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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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How Do I Know if My Hymen is Torn or Broken?
What's going on? Although the idea of a torn hymen is associated with loss of virginity (after sexual intercourse), this is far from the only way to stretch or tear your hymen. In fact, it is very common for females to tear their hymens inadvertently, through physical exercise such as cycling, horse riding, gymnastics or other vigorous forms of exercise. Likewise, masturbation, vaginal speculums, injury or tampon use can tear or stretch your hymen. So how do you know if your hymen is torn? Firstly it’s important to remember that not all females are born with a hymen. Although the chances are relatively low (one in one thousand), that’s possible. Women who do have this stretchy membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina may have already torn it well before their first sexual encounter. Even if your hymen stays intact until sex, it still might not tear or bleed because of sex. If you’re wondering how to tell if your hymen is torn, read on… See Product See Product See Product See Product Signs your hymen is torn If you have torn your hymen, you might experience any of the following: Light spotting or bleeding Slight discomfort or pain around the vaginal opening Torn or broken skin (membrane) around 1-2cm inside the vaginal opening Some females don’t notice any of these things despite having torn the hymen. It is quite normal for the hymen to naturally wear down over time. You can compare it to tissue paper in a sense; it’s easy to perforate with even light pressure, so it can either tear in one go or gradually stretch and widen until it has shrunk back to the vaginal walls. At this point it feels like a ring of tissue, but it won’t feel smooth like the rest of the vaginal walls – it will have an irregular surface. If you have only stretched your hymen, it may just fade away or tear eventually. Are you just having painful sex thinking it is from a broken hymen? Read about these conditions here that can cause painful intercourse. You can purchase VuVa Vaginal Dilators to stretch our vagina at home. Prices start at around $26 dollars for a dilator, depending on size. How to check whether you have torn your hymen It’s actually quite easy to find out whether your hymen has torn or not. You can figure this out yourself without visiting a Doctor or gynecologist. All you need is a mirror, a chair and your fingers. Here’s what you need to do: Wash your hands thoroughly Grab a small mirror that you can manage with one hand Sit on the edge of a chair and open your legs Apply some natural personal lubricant to your finger if necessary (particularly if you feel discomfort inserting fingers) Hold the mirror in front of your vagina and angle it upwards to that you can see the opening Use your index or middle finger to spread open the labia (vaginal lips) You should be able to see a thin, moon-shaped fleshy membrane across the lower section of your vaginal opening if the hymen is intact Remember that the size and shape of a hymen can vary quite a lot. A good rule of thumb is that if you can easily insert a finger or feel any irregular flesh around the vaginal walls (without experiencing any resistance or discomfort), it’s likely that your hymen is torn. If you find that you have torn your hymen, that’s perfectly normal and OK. If this has only just happened and you’re experiencing any discomfort or light bleeding, you can ease it with a cool pack or ice on the area and refrain from tampon use or sex until it feels better. Once your hymen is healed you’ll be able to carry on with those things as normal! We hope you found this article informative; if so, you might want to check out our other blog posts on women’s sexual health and gynecological concerns. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? VuVatech dilators are made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com to learn more about private in-home therapy. See Product See Product See Product See Product 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 to Get Rid of Clitoral Pain
The causes and treatments of Clitorodynia ( Clitoral Pain) Pain in the clitoris is something most women don't expect to happen, much less discuss. The clitoris, located above the vaginal opening and hidden under the clitoral hood, stimulates intense pleasure during sexual activity. The whole reason for being part of a woman's body is to help her reach orgasm. Yet, what if you experience stabbing pain in the clitoris or suffer from ongoing chronic pelvic pain. Your pleasure center becomes a source of agony. It then becomes Clitorodynia. Symptoms of Clitorodynia Clitorodynia is a subset of localized Vulvodynia. Vulvodynia is a chronic pain issue that affects the vulvar area or external genitals, including the clitoris. The pain can be provoked (tight clothing or touch) or unprovoked clitordynia (unknown cause). (1) Many women have vulvodynia flare-ups that cause serious clitoral pain as well. Regardless of the cause of the chronic pain condition, the symptoms may include one or more of the following: swollen clitoral tissue sharp pains vulvar itching vaginal itching burning or searing pain stabbing pain scratching sensation when touched Causes of Clitorodynia The cause of clitoral pain can come from many different factors or due to many conditions working together. (2) Hormonal changes Fluctuating hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone, may be the cause of clitoral and vulvar pain. Low estrogen may cause vaginal atrophy (dryness) and other physical problems. Hormones are the body's messengers to control everything from fertility to bone growth. Hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction Hypertonic pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is the unnatural tightening of the pelvic floor muscles and the inability to relax. The tightening of the pelvic floor muscles may lead to painful sex, constipation, and other pelvic health conditions, including clitoral pain. (3) At home magnetic VuVa vaginal dilator therapy can help with a hypertonic pelvic floor. Pudendal neuralgia It's a dysfunction in your pelvis and genitals that leads to numbness, pelvic pain, or severe discomfort. The reasons for pudendal neuralgia vary, but one common reason is pudendal nerve damage. (4) This nerve runs outside your pelvis to the bottom of your vagina or penis, before branching to other nerves. See Product See Product See Product See Product Persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) PGAD is feeling sexually heightened all the time but with no outlet or release of genital arousal. (5) While this may sound like a problem without pain, it can lead to burning, stinging, wetness, and soreness that never seems to subside. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) VIN is a superficial or non-invasive lesion on the vulva. It can be a precursor (beginning) of skin cancer that develops in the skin's middle and outer layers. VIN is usually not life-threatening but can be aggressive. (6) Lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus is an uncommon, chronic skin condition in the genitals characterized by patchy, white skin that's thin and sensitive. This skin concern can sometimes be confused with lichen planus, a common painful skin condition that affects the hair, nails, and mucous membranes of the mouth and vagina. Both issues aren't contagious but do require medical care. (7) Vulvar vestibulitis Vulvar vestibulitis is dyspareunia (painful sex) at the vagina's entrance or right at the clitoris. (8) Chronic vulva vestibulitis can have continuous flare-ups for years due to sexual intercourse, touch, or even inserting a tampon. Or the clit pain can be ongoing and throbbing with little relief. Other Clitorodynia causes If none of the above causes are the reason for your Clitorodynia, the following may be the genesis. yeast infection sexual abuse interstitial cystitis sexually transmitted diseases hypo-active sexual desire disorder contact dermatitis uterine fibroids For Clitorodynia diagnosis, speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your vaginal pain symptoms. Treatments of Clitorodynia The specific treatment for stabbing pain in the clitoris depends on the cause of the problem. You may need to try one or more of the conventional Clitorodynia treatments before you find pain relief. Physiotherapy with vaginal dilators Relieving clitoral pain is possible with vaginal dilators. It is recommended by doctors and physical therapists to relieve chronic vulvar and pelvic floor pain. One of the best home remedies to ease a swollen and stinging clitoris, vaginal dilator treatment, is on-demand and at your own pace. The vaginal dilator gently yet firmly massages the hood of the clitoris and external genitalia. The intent is to retrain the vulvar and pelvic floor muscles to relax and let go of the tension causing the stinging sensation that accompanies Clitorodynia. Gentle care Clitoral pain causes severe issues with women's health. It's essential to help ease the pain with good feminine hygiene. Rinse the inflamed area with warm water and use natural personal care products on sensitive skin. If tight clothes or using tampons cause you pain, modify your choices to avoid a Clitorodynia flare-up. As with any health condition, it's necessary to take care of yourself. Sex therapy Speaking to a sex counselor or a cognitive behavioral therapist about your condition may help ease a painful clitoris. While the cause may be physical, it can take a toll on your mental health. Or the origin of the condition may have come from past physical trauma or abuse. Being brave enough to begin therapy may be the answer you need. Living each day with chronic clitoris pain places significant weight on your mental and physical health. Women with Vulvodynia and Clitorodynia tend to suffer in silence. It's time to speak up and begin your journey to a life free of clitoris pain. Sources https://www.isswsh.org/images/PDF/NVA.Self-help.guide.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014358/ https://www.continence.org.au/news/hypertonic-pelvic-floor https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/pudendal-neuralgia#1 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249594 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540982/ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lichen-sclerosus.html https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0315/p1547.html#:~:text=Vulvar%20vestibulitis%20syndrome%20is%20also,(Figures%201%20and%202). 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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Why Does My Vagina Hurt After Sex?
There may be an underlying medical issue that is interfering with your sexual experiences. Dyspareunia is a term describing painful intercourse, where constant genital pain occurs before, during, or after sexual intercourse
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Scared to Have Sex Because it Hurts? These May be Some Reasons Why
Sometimes the very thought of sex can strike fear into the hearts of women who genuinely want to have a good time and feel connected to their partners. Women of various cultures and ages suffer from dyspareunia (painful sex). When a woman is scared to have sex because it hurts, she may feel a lot of pressure to just deal with the problem in her own. This may not be a viable option though; it really depends on the underlying reason why sex hurts. Unfortunately there are still plenty of stigmas around sexual conditions of all kinds, and people often don’t want to speak up about any degree of sexual dysfunction. They may feel embarrassed, or wish to avoid disappointing or worrying their partners. When women are scared to have sex there is usually a very good reason why. However, that reason may not always be totally clear to them. Perhaps all they know is that sex hurts every time, which is enough to put anyone off the idea! We have put together a summary of possible reasons sex hurts so that you can get to the bottom of your problem and set off on the path to healing. Possible reasons you’re scared to have sex Nobody could blame you for trying to avoid pain… but painful sex is another story entirely, since it can also create emotional and confidence issues over time. If you are scared to have sex, it is no doubt diminishing the quality of your relationship, or life in general. Here are some of the main reasons sex hurts: See Product See Product See Product See Product Physical reasons sex hurts You have inflammation around your vaginal opening You have an infection of some kind (dermatological or yeast infection, or STD) You have vulvodynia (soreness from over-responsive nerves in the vaginal area) You have vaginismus (involuntary spasms and tightening of the vaginal muscles) You have pudendal neuralgia (nerve damage to the pelvic area) You have had surgery in the pelvic area You’re going through or have reached the menopause (resulting in vaginal atrophy) You are not producing enough lubrication (perhaps through hormone decline) If any of these issues seem likely to you, it is worth checking in with your health practitioner for an assessment. Some problems are easier to treat than others, but it is unlikely that any of the above will resolve without intervention of some kind. In the case of lack of lubrication, you may wish to try a water-based personal lubricant. See Product See Product See Product See Product Psychological dyspareunia causes When you’re scared to have sex because it hurts, you might be surprised to find that the cause is psychological. If there are no obvious physical signs of discomfort except when you have sex, and you think you can rule out vaginismus, it is worth thinking about whether the cause of your dyspareunia is psychological. Most psychological causes can result in either dryness through lack of natural lubrication, or muscle tension from anxiety. The latter could appear to be vaginismus, and although vaginismus can have psychological causes, a professional would need to confirm this condition. You’ve lost your sex drive (libido) You have unresolved psychological traumas around sex You have performance anxiety, making you anxious or prone to muscle tension Your hormones are out of balance, leading to mood disorders or emotional problems (as can happen in the perimenopause) You’re having problems in your relationship (so have gone off sex) You’re stressed out in general and this is spilling over into the bedroom It is worth thinking about whether you have any deep-rooted emotional responses that are making you scared to have sex. If you think this could be the problem, sometimes a sexual therapist or counselor is the best port of call. The bottom line is that if you are regularly scared to have sex because it hurts, before this becomes a vicious circle it is wise to check in with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying causes. It isn’t a problem to ignore or take lightly, and once you know what the cause is, you may be surprised at how easy it is to find the right treatment for your issue. 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 Stretching & Keeping in Shape with Dilators
Staying fit Vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers are smooth, tube-shaped devices that help with vaginal stretching. While they may resemble a sex toy, vaginal dilators are medical devices that have helped thousands of women improve vaginal health and lead healthy sex lives. When you're living with vaginal tightness, the pain makes it challenging to engage in sexual intercourse, use tampons, and even undergo a gynecological exam. Painful vaginal tissue also makes women feel ashamed and fearful. In this article, we'll help women with tight vaginal tissue keep in shape with dilators. Vaginal Dilator Therapy Vaginal dilator therapy is a conventional physiotherapy treatment to stretch out the vagina. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, vaginal dilator therapy is a safe and effective way to keep the vagina from becoming too narrow and improve vaginal elasticity. (1) As with any other muscle in a woman's body, pelvic floor muscles can become tight and constricted. The tightness can lead to pain and spasms in the vagina and vulva. Some women describe the pain as searing and constant, while others experience sharp pain when triggered (can you use CBD? Check this out). Common triggers can be as little as pressure from a finger, sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothes, or during intercourse. Vaginal dilator therapy applies pressure to the inflamed vaginal wall to help them relax to decrease tightness and spasms. (2) Choosing the Right Vaginal Dilator Vaginal dilators come in many shapes and sizes. Selecting the right vaginal dilator to help strengthen your pelvic floor and ease sexual pain is essential. Since vaginal dilator therapy is the most commonly prescribed treatment for safe vaginal stretching, you have a few different choices. Magnetic Vaginal Dilators Vuva medical grade magnetic vaginal dilators are made from medical grade polycarbonate plastic and come in graduated sizes. Each dilator comes with over 60 Neodymium magnets to help stretch the vagina. While non-magnet vaginal dilators can be useful, ones with magnets may work better for some women. The reason is that the magnets help pull fresh, oxygenated blood into the vaginal walls while removing any acidity causing illness. New blood pumped through the vaginal muscle is healing and rejuvenating. Non-Magnetic Vaginal Dilators VuVa Smooth Vaginal Dilators have helped thousands of women around the world stretch the vagina with vaginal dilators. The non-magnetic dilators are made with polycarbonate plastic too, but without the magnets and designed by a pelvic pain patient who suffered from painful intercourse. You can purchase non-magnetic vaginal dilators in sets of five or individually. The benefit of investing in a dilator set is that you can start with the smallest one, and as your pain threshold grows, you can move up to the next size. Silicone Dilators For the softest vaginal dilators you can find, try silicone dilators. Silicon is soft and malleable, making the fit easier on the pelvic floor. The Grade 6 medical silicone comes in FDA-approved ingredients and fun colors. The VuVatech silicone dilators warm to the body's temperature and have a silky, yet firm texture that makes stretching your vagina more comfortable. While the fit is less painful initially, medical-grade plastic dilators with magnets break up the scar tissue faster. See Product See Product See Product See Product How to use vaginal dilators Once you've chosen the right vaginal dilator, you're ready to begin pelvic floor therapy. VuVatech dilators usually come with lubricant. You'll want to use a water-based lubricant during treatment. Your natural lubrication may not be enough for the procedure to be effective. Find a nice, quiet place you can be alone without interruption. Vaginal dilator therapy can be emotional, and you'll want somewhere you feel safe. In a comfortable prone position with your legs bent, gently insert the dilator. You must start with the smallest size for a vaginal stretch without too much pain. Dilator therapy is best when done 1-2 times per day for 20-30 minutes. As your vagina stretches, you'll be able to withstand more extended amounts of time. When is Dilator Therapy Used 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 The reasons for keeping in shape with dilators vary from woman to woman. Below are some common conditions that dilator therapy can help ease. Dyspareunia Dyspareunia is vulva pain before, during, or after sexual intercourse. Women of all ages can experience pain during intimacy, and the reasons vary from vaginal structural problems to psychological problems. Vaginal Changes Having a child is one of the most life-changing moments in a woman's life. Yet, vaginal birth can cause vagina changes. If you have perineal trauma during the delivery, it may cause scar tissue. The perineal is the space that connects the vaginal opening with the anus. As the baby's head moves through the birth canal, the opening of the vagina widens. But if the labor is quick or perineal stretching is too rough, it can tear, requiring stitches. It then can then cause perineal scarring. Vaginal dilators can help perform perineal massage after birth (after stitches removal and healing) or during the birth preparation process to improve elasticity. Perineal massaging helps reduce the risk of permanent scarring. (3) Vaginismus Vaginismus is painful, uncontrollable spasms in the vagina. The triggers for the pain could be simply inserting a tampon, undergoing a pelvic exam, or during sexual penetration. Vaginismus may be primary or secondary. Primary is when you've never been able to have penetrative sex and secondary when you could have sexual penetration in the past but can no longer. Pelvic radiation therapy If you’ve had pelvic radiation therapy as a cancer treatment, your vagina may have narrowed and have reduced elasticity. The vaginal walls may have become thin and dry, making sexual intercourse painful. Vaginal dilators can help stretch the vaginal walls and widen the vagina. (4) Menopause Menopause is a moment in a woman's life when she makes the transition from being fertile to infertile. The most common age is the late 40s and early 50s. As the change happens, hormones levels of estrogen and progesterone begin to fluctuate dramatically, causing painful symptoms. Two of these symptoms are vaginal atrophy (extreme dryness) and vaginal narrowing. Both conditions result in painful intercourse. (5) Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is pain and spasms in the vaginal opening or vulva that has no known cause. The National Vulvodynia Society says that women who suffer from this condition experience painful symptoms, including vaginal inflammation, stinging, tearing, and aching. Pain can be ongoing or triggered. (6) Vaginal dilators help stretch and keep your vagina in shape. While the process may seem unfamiliar at first, as you use dilators to ease vaginal pain, you’ll begin to experience the joy this brings in all areas of your life— From renewed intimacy to increased confidence. Begin your healing journey today! https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/how-use-vaginal-dilator https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1083318819301858 https://www.obgyn.net/pelvic-pain/painful-intercourse-after-delivery https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/radiation-therapy-pelvis https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-menopause https://www.nva.org/what-is-vulvodynia/ Other VuVa Helpful Links:
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