose. Happy Baby Happy Baby or Ananda Balasana is an excellent pose for relaxation and stretching the pelvic core muscles. Aptly named the Happy Baby Pose because once you're in the pose, you resemble a "happy" baby discovering its feet for the first time. It involves lying on your back with your knees bent and lifted. The soles of your feet will be towards the ceiling. Reach up and grab the inside or outside of your feet. Gently rock back and forth and stretch your feet and up and down towards the ceiling. This mild pose brings on a deep sense of relaxation and happiness while stretching the vagina muscle. Abdominal breathing Vagina exercises should always involve abdominal breathing. Lie on your back with one hand across your chest and the other on your abdomen. For five minutes or more, breathe in deeply and send your breath into your vaginal tightness. Fill your stomach with air like a balloon and hold for three seconds and then release for three seconds. Loosen Down There With Dilators Dilator therapy will help relax your vaginal muscles. A vaginal dilator resembles a tube-shaped sex toy but is a medical device that eases the pain from a tight pelvic floor. Highly recommended by physical therapists for relaxing and strengthening your pelvic floor naturally and without any side effects. You lie on your back with your legs raised and slowly insert the dilator to ease vaginal tightness. The dilator physical therapy is simple in that it targets the painful tissue by encouraging it to release and relax. If you have scar tissue that makes your vagina tighter, it helps improve the elasticity so you can let go. Dilators come in different sizes to fit any sized vagina. Dilator therapy is a perfect combination with gentle yoga pelvic floor exercises. But you don't want to move or walk around when the dilator is inserted. You can do dilator therapy after the yoga muscle exercises. Signs of Tight Vaginal Muscles It may be hard to know if you have vaginal tightening since the soreness can affect your entire pelvis. Encircling your vagina, bladder, and rectum is a core of muscles called the pelvic floor muscles. If you consciously tighten your vagina, you’ll feel these muscles contract. This is called a hypertonic pelvic floor. Women's vaginal muscles can be very tight for many different reasons. It is not normal is to have these muscles always tense and constricted all the time. Think about it as if you have a rubber band pulled all the time tautly. There isn't any relief for the muscles, which can cause the following signs and symptoms of a tight vagina or hypertonic pelvic floor. Dyspareunia (painful sex) Pain after orgasm Vaginal itching Inflamed/sensitive vaginal tissue Sudden urge to urinate Hurts to Walk Pain in your tailbone or coccyx pain Vaginismus (involuntary muscle spasms) Women experience these painful signs differently. For some, the pain is chronic and never seems to stop. For others, it's triggered by penetration from intercourse, a gynecological exam, tampon insertion, or even when wearing tight clothes. Living with a tight vagina makes your sex life unbearable and brings on daily pain and embarrassment. Stretching exercises can help loosen the vagina naturally. Gentle yoga poses bring about relaxation and flexibility but combining this with dilator therapy is the best solution for loosening down there. 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
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Can Herpes Really Cause Vulvodynia?
If you're struggling with chronic vulvar pain, you want answers. Unfortunately, most vulvar pain may not have a reason and is put into the general category of vulvodynia. However, other conditions like chronic yeast infections and vaginal infections may cause inflamed vulvar skin. One of these may be genital herpes. The question then becomes whether herpes can cause vulvodynia. If so, then treating genital herpes will reduce chronic pain. In this article, we'll explore whether herpes can really cause vulvodynia. See Product See Product See Product See Product Can Herpes Cause Vulvodynia? Since herpes affects the same area of the vagina as vulvodynia, it's natural to consider this connection. Herpes is a lifelong condition with no cure and during outbreaks causes vulval pain that manifests into vulvodynia. In essence, herpes can develop into vulvodynia. Yet, vulvodynia is complex, and the exact cause of the pain syndrome isn't known, and even if you have herpes, the reason for your vulvodynia may come from other sources as well. If you have HSV-2, resulting in vulvodynia, you can take antiviral medications to ease the pain and inflammation. First, request an appointment with your doctor to determine a proper diagnosis. After that, you'll undergo screening tests to determine the cause of vulvar pain. See Product See Product See Product See Product Women with Genital Herpes According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, 3.7 billion people are infected with one form of herpes. Herpes comes from the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and presents as sores in or around the genitals and mouth and other symptoms. HSV, like vulvodynia, has two kinds. HSV-1: It's referred to as oral herpes and affects the mouth and connecting skin. HSV-2: It’s a sexually transmitted disease and commonly known as genital herpes. Oral herpes and genital herpes may be asymptomatic for the most part. When the skin conditions do present, painful blisters and sores around the mouth, vagina, or anus erupt. Some people never have symptoms, and others have ongoing breakouts that cause pain. Women with Vulvodynia As a condition in women's health, it needs more research and attention from the medical community. According to the National Vulvodynia Association, vulvodynia is a vulvar pain syndrome that ranges from manageable discomfort to searing pain that makes life unbearable. Vulvodynia is divided into two categories. Generalized vulvodynia: The pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms affect the entire region of the vulva (clitoris, labia minora, labia majora, vagina entrance). Localized vulvodynia: The pain affects the vulvar skin in certain places only and may be triggered by touch or during sexual intercourse. It may also be vulvar vestibulitis syndrome, which is provoked by contact. Vulvodynia pain can be intermittent or chronic. It may present before a woman's first sexual experience or develop at any time in her life. Vulvovaginal Disorders For the most part, when diagnosed with vulvodynia, the cause of the pain is unknown. However, vulvodynia patients may have one of the following vulvovaginal disorders. Infectious: This includes bacterial vaginosis, genital herpes, HPV, and syphilis. Inflammatory: It may come from allergic or contact dermatitis from detergents, soups, or excessive hygiene rituals. Hormonal: This is when you have low estrogen, which causes atrophic vulvovaginitis or extreme dryness and thinning vaginal skin. Skin conditions: Presents as lesions on the skin and may be from lichen planus, lichen simplex chronicus, or lichen sclerosus. Neurologic: The pain may come from pudendal neuralgia. The condition is nerve damage to the essential pudendal nerve in the pelvic region. Other associated conditions include interstitial cystitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia. Vulvodynia Treatment If possible, determine the cause of chronic vulvar pain before treatment. If it is genital herpes or another condition, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following. Certain medications (tricyclic antidepressants or antiviral drugs) Elimination of potential irritants (soaps and detergents) Wear 100% cotton undergarments Restricting foods with high oxalate content Surface electromyographic (sEMG) biofeedback Physical therapy using vaginal dilators Vaginal Dilators Chronic pelvic pain may come from weak pelvic floor muscles. The vulvar tissue may need to be slowly strengthened and lengthened to ease pain and inflammation. One trusted method is physical therapy using vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilators are medical devices inserted into the pelvic floor or used outside of the vulva in the area affected by vulvodynia and genital herpes. Herpes doesn't usually leave scars but can if the sores break and open, leaving the skin tarnished. As they heal, scars may form, resulting in painful tissue, scabs, and chronic pelvic pain. Using vaginal dilators to break up scar tissue when not symptomatic may alleviate the pain. You mustn't scratch or clean or rub the herpes blisters aggressively when present. Women with vulvar pain for vulvodynia and herpes experience shame, pain, and long term emotional effects. If herpes causes vulvodynia, you don't have to live forever in misery. There are solutions that work. Try vaginal dilators and begin to see the possibilities. 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. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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Dysorgasmia: Are Painful Orgasms Normal?
No one likes to experience pain at any time, let alone after an orgasm. Sex isn't supposed to be painful. Yet, for some men and women, painful orgasms or cramps after sex is common and known as dysorgasmia. If you're one of the 20% living with painful orgasms, then you're wondering if it's normal. (1) The short answer is that dysorgasmia is more common than you think, and painful sex is not normal. The good news is that there are solutions to help you have a pain-free sex life. What is Dysorgasmia? In medical terms, dysorgasmia is a pain syndrome that happens right before, during, or after an orgasm. It becomes intensely painful in the pelvic area or abdomen. Painful ejaculation occurs for both men and women without any reason. The anticipation of the pain may stop people from having sex at all and can take a serious toll on relationships. What does it feel like? Dysorgasmia can feel like period cramps or an intense stomach ache. Along with period cramps, you may have lower back pain. The pain location may also be connected to the type of orgasm you're experiencing. Orgasms can be divided into three types. Vaginal or vulvar orgasm Penile orgrasm Anal orgasm Each of these orgasms may have different causes for the pain, and the sensation varies in strength and location. Causes of Painful Orgasms The cause of dysorgasmia may be a combination of physical, emotional, mental, and psychological factors. For example, stress affects each person differently and may result in a physical reaction, such as holding tension in the pelvic floor muscles, leading to dysorgasmia. So the physical sensation is real, but the cause may be emotional trauma and chronic stress. Below are some common reasons for dysorgasmia. Underlying Uterine or Bladder Disorder If you have urinary incontinence or a painful bladder syndrome, it may be resulting in dysorgasmia. You may also have uterine fibroids. Uterine fibroids are tiny tumors that appear on your uterus. While benign, they may be causing pain after ejaculation. Ovarian Cysts Ovarian cysts are small sacks of fluid on the ovaries. Post-orgasm pain may come from the cysts bursting or being rubbed against during penetration. If the painful orgasm occurs mostly on one side of the abdomen, it may indicate an ovarian cyst. Endometriosis Post-orgasm cramps may come from a painful condition called endometriosis. It's when uterine tissue grows outside of your uterus and affects your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis tissue. Endometriosis can also cause problems with infertility. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) PID is a painful infection of the reproductive organs of women. The cause is often from sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. If you're experiencing painful orgasms, it may be PID. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction One of the causes of painful orgasms is pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor muscles and ligaments support the pelvis's organs, including the bladder, uterus, rectum, and prostate. When you have pelvic pain or painful orgasms, it could come from various conditions affecting the pelvis. Contracting and relaxing these pelvic muscles allows you to go to the bathroom, have a bowel movement, and sex without pain. Pelvic floor dysfunction is when you can't control these muscles, and they contract and stress up without warning. It may result in a variety of chronic pain conditions, including: Vulvodynia: Burning, stinging pain in the vulva Dysorgasmia: Painful orgasms Vaginismus: Involuntary contraction of the pelvic musclesDyspareunia: Painful intercourseVaginal atrophy: Painful dry, vaginal tissue Pelvic floor dysfunction can also result in incontinence and other conditions. See Product See Product See Product See Product Treatments for Dysogasmia Dysorgasmia affects each person differently, so the treatments will vary or require a combination of different choices. A straightforward solution is a hot water bottle or a warm bath when the pain occurs. However, you may need medical advice if the problem persists. See Product See Product See Product See Product Medical evaluation The first step is to make an appointment with your healthcare provider. The meeting will usually include getting a thorough medical history and undergoing a physical exam. Your healthcare practitioner needs to discover the underlying cause of dysorgasmia. Vaginal dilators Vaginal dilators are sex tech or medical devices that help with various health conditions involving the pelvic floor and vaginal tissues. Pelvic floor physical therapists describe them as tube-shaped devices that retrain your abdomen or pelvic muscles. Muscle cramps come from weak and stretched tissues and ligaments that can occur at any time. Vaginal dilators naturally and slowly pull the muscles while strengthening them. If your muscles repeatedly contract during an orgasm, the result is pain and discomfort. Vaginal dilators are entirely safe to use and come with no side effects. They come in different sizes and are proven to work. Dysorgasmia and Mental Health While pain during sex is a real physical problem, it can wear on one mental and emotional wellbeing; Dysorgasmia can be a combination of physical and mental issues. Sex therapy may help discover the genesis of mental and bodily pain. Sometimes you may have grown up in a sex-negative household, had a traumatic experience, or have internalized shame around sex. All of which can cause an orgasm to be painful. And it's essential that if your orgasms are painful, you don't dismiss this as only in your head. Your condition could be a combination of pelvic floor dysfunction and emotional trauma. If you have pain when you reach orgasm, you may have dysorgasmia. The problem may be mild or searing. Regardless of the severity, the pain isn't normal. Sex should be safe, pleasurable, and shame-free. Treatments for dysorgasmia include vaginal dilators, therapy, and medicine. The first step is discovering the underlying condition causing dysorgasmia. 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
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How Much Do Vaginal Dilators Cost?
We think it’s safe to say that when it comes to health products of any kind, you get what you pay for. Not all vaginal dilators are created equal, so there will of course be variants in price. So how much do vaginal dilators cost, and should you go for a cheap vaginal dilator? Rather than answering the latter question directly, we’ll simply ask you another one: Would you feel comfortable put anything other than the highest quality materials or products inside your body, especially if you had a condition to heal? How much vaginal dilators cost really depends on how carefully made they are. In this article we will break down the basics of vaginal dilator production, give you the lowdown on what’s available, and what you can expect to pay for them… See Product See Product See Product See Product Why are some vaginal dilators more expensive than others? The vast majority of vaginal dilators are produced overseas in countries like China. It’s no secret that Chinese products are generally cheaper because the materials used are of much lower quality. The bottom line is that you can’t get cheap dilators made out of high quality products – and that means that since around 95% of dilators are made overseas, most are not of the quality you should be using to heal any kind of sexual health issue. You probably won’t be able to find out exactly what they are made of, nor the conditions in which they were produced… so that is obviously a red flag. As VuvaTech are committed to providing the safest and most effective vaginal dilators, we pay premium prices for the highest possible quality of materials, and we have our dilators made here in the US so that we can oversee production. Naturally our dilators cost more, but they are an investment that will go the distance. How much do vaginal dilators cost? As mentioned, you can buy cheap dilators online if you choose to. You might pay between $30 and $50 dollars for a basic set, but if you want to reap the benefits our clinically approved dilators are famous for, you should consider investing in the best quality dilator sets. If you are looking to buy quality dilators online, there are several deluxe options. VuVatech sells premium vaginal dilator sets in a range of tried and tested materials that can assist in the healing of a diverse array of issues. Here’s what we have to offer: Neodymium magnetic vaginal dilators Our magnetic dilators are made from medical device grade polycarbonate and are FDA approved. Since we designed and patented these dilators, you can’t find them elsewhere. In a clinical study they showed high success rates in recovery from sexual health conditions like vulvodynia and vaginismus. Like our silicone dilators they are free from latex and waterproof, making them completely safe to use. The neodymium magnets (each contains over 60) strategically placed within our magnetic dilators bring various benefits. In fact, Neodymium magnets are long lasting, rare-earth magnets and are commonly found in medical applications. Magnets have long been used in magnetic therapy, which is where our original idea came from. The magnets are not cheap, which is reflected in the price of magnetic dilators, but they are a superior healing tool. You can buy magnetic vaginal dilators in single units starting at $32.00 each, in sizes 1 to 7. You can also buy combo sets, or the full set at $178. We have a few other options, including sets with books and lubricant, and vaginismus dilator starter kits, so why not take a look at our range of magnetic dilators to find the right option for you? See Product See Product See Product See Product Polycarbonate plastic vaginal dilators For those who can’t use our magnetic dilators, we do have a cheaper option that is still made from the highest quality products. Our medical grade polycarbonate plastic vaginal dilators come in sets and cost under $70.00. We also have a lifetime warranty on our products on manufacture defects. If you have any questions at all about our vaginal dilators, you can check our FAQ page or drop us a line and as always, we’ll be more than 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 150,000 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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Foods That Help Vulvodynia: The Low-Oxalate Diet
The word ‘vulvodynia’ translates literally to ‘painful vulva’, and the condition leaves sufferers dealing with a range of unpleasant symptoms such as burning, stinging and irritation in the area of the vaginal opening. Successful treatment varies from woman to woman, and finding the right combination can be challenging. Although the causes of vulvodynia are not fully confirmed, experts think that certain dietary factors can play a part in worsening the symptoms. On the plus side, there are also foods that help vulvodynia. See Product See Product See Product See Product Following what is known as the low-oxalate diet has given many women significant relief from their vulvodynia pain, so in this article we will cover the foods that ease vulvodynia symptoms so that you have every chance at overcoming the condition. Why low-oxalate foods help vulvodynia Oxalates (sometimes referred to as oxalic acid) are compounds that found in certain plant foods. They can bind to calcium in the stomach and intestines before being passed out in your stools. If the oxalates don’t bind to the calcium in your body, they can instead travel in your blood to your kidneys, which then expel them via the urinary tract. For most people oxalates aren’t a problem, but for some they can lead to kidney stones, and of course worsened vulvodynia pain in women. The foods in the low-oxalate diet reduce oxalate buildup in the urine, which can irritate the vulva. It’s also possible that oxalate crystal build-up in the vulvar tissues can irritate and inflame them, so this diet is great for reducing the oxalate build-up and rebalancing the body. Several studies have confirmed that this is the case, however it is worth noting that they found nothing to suggest that a high-oxalate diet increased the risk of developing vulvodynia in the first place. See Product See Product See Product See Product Which foods are low in oxalate? If you are struggling with painful symptoms you will want to make sure you aim to eat only the foods that help vulvodynia. It may not be music to the ears of those who prefer to follow a plant-based diet, but aside from certain fruits and vegetables, most low-oxalate foods are animal products. The following foods are all low in oxalate, containing under 2mg of oxalate in a serving: Dairy: cheese, butter, yoghurt, milk, eggs Fruits: avocado, banana, mango, cherries, grapefruit, grapes, melon, green and yellow plums, peaches, nectarines, and dried fruits such as raisins Vegetables: cabbage, cucumber, mushrooms, peas, chives, cauliflower, endive, kohlrabi, radishes, water chestnuts Meat: pork, beef and poultry Fish: shellfish Starches: barley, corn, rice-based cereals, egg noodles, muffins, pasta, wild rice, white rice Dressings and condiments: fresh or dried basil, oregano, peppermint or sage, corn syrup, sugar, honey, jam, Dijon mustard, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise, vegetable oils and salad dressings You should certainly increase fluid intake when you’re on a low-oxalate diet (drink at least 8 cups of water a day!), but it’s also important to make sure you consume the right drinks for vulvodynia. Aside from water you can indulge in herbal and green teas, as well as juices such as apple juice, grapefruit juice and soda. You may also want to take some vitamins and supplements that help with vulvodynia, as these can really make a difference. In particular, calcium citrate can reduce oxalate build-up in the urine and tissues, at the same time as assisting in excretion of the excess. Supplementing calcium citrate in combination with eating foods that help vulvodynia has been beneficial for many women, so it’s certainly worth a try! We hope you found this article helpful. Don’t forget to check out the other articles in our blog for full-spectrum advice on vulvodynia and other women’s health issues! 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
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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.
