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Reasons you might need Rectal Dilators and How to Relax Anal Muscles
Loosening a tight, painful rectum the easy way. When you have a tight, painful rectum it's hard to talk about. You might believe that you're the only one experiencing rectal pain and discomfort. But you're not alone. Many men and women suffer from tightness and look for the best way to loosen anal tissue. The good news is that increasing rectal capacity is possible and much easier than you think with anal dilators. It's essential to keep in mind that every rectum is different. Rectums become inflexible for a variety of reasons. The best way to stretch a constricted rectum is with an anal dilator. See Product See Product See Product See Product This article will first explore the reasons for tight rectum and then how to increase the size of the anal canal the easy way with a rectal dilator. Anal dilation is the process of opening up or stretching the anus using small plastic dilator or silicone dilators, so it becomes a normal size. Levator Ani Syndrome is condition characterized by sporadic episodes of pain in the rectum and anus that can cause stress on someone’s everyday activities. Table of Contents: Facts about Levator Ani Syndrome What is Levator Ani Syndrome Causes of Levator Ani Syndrome Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Home Remedies Rectal Dilators Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Facts about levator ani syndrome Here are some key points about levator ani syndrome. More detail and supporting information is in the main article. Levator ani syndrome occurs when a muscle near the rectum - the levator ani muscle - spasms and causes pain. The cause of levator ani syndrome is not very clear, but it is common. Treatment involves managing the symptoms and trying to reduce the pain with pelvic floor therapy in both men and women. Some self-administered and home remedies, including dilators, can give relief for some people with levator ani syndrome. What is levator ani syndrome? Levator ani syndrome is caused by a muscle spasm near to the anus. The pain of levator ani syndrome is caused by a spasm in the levator ani muscle. Pain may radiate to the hips, tailbone, or other areas. This pain is usually unrelated to a bowel movement, and there appear to be no structural abnormalities or underlying conditions responsible for the symptoms. Until 2016, levator ani syndrome was considered to be a form of chronic proctalgia. However, the term chronic proctalgia is now disbanded, and levator ani syndrome is no longer considered a subtype. See Product See Product See Product See Product Causes In levator ani syndrome, the levator ani muscles of the pelvic floor are short, contracted, and weak. This contracted state does not allow for the levator muscles to support its surrounding structures and leads to a decrease in blood blow to the area. After several months, this decrease in blood flow leads to an acidic environment which stimulates an inflammatory cascade. The inflammatory cascade causes an “inflammatory” soup in the pelvis and surrounding area, in addition to inflammation around the nerves. This cascade is ultimately what leads to the pain symptoms described above and lack of muscle coordination for the pelvic floor muscles in levator ani syndrome. There are both local and systemic factors that contribute to causing the symptoms of levator ani syndrome. Locally, unconscious tensing of the pelvic floor muscles from stress and anxiety, contribute to the symptoms. Often this is combined with certain “triggers” or risk factors. Additionally, contributing factors include chronic constipation or loose stools, poor toileting habits usually started as a young child, a history of hemorrhoids or an anal fissure, a history of colorectal or gynecological surgery. Systemically, a genetically wired nervous system with a “dial” or “amplifier” that is turned up or “hyperexcitable” predisposes patients to potentially suffering from levator ani syndrome. Symptoms The symptoms of levator ani syndrome may be relieved when lying down or standing up straight. The symptoms of levator ani syndrome include pain high in the rectum that may be: irregular and spontaneous less than 20 minutes in duration specific or general a dull ache a sense of pressure in the rectum felt when sitting relieved when standing or lying down unrelated to bowel movements severe enough to interrupt sleep Furthermore, a person may feel that passing gas or defecating can give them relief from the pain. In severe cases, the rectal pain may recur frequently and may last for several hours. Diagnosis Diagnosis of levator ani syndrome is based upon excluding other diseases that may be responsible for the symptoms. This may be done through a physical examination and diagnostic testing: Medical history and examination A doctor will first take a full medical history and do a physical examination. A person may experience tenderness in the levator muscle when it is pressed during a rectal examination. A doctor will suspect levator ani syndrome if the individual: Reports chronic or recurrent rectal pain that lasts for at least 20 minutes. Experiences severe tenderness when the levator muscle is touched. Tests Examples of tests to exclude other disorders that may lead to a diagnosis of levator ani syndrome include: stool sample blood test endoscopic procedures imaging tests The tests used will depend on what the doctor considers necessary based on the reported symptoms. Treatment Physical therapy may help to treat levator ani syndrome. Other treatments may include botox injections and sitting on pillows. The treatment options for levator ani syndrome include: Physical therapy: When applied to the pelvis, physical therapy, such as massage, may reduce spasms and cramping in the muscles of the pelvic floor. Electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS): This involves inserting a probe into the anus to administer mild electrical stimulation and has been shown to be more effective than physical therapy. Biofeedback: This technique uses specialized equipment to measure muscle activity while exercises are done. Through the feedback they get, people learn to control or relax certain muscles to reduce symptoms. Botox injections: Botox has been investigated as a potential treatment. A previous study documents relief from spasms due to regular Botox injections. Home Remedies and Relief Home remedies include: Sitz baths: Soaking the anal region in warm water, known as a sitz bath, can provide relief from episodes of anal spasms. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs): Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may help to reduce discomfort. Sitting on a pillow: Some people report that sitting on a donut-shaped pillow reduces the pressure on the anus, which may alleviate symptoms. Gas or bowel movement: Episodes of levator ani spasms may be relieved by passing gas or by a bowel movement. Rectal Dilator Therapy: Due to muscles needing to be relaxed and stretched, home pelvic floor physical therapy is a recommended by most pelvic floor physical therapists. How to Use Rectal Dilators VuVa Rectal Dilator/Anal Dilator Instructions: Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any type of treatment or rectal health therapy. Wash rectal dilators before use with a mild hypoallergenic soap and warm water. Find a comfortable position. Many patients prefer to lie on their left side. However, any comfortable position is appropriate. Lubricate both the anal canal and the tip of the dilator. Proper lubrication will help prevent potential tearing or discomfort due to dryness. Do not use a petroleum-based lubricant because it will increase your risk of infection and be more difficult to wash off. The tip of the dilator should be positioned lightly and at a right angle to the rectum. Exhale and gently ease the dilator into the anal canal. Breathing deeply and inching the dilator deeper with each exhalation will aid penetration. Do not continue if you become tense. Practice controlled breathing and attempt to relax. Remove the dilator if there is any chance you might become hurt or injured. The dilator is fully inserted once the cuff (the flat end) is in contact with the skin. At this point it can be removed immediately. It is not necessary for the dilator to remain within the anal canal. Wash and dry the dilator thoroughly. Hygiene is important to avoid risk of infection during the next use of the rectal dilator. Use a mild hypoallergenic soap and warm water. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Pelvic floor physical therapy is usually prescribed for women who, after a few pregnancies, tend to leak urine. But men can leak, too, especially after surgery for prostate cancer. Men can also suffer from chronic pelvic pain. Physical therapy specific to the pelvic floor muscles can provide relief. What is the pelvic floor? The pelvic floor comprises muscles and connective tissue that support abdominal organs, control the bowels and bladder and are involved in sexual function. What pelvic-related problems are typical for men? The two main symptoms that send men to pelvic floor physical therapy are incontinence (inability to control your urination) and pelvic pain. Men who have had surgery for prostate cancer may have incontinence at least temporarily after their surgery, which is normal. Some men who receive radiation therapy for prostate cancer can also experience incontinence which is normal as well. Another common pelvic problem for men is chronic (ongoing) pelvic pain. Pain can come from the bladder, rectum or prostate (the latter is sometimes called prostatitis). Pain tends to make muscles tighten up, like a constant cramp, and this becomes an uncomfortable cycle: pain leads to muscle tension, which causes more pain. The problem with male pelvic pain is that it’s often misdiagnosed. These men have these symptoms and no one knows what to do with them because they simply do not do research. They often get treated with antibiotics but don’t improve. Sometimes they see multiple specialists before they get diagnosed with pelvic pain and receive comprehensive treatment including PT. The antibiotics that you are given might be causing the pain. But if there’s no actual infection, this will not sure your painful symptoms. What is pelvic floor physical therapy like? There are many aspects to pelvic floor rehab: Education and a frank conversation. The therapist gives men a basic education about their pelvic floor, an often mysterious part of male anatomy. Men don’t tend to think about their pelvic floor. By the time a female sees a doctor, she’s probably had several children and her obstetrician has recommended pelvic floor exercise. Men simply don’t have that experience. On the first visit, the physical therapist has a discussion with men: They ask about their pain symptoms — what their urination is like, what their bowel movements are like, what their sexual activity is like. It is important to answer all questions to create a successful treatment plan. Men with questions about any part of pelvic floor rehab can call or email the physical therapist before the first visit to talk through any concerns. They want to make you feel as comfortable as possible. A physical check up. The pelvic therapist will check strength, flexibility and range of motion in the back and pelvic floor areas. An internal exam. Often the therapist will do a rectal exam with a gloved finger, to feel whether the muscles are weak or in spasm, or have some other dysfunction. Pelvic floor rehab may also involve massaging certain muscles and dilator therapy. Exercises targeting the right muscles. For incontinence, pelvic floor rehab aims to strengthen the muscles controlling urination. For pelvic pain, the aim is coaxing tight muscles to relax. Both will involve exercises that, with practice, will retrain pelvic floor muscles to function properly. There are other exercises beyond Kegels that a therapist will teach men so they can target pelvic floor muscles. How long do most men need to go to pelvic floor rehab? Regular sessions for about 20 weeks – sometimes longer – can help men dramatically strengthen control over urination or treat levator ani syndrome. Pelvic pain can have many factors, so resolving it may take six months or longer, everyone is different based on the severity on pain. Behavioral, lifestyle or emotional challenges are often part of the problem, and men may need to tackle one or more of those issues in addition to getting physical therapy. For example, a person with a high-stress life may need to make life changes and learn to manage stress in addition to getting physical therapy, to prevent pain flare-ups. The frequency of in-person visits to the therapist tapers off as the patient makes progress, especially if he is consistently doing his exercises at home between visits. Do you need pelvic floor physical therapy or rectal dilators? Order your dilators here. See Product See Product See Product See Product
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7 Common Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen Up Down There
How to Loosen Up Down There? When you have a tight, painful vagina, it's hard to talk about. You live knowing that sexual intercourse is painful. Even using a tampon could cause severe discomfort. Perhaps, you may even avoid necessary pap smears and pelvic exams. You might believe that you're the only one experiencing vaginal pain and discomfort. But you're not alone. Many women suffer from tightness and look for the best way to loosen vaginal tissue. The good news is that increasing vaginal capacity is possible and much easier than you think. It's essential to keep in mind that every vagina is different. Vaginas become inflexible for a variety of reasons. The best way to stretch a constricted vagina is with a vaginal dilator. This article will first explore the reasons for tight vaginas and then how to increase the size of the vagina the easy way with a vaginal dilator. Table of Contents Seven Reasons for a tight, painful vagina 1. Cancer 2. Infections 3. Dyspareunia 4. Changes in vaginal tightness after childbirth 5. Vaginismus 6. Sexual Abuse 7. Menopause Loosening with Vaginal Dilators What are vaginal dilators? How do vaginal dilators help? How to use vaginal dilators What to expect after dilation therapy What are the reasons for a tight, painful vagina? Cancer Treatment can cause a vagina to tighten up When a woman has cervical cancer, the most common treatment is pelvic radiation. Strong gamma or x-rays penetrate the cervix to kill the cancer cells. During radiation treatment, the rays inflame and irritate vaginal tissue. As the vaginal tissue heals, it forms scars along the vaginal wall and pelvic floor. The scar tissue shortens and narrows the vagina, making sexual activity, and gynecological exams painful. See Product See Product See Product See Product Infections: Possible tightening related to Vaginal Infections One possible reason for lessened vaginal capacity is a yeast infection. A vaginal yeast infection is a fungal infection caused by the organism Candida albicans. The symptoms of yeast infections are vaginal stinging, burning, and discharge. While 20-50% of all women have yeast present in their vaginas, it’s the imbalance of the normal levels of bacteria and yeast that cause the infection. Dyspareunia is a possibility Dyspareunia is painful sex, either due to physical or psychological concerns. Genital pain can occur right before, during, or after sexual intercourse. The burning or stinging associated with dyspareunia may be caused by the following: Injury or trauma Certain medications Hormonal imbalances Vaginismus Congenital abnormality Skin infections Inflammation Back to top Changes in vaginal tightness after childbirth Having a baby brings about many natural changes for women. After childbirth, some women report a vagina change. The vaginal muscles may feel sore and inflamed for some time, making sexual intimacy difficult. Other problems might be dryness from low estrogen levels when breastfeeding. If you have an episiotomy (a cut making the vagina entrance larger), scar tissue might have formed in the vagina, causing a narrowing of the pelvic floor. Vaginismus Vaginismus is the persistent or involuntary muscle spasms that happen right before vaginal penetration occurs. Upon pelvic examination, no medical reason can be determined. The muscle spasms make sexual intercourse painful and embarrassing. Besides penetration, the contractions can occur before a medical exam and inserting a tampon. Vaginismus doesn't interfere with sexual arousal, but rather causes sexual dysfunction, making a healthy sex life difficult. Healthcare professionals sometimes believe the medical condition is more emotional rather than physical, and recommend seeing a therapist. Sexual abuse One cause for a tight vagina might be sexual abuse. Past trauma can have a powerful effect on sexual health. When you're sexually abused in your childhood or as an adult, engaging in intimate relationships might be stressful and overwhelming. One physical reaction is a tightening of vaginal muscles, leading to painful intercourse or avoidance of sexual activity of any kind. Triggers such as penetration might further increase vaginal constriction. Sexual abuse and vaginismus might be connected, as well. Menopause affects the tightness of a vagina Menopause is a naturally occurring condition that primarily affects women in their late 40s and early 50s. It signals the end of women’s reproductive abilities and menstrual cycle. As women transition into menopause, they experience painful symptoms. Some symptoms include: Vaginal Atrophy Night sweats Insomnia Mood swings Weight gain The causes of the symptoms are from the imbalance of the vital sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. As you age, you lose functioning in the ovaries and produce fewer sex hormones. Menopause can also change the shape of your vagina. If you don't have regular intercourse after menopause, your vagina can become shorter and narrower. Back to top Using Vaginal Dilators to "Loosen" Things Up For all the medical conditions listed above, the easiest way to loosen a vagina is with a vaginal dilator. Most medical professionals recommend using vaginal dilators after radiation treatment to expand vaginal muscles and reduce painful scarring. Talk to your doctor before starting treatment with vaginal dilators. What are vaginal dilators? VuVa Magnetic Neodymium Magnetic Vaginal Dilators were invented by a vulva pain patient who suffered from painful intercourse and desired a solution. Vaginal dilators come in different sizes, generally ranging from 2.25-6.5 inches in length to .5-1.5 inches in width. They resemble a tampon and have tapered ends to make insertion easier. High-quality dilators are made of medical grade polycarbonate plastic. See Product See Product See Product See Product How do vaginal dilators help? Vaginal dilators help to stretch and loosen the vagina naturally. The VuVa dilators have Neodymium magnets that help relax muscles and ligaments. As the vaginal muscles and tissues relax, the magnets encourage blood flow to the inflamed or scarred area to calm the nerves. We have iron in our blood, and every ion or atom has oxygen and triggers an electrical impulse. Together, these elements create our bodies own electrical, magnetic field. When the magnetic vaginal dilator is placed against the painful area, it brings in fresh oxygenated blood to the surrounding muscles and stretched nerves. The drawing in of the new blood accelerates healing while minimizing pain. Do you want to start dilator therapy? Visit www.vuvatech.com to purchase dilators made in the USA. How to use vaginal dilators? Some people may believe that using vaginal dilators is difficult at first. However, once therapy is in place, using vaginal dilators becomes easy and routine. Most physical therapists and doctors recommend treatment at least 3-5 times per week, but at first, one or two times per day might be necessary. The following is a suggested treatment method. Vaginal dilators work best when you find a private place to use them. Choose a location that won't be interrupted. Wash the dilator with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Apply water-based lubricant to the dilator for natural lubrication. Lean back with your knees bent and open your legs wide. You can use a mirror to view your vaginal entrance. Start with the smallest vaginal dilator first and work up to longer or wider ones. Slowly insert the dilator. Try to relax the muscles in your vagina. Once inserted, leave it there for 10-15 minutes. Or as long as you can. After a few minutes, start to move the dilator in and out slowly. Back to top What to expect after dilation therapy? Using a vaginal dilator to improve vagina capacity will take more than a few sessions. Some doctors and therapists recommend ongoing treatment for an extended period. Usually, it takes a few weeks for pain and discomfort to subside before sexual intercourse can be undertaken. But once the vaginal dilators start to work, women experience the following: Lessened pelvic floor muscle tension Decreased pain during sexual penetration, allowing for a healthier sex life Better able to undergo pelvic exams Allowing for easier insertion of tampons An overall sense of happiness and joy For those experiencing pain and discomfort from a short and narrow vagina, using a vaginal dilator can help women live pain-free. It's the easiest and safest way to improve women's health. VuVa Dilators are available at www.vuvatech.com. Made in the USA. 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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Getting Your Vagina Back: Sex After a Hysterectomy with Vaginal Dilation
Sex and Vaginal Dilators After a Hysterectomy Sexual problems for women occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s the onset of menopause causing vaginal dryness, leading to painful penetration. For some, it's from the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina being removed due to a radical hysterectomy as a treatment for cervical cancer. For those who've had a hysterectomy, one of the most common questions is, will it hurt to have sex afterward? Painful intercourse is a possible side effect of a hysterectomy, but this doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve your sex life and find pain relief. One way to improve sexual health is vaginal dilator therapy. In this article, we will first discuss the effects of hysterectomy on sexual function, the benefits of vaginal dilators, and how to use them after a hysterectomy. Table of Contents The effects of hysterectomy on sexual function Sex and vaginal dilators Reasons for Using Vaginal Dilators Benefits of Vaginal Dilator Therapy See Product See Product See Product See Product The effects of hysterectomy on sexual function Although everyone heals differently, a hysterectomy shortens the vagina and may cause the genital area to feel numb or raw. Sometimes painful scar tissue inside the vagina makes vaginal penetration painful. Women also report feeling "less feminine" and "empty." When women have these negative thoughts and emotions, speaking with a trained sex therapist might help. Since the vaginal capacity is tighter after a hysterectomy, deep penetration might not be possible right away. Extra time spent on foreplay can help ensure the vagina is lengthened to allow for pleasurable intercourse. Treating painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia, after a hysterectomy can include different treatment methods, but one proven way is vaginal dilators. ____________________________ READ: Can I use a dilator after radiation? ____________________________ Sex and vaginal dilators Once you've had a hysterectomy, it's essential that you wait until the vaginal tissue heals completely before resuming sexual activity or using vaginal dilators. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists recommend waiting six to eight weeks before inserting anything in the vagina. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have before dilator therapy after hysterectomy. Reasons for Using Vaginal Dilators A vaginal dilator is a tube-like device used to stretch the vagina. Some people might view them as vibrators or dildos, but vaginal dilators are not used for sexual pleasure. TheVuVa Neodymium Magnetic Dilator comes in a set of five including smaller (about the size of a finger) to larger sizes. The dilator size you use will depend on your pain threshold and pelvic condition. It is recommended that you use firm dilators made of medical grade polycarbonate plastic and not softer silicon. Women use vaginal dilators for different reasons, including: Vaginismus (vaginal muscle spasms) Vulvodynia (chronic vulva pain) Vaginal Atrophy (dryness) Vulvar Vestibulitis (painful intercourse) Dyspareunia (painful sex) Vaginal Stenosis (loss of vagina flexibility) Post radiation therapy and cancer treatments Back to top Benefits of Vaginal Dilator Therapy Vaginal dilator therapy will help stretch and prevent your vagina from becoming too narrow. Once approved for treatment by healthcare professionals, you can undergo therapy as long as needed. Vaginal dilator therapy will help: Increase the comfort of having a pelvic exam Lessen pain and discomfort connected to sexual activity Ease pain associated with using tampons Help strengthen pelvic floor muscles When you use a vaginal dilator, your soft vagina tissue lengthens, causing muscles and ligaments to relax. As you relax, blood flow increases to the skin and muscle causing pain. The increased blood flow calms nerves, allowing the pain to ease. How to use dilators after hysterectomy After a hysterectomy, it is common to feel pain and discomfort due to a shortened or tight vagina. Using a non-vibrating vaginal dilator will help ease pain and improve sexual function. Using a dilator can be scary for some, but it's easier than you think. Privacy is importantFinding a quiet place to relax in private is the first step in dilator therapy. You want to make sure you're alone without interruptions. Just the thought of someone interrupting you might impair muscle relaxation, making the treatment harder to undergo. Start with baby steps The VuVa Dilators come in different sizes and lengths. When first beginning dilator therapy after a hysterectomy, don't push yourself too hard. It takes time to heal vaginal tissue and recover from major surgery. While not living in pain and having a healthy sex life is vital for women's health, don't push yourself too hard at first. Prepare the dilator Make sure dilators are clean buy using a non fragrant soap and letting them air dry. Then, apply a water-based lubricant before inserting. Lubricant is an excellent vaginal moisturizer that encourages the vaginal wall muscles to relax. Insert the dilator Lean back on pillows with your knees up in a comfortable position. Open your legs wide to allow easy insertion. You can use a mirror to see the opening of your vagina. Slowly insert the dilator a little at a time. Stop when you experience too much discomfort and go slowly. Medical professionals recommend deep breathing and imagining your pelvic floor relaxing. Don’t force it Once the dilator is in place, don’t force it. Move the dilator in and out slowly, to stretch and lengthen your vagina. Add more lubricant, if needed to help make the process easier. Gently move the dilator in wide circles to further widen the vagina. Repeat this in the front, middle, and back of the vagina. Once finished wash and dry the dilator and store in the kit. Healthcare professionals recommend using vaginal dilators three to four times per week. Each session should be about 20 minutes, but if this isn’t possible at first, you can’t work up to it. Sometimes you only need a few minutes a day to help ease pain and discomfort. Women have hysterectomies to alleviate excruciating pain, heavy bleeding, and other health concerns. However, a hysterectomy is a major surgery that can cause short and long term side effects. Vaginal dilators help ease pain, promote a healthy sex life, and encourage a life fully lived. Back to top Vaginal Dilators on Facebook Vaginal Dilation ______________ This post was informed by or approved by staff, writings or colleagues of Dr. Robert J. Echenberg, MD is an Obstetrician-gynecologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Is intercourse painful as well? Learn more about VuVa Vaginal Dilator Therapy and Dyspareunia here. 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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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.
