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Sex hurt me, and this is how VuVa Dilators changed that
An uplifting testimonial written by one of our wonderful customers. Sex is possible, VuVa can help. Have you ever noticed in movies or in your favorite TV show that at the start of any sex scene, the woman is ready to go in 3 seconds or less? There’s very little foreplay. She’s hungry for it and her body is ready. As a society, I think both men and women have come to expect it to work this way. And maybe it does for some women. I’m certainly not one of them. I used to avoid watching anything with a hot and steamy sex scene. Not because I didn’t like it, but because that’s not what sex looked like or felt like for me. I was jealous and embarrassed. I was afraid of watching those scenes with a partner because it might shine a giant spotlight on how truly broken I believed myself to be. If you roll the camera on my journey with sex over the years, you’d see a lot of awkward conversations where I explain to my soon to be new partner that there’s something wrong with me and I have a hard time with sex. You’d see an exhausting amount of mediocre foreplay (and some very good foreplay), and a cringe-worthy 20 minutes where I wince and silently shed tears through the pain that feels like someone is forcefully knocking down a door with a sledgehammer to get to the fire inside my vagina. After twenty years of a sexually somewhat-active lifestyle, a patient and loving husband who has a hard time watching me in pain, and a desire to have a baby, I finally asked my doctor why sex hurts for me. She did a few extra things during the normal exam and concluded that there was nothing wrong with me. Great. So how do we explain this burning pain I feel? How do we explain the fact that my husband couldn’t penetrate me on the night of our wedding because the pain was too intense for me? This devastating conclusion left me on a wild internet search (incognito of course), desperate to find if there’s just one other person on this planet who might have the same problem as me. My search led me to VuvaTech, and specifically the magnetic vaginal dilators. I felt like I had entered a fantasy world, a place where the sun always shines, the flowers are always in bloom. It felt like I was greeted by fairies who sat me down, handed me a glass of my favorite wine, caressed my shoulders, put a warm hand on the side of my face, looked me in the eyes, and gently said in the most calming voice, “you are not alone, there are others here just like you.” I began to devour every inch of the website, reading product descriptions, every single review, and the owner and creator’s own personal journey. As I typed out my credit card number, I thought to myself, “this probably won’t work, but it gives me hope, and right now, I’m willing to ride on hope alone.” I remember the day the dilators arrived, I wanted to see exactly how big they were. From the pictures online, I was comforted thinking that the set would resemble plastic dildos, but I also hoped they would be much smaller. As I unpacked the box, I noticed that each dilator was slightly longer and wider in circumference from the last, starting with a moderately small size. And each one had a comfortable disc like base which I would later find to be very useful in using a rotating back and forth motion to insert the dilators. I had ordered sizes 2-4, but after viewing them, I decided I wanted the full set. So I ordered sizes 1 and 5, and patiently awaited their arrival. I’ll be honest, I was terrified to use them. I didn’t mind waiting for the next shipment to arrive. Not only had I struggled with sex my entire adult life, I also failed miserably the few times I tried to use a tampon. And by this point, I had not attempted to have sex in a very long time, it just became easier to not try. I counted my blessings in my life and repeatedly told myself and my husband that we'd try to figure it out another day. Each time I thought about how I wanted to get back to it, I cringed at the memory of pain and discomfort from the last time we tried. Ordering the dilators was a good step in the right direction, but I knew this was going to be a challenge. The first time I used the dilators, I did well. I used size 1 with ease. While it was easy, I was glad I had it, because it helped prepare me (and give me the confidence) for size 2. With little effort, size 2 was a breeze. Then I got cocky. And size 3 was nowhere near as easy as I thought it would be. I listened to my body and felt that it was telling me it was done, so I stopped. I took a long hard look at size 5 and I thought to myself, “no way this will ever get inside me.” Then I realized it was likely the same size as my husband, and I knew I needed to find a way. You know how in movies they always insinuate that the bigger the man is, the more desirable he is? Well that’s never been true for me. I thought it was a little unfair twist of fate what I ended up with. Call it the ticking internal clock, but I was determined to find a way to make this work. It was a mental struggle just as much as it was physical. I spent time talking with my therapist about how to relax enough to get to the next size. I found that playing music, closing (and locking) the door helped. As much as I wouldn’t mind if my husband walked in, it helped to call it “me time” and to spend the time really listening to my body and getting to know how it worked. I began to think of the dilators for my vagina like a foam roller for the muscles in my back. A foam roller helps to work out knots, to smooth, lengthen and relax the muscles. The dilators do the same thing, and the ones with neodymium magnets inside help to draw blood to the nerves and surrounding muscles, making it easier for your internal vaginal muscles to relax. The muscles are tighter the deeper you go, so it takes some time (and different size dilators) to reach those. I found that by warming some lube and warming the dilators, my body was more willing to accept them. I focused on my breathing, taking time to slowly breath in, telling myself that this is a safe space and it’s okay to accept the dilators. As I exhaled, I’d pushed the dilator in a bit past my comfort zone, while using a gentle rotating left to right motion. My mind calmed, and my muscles loosened, accepting the dilators at each size. I want to be honest, while some reviewers said they had success within a short time, it wasn’t quick or easy for me. It was both a physical and a mental endeavor. I couldn’t use the dilators every day. In fact, sometimes I went days, weeks, or even months without use. Yet, every time I was ready to spend some time with them again, it was like catching up with an old friend I hadn't talked to in a while — my body remembered. It might have taken a little time and patience to get back in the groove, but each time was easier than the last. And here I am today, happy to report that I made it to size 5. And with continued use of the dilators, I have achieved completely pain-free and frequent sex with my husband. I’ve never talked about my struggle with sex, much less written about it, but these dilators completely changed my life. It is my hope that other women who have hid in the shadows of painful sex will find their way to my story, will feel that same warmth and optimism in realizing they are not alone, and will take the leap to find their own journey towards the mental and physical freedom that awaits them with pain free sex. End. 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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The Definition of Pelvic Pain: Is it just endometriosis?
Pelvic pain is an uncomfortable reality for countless women. Because it is often difficult to pinpoint the cause, it leaves many wondering where to start when it comes to fixing it. In fact, pelvic pain has a wide range of potential causes, meaning that diagnosis is the first challenge to overcome. With the modern rise of gynecological issues such as endometriosis, it’s easy to misinterpret the cause of pelvic pain. You may read up on a problem like endometriosis and conclude that this is what you’re suffering from, when actually it could be something entirely different. To help you get to the bottom of your pelvic pain, this article takes a look at the definition of pelvic pain, its five most common causes and a few other possibilities… What is pelvic pain? Pelvic pain is defined by pain or discomfort in the lower section of the abdomen, specifically between the naval and the groin. It might consist of a dull ache, a feeling of pressure, sharp shooting pains, twinges or feelings of uncomfortable tightness. It sometimes occurs concurrently with other symptoms, like vaginal discharge, unexpected bleeding or lower backache. This kind of pain might be temporary, recurring or chronic, depending on the underlying reasons for it. In women, pelvic pain can be caused by problems with the reproductive organs, urinary tract or pelvic floor muscle group. Sometimes menstrual cramps are the cause, or perhaps you have an intestinal condition or a sexually transmitted infection. 5 common causes of pelvic pain There are a large number of reasons you may have developed pain in the pelvic area. The following five are some of the most common causes: Menstrual cramps and ovulation Menstrual pain and cramps are one of the most common causes of pelvic pain in women, and it is usually easy to pinpoint the cause. It is very normal to experience pain when the uterus contracts in order to shed its lining. This pain may be at its most intense for the first one or two days, but for some, continues to the end of the period. This pain is characterized by a dull ache and sharper pains from muscle spasms. During ovulation, it is normal for women to feel pain sensations on one side of the pelvis, depending on which fallopian tubes released an egg. This happens in the middle of the menstrual cycle, and can feel like a pulsing ache that lasts for minutes, or sometimes hours. It is important to note that when menstrual pain is severe, or happens during other parts of the cycle, this may indicate the presence of an underlying condition such as endometriosis. If you suspect this, it is a good idea to consult your healthcare provider. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a modern problem affecting increasing numbers of women. Now that more awareness exists around endometriosis, many women are wondering if this is the reason for their pelvic pain. It is difficult to diagnose and may require an exploratory operation to do so, and it is important to catch early if possible. It can cause inflammation in the pelvis, and in some cases, infertility. Endometriosis is the name for the condition in which the endometrium (the tissue lining the womb) starts growing outside of the womb. This tissue bleeds during the menstrual cycle, which can cause pelvic adhesions, meaning that organs are fused together with scar tissue. It is often a chronic and painful condition that doesn’t get better without treatment. This kind of pelvic pain can be mild or severe, but if you suspect you might have endometriosis, you should consult your Doctor as soon as possible. Cystitis, urinary tract infections (UTIs) or interstitial cystitis Cystitis is a common problem. It happens when the bladder gets inflamed due to bacteria from the vagina, rectum or skin entering the urethra and moving to the bladder. Cystitis affects the bladder, whereas other UTIs can happen anywhere in the urinary tract. They are usually easy enough to treat with natural or over-the-counter products. However, women may be more susceptive to recurring UTIs during the perimenopause. Then there is interstitial cystitis, which is much more problematic. This can be a chronic condition consisting of ongoing bladder inflammation, and unfortunately there is no known cause. Interstitial cystitis usually means pain when urinating, urgency (even when you don’t need to go), pelvic pain and pain during sexual intercourse. Until more studies are done on the issue, symptom management may be the best hope. A tight pelvic floor A tight (hypertonic) pelvic floor could be the cause of your pelvic pain. This is a very common issue as lots of things can trigger it. For instance, too much working out, too many kegels, holding onto stools or urine too long, irritable bowel syndrome, other pelvic conditions and even stress can cause the pelvic floor muscles to tighten up. This results in various types of pain, including muscles spasms and contractions, problems going to the toilet (including pain), lower back pain and painful sex. You can relax the pelvic floor by walking and stretching, but if the pelvic pain is persistent, you may need to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. Pelvic inflammatory disease Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is womb infection in which the surrounding tissues can get damaged and scarred, especially if it is left untreated (which can also lead to infertility). You may develop PID if bacteria enter the womb via the cervix. Most commonly it develops after a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Pelvic pain is a common symptom, but you might also experience abnormal discharge or bleeding. Other possible causes of pain in the pelvic area There are other relatively common causes of pelvic pain, so it’s worth learning a little about those if you haven’t yet pinpointed the reason for yours. It is possible that your pelvic pain is caused by any of the below conditions: Uterine fibroids Ovarian cysts Irritable bowel syndrome STIs Ectopic pregnancy Bladder or kidney stones Appendicitis Tumors If you are undecided on why you have pelvic pain it is wise to get checked out by a medical professional. Pelvic pain is not only disruptive to your life – it could become more problematic over time if left untreated. If you’re looking for more information, don’t forget to check out our blog for a library of articles on pelvic pain disorders. Resources Nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/pelvicpain/conditioninfo/causes Acog.org/womens-health/faqs/dysmenorrhea-painful-periods Aafp.org/afp/2010/0715/p141.html Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708560/ 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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Premature Menopause and Why Sex Hurts
The menopause generally occurs around the age of 51, but it can happen later; occasionally it comes earlier than expected and includes pelvic floor dysfunction unfortunately. For 1% of women, it comes even before they reach 40 years of age, and this is considered premature. Premature menopause can come as a bit of a shock, and most women who reach the menopause early can find themselves unprepared for the changes it brings. If you reach the menopause between 41 and 45 years of age, this is called ‘early menopause’. It is impossible to predict when you’ll reach the menopause but you’re likely to have an inkling, since perimenopause symptoms usually start up well ahead of the menopause itself. You’ll know you’ve reached the menopause when you haven’t had a period for 12 months in a row. This indicates that your ovaries have finally lost the ability to produce hormones and ovulate. Below we’ll explain why premature menopause happens, what the symptoms are, how to tell if you’ve got it, why sex hurts during the menopause, and what you can do to manage your symptoms… What causes premature menopause? It’s hard to say for sure, but experts believe that smoking can be a factor. For some women it happens due to surgery or medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the pelvic area. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can lead to premature menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) because they impair follicular maturation (and/or direct primordial follicle loss). Sometimes autoimmune disorders can bring about premature menopause (for example, lupus, hypothyroidism and Graves’ disease); sometimes a family history of premature menopause can indicate a higher likelihood of going through the menopause early. What are the symptoms of premature menopause? There isn’t really any difference between the symptoms of natural menopause and premature menopause symptoms. When your estrogen levels drop significantly (or fluctuate before they finally decline), you can expect to experience at least some of the following menopause symptoms: Lighter or heavier than normal periods Irregular or missed periods, followed by no periods at all Hot flashes Vaginal dryness Thinner vaginal tissues, and decreased flexibility Mood swings and emotional changes Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep Diminished libido Irritability of the bladder or incontinence Dry eyes, mouth or skin Painful sex (dyspareunia) How do you know if you’re going through premature menopause? Perhaps you’ve tried to get pregnant for 12 months or more without success. This alone could be a sign, but it’s an even stronger indicator if you’re around 40 and experiencing any of the above symptoms. However, it’s important to consult a Doctor for a proper diagnosis of premature menopause because some of the symptoms could be caused by another condition. Your Doctor is likely to perform a physical exam and take a blood sample to make sure no other conditions are causing your symptoms. They might book you in to test your estradiol levels. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, and if your levels have dropped below 30, you could be in the menopause prematurely. They will almost certainly conduct a blood test to measure your levels of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). If your FSH levels have increased to 40 mIU/mL or above, it’s a sure-fire sign that your ovaries are not producing as much estrogen as they once were. Why sex hurts during menopause Unfortunately, during the menopause you can experience sexual pain, which can cause lots of stress and worry for women in sexual relationships. So, why does sex hurt during menopause? There are several possible factors: Estrogen decline can make the vaginal tissues thinner and drier, leading to pain and discomfort during sex. The dryness can cause friction during penetration, so you might benefit from using a water-based personal lubricant. Another problem caused by declining estrogen levels is that your tissues become less flexible, so it can feel a little tight down there. When your vagina starts to get tighter and drier to the point that sex becomes uncomfortable, it’s likely that you’re suffering from vaginal atrophy, which is common after the menopause. One of the best solutions for vaginal atrophy is using vaginal dilators, as they help to keep the vaginal capacity large enough for comfortable sex. You may also find that as your libido has dropped and you’re less motivated to have sex, the act can become painful as you’re not relaxed enough to enjoy it. It’s not uncommon for women to become anxious about sex, especially if their recent experiences have been painful. Occasionally this can lead to the development of vaginismus, which is a vicious circle. What are the best menopause treatments available? Aside from the popular DIY at home methods we mentioned above (using personal lubricants and vaginal dilators), studies indicate that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (for example, hot flashes and vaginal atrophy). That’s because the benefits tend to outweigh the risks, provided you are below 60 years of age. Estrogen therapy (ET) comes in the form of pills, patches, transdermal sprays or gels and is commonly used to menopause symptoms. However it does come with various health risks so you may not be a candidate for this (depending on your medical history or the reasons for your premature menopause). Topical estrogen creams or rings may be a more viable option for isolated symptoms. For those preferring a more natural approach there are other options available. For instance, plant-based Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and various herbs and natural preparations. Two of the most popular are Vitex and Black Cohosh. You might be interested in our guide on saying goodbye to painful sex after the menopause, and our blog pages contain plenty of articles designed to help you handle the menopause… so feel free to take a look around! References Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26316242/ - Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America, vol. 44, no. 3, pp. 543–557. Menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/319-early-menopause-due-to-chemotherapy-radiotherapy - 2015, Australasian Menopause Society Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26444994/ - Treatment of Symptoms of the Menopause: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline [Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, vol. 100, no. 11, pp. 3975–4011] Dilator therapy helps improve pelvic health and female sexuality. They are used to help a wide variety of female health concerns. Speak to your doctor today about how dilator therapy can help you. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Dilator Company Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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Transgender Vagina After Surgery
Treating Tightness & Pain Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) has many names. Some refer to it as gender affirmation surgery, sex reassignment, gender reassignment surgery, or sex-change surgery. Genitoplasty is the clinical term. Regardless of the name, transgender people change their genitalia to match their gender identity. The process is not something that happens overnight but requires years of counseling, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes before the change from male to female (MTF) or female to male (FTM). (1) After SRS, the transgender vagina may experience tightness and pain. Treatment of tightness and pain Gender reassignment surgery is considered very safe, and complications are not common. However, to help ease any tightness and pain after the procedure, post-op instructions include using a vaginal dilator. (2) (3) Vaginal dilators are tube-shaped devices that come in various sizes to help stretch and lengthen vaginal tissue and ease scarring. VuVa™ Dilators come in medical-grade plastic and are entirely safe to use. Some dilator choices have Neodymium magnets that help flood sensitive vaginal tissue with healthy blood flow. Each set comes with a complimentary storage bag for discreteness. Transgender women use the dilators in the weeks after surgery to maintain vaginal depth and elasticity. Physical therapy helps alleviate any tightness and pain from SRS and is an integral part of recovery. Using vaginal dilators Your doctor will give you dilation instructions, but generally, the best dilator practices for the transgender vagina include the following: Begin with the smallest dilator possible to ensure that you have minimal discomfort. You can always go up in size as your vaginal capacity increases. Choose a quiet place alone for therapy. It's essential that you feel safe and without the possibility of being interrupted. Make sure you clean your dilator before use to ensure that no bacteria or germs enter your vagina. Pat the vaginal dry after washing it with antibacterial soap and water. Apply a water-based lubricant to the dilator to help with insertion. With vaginal dilators, you don't want to use silicone-based oils. In a comfortable place, lie on your back with your knees bent. Open your legs wide and slowly insert the dilator. It's essential to take it slow and only go as far as you can handle. Your vagina may be extremely tight and tender. If the pain isn't severe, gently insert the dilator into the vaginal cavity at a 45-degree angle, under the pubic bone, and then pressing straight inside. There may be a small amount of pressure and resistance. Don’t push yourself too quickly, and if there’s extreme pain, stop and try again later. If possible, insert the dilator into the vagina as far as possible. Your goal is to reach the full depth of the vagina. For 10 minutes, leave in place to receive the full benefit of dilatory therapy. If you can leave the dilator inside the vagina longer, then the treatment is more effective sooner. You may start using dilation therapy as soon as your vagina has healed. The typical schedule is three times per day for three months. However, consult with your doctor before treatment. Start with the smallest size and then increase the volume after three months or when you begin to feel comfortable. Follow the schedule outlined by your doctor, but plan on using the dilators within the first three months after surgery for about 10 minutes at three times per day. As your vagina begins to stretch, you can slowly decrease your dilation schedule—for example, 3-6 months after surgery one time per day for 10 minutes. At any point, your vagina begins to feel tight, increase the dilator size, and dilation schedule to ease the tightness. Every few months you should go up one dilator size. After each use, wash and store in a safe place. VuVatech Dilators are made in the USA. Ships Discreetly. www.vuvatech.com How is the transgender vagina formed? Gender reassignment surgery is a kind of plastic surgery that includes two different classifications of surgical procedures. The first type is the top surgery. The operations in this category include reshaping their chest to fit a male or female form. Breast augmentation is when males transitioning to females enlarge their breasts. Facial feminization is when the face is reshaped to appear more feminine. Some examples of facial feminization are shortening the forehead to make it smaller and reshaping the lips and jaw to look more feminine. (4) The other type of surgery is in a classification called bottom surgery. Bottom surgery includes phalloplasty, (5) metoidioplasty, and vaginoplasty. Vaginoplasty procedures are changing the male genitalia to female genitalia, and the most common is the penile inversion procedure to form the vagina. Penile inversion procedure The operation, considered the gold standard by the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health, uses the penile skin to form the vaginal lining. The labia minora and labia majora make up the scrotal skin, and the new clitoris takes the sensitive skin at the top of the penis. In some cases, there's not enough skin left to form the complete depth of the vagina canal. When this happens, a skin graft or extra skin from the abdomen or thigh helps complete the vagina cavity. (6) Genital surgery usually takes two to five hours. Afterward, the transgender woman stays for a few in the hospital for monitoring and healing. There may be some vaginal discharge for 4-6 weeks. Post-op instructions include using a vaginal dilator (once healed) to help stretch and lengthen the vagina. Maintaining vaginal and transgender health after having SRS is extremely important. The single best way to ease pain and tightness is through using vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilators have no side effects and are useful in maintaining the elasticity of your vagina naturally. Thousands of women use them to ensure a healthy vagina and sex life https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4154336/ https://marcibowers.com/transfem/gav/post-op-care/ https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2018/4907208/ https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/vaginoplasty https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/facial-feminization-surgery/about/pac-20467962 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/center-transgender-health/services-appointments/faq/phalloplasty 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 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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Vulvar Pain: How Do You Diagnose Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is the vulvar pain condition characterized by feelings of chronic pain and discomfort in the vulvar, introitus or hymenal areas. Pain can manifest mildly or severely and it can vary in intensity at different times. To diagnose vulvodynia it is necessary to move through a process of different assessments and tests. The condition is notoriously difficult to diagnose, so some patience may be required. Many vulvodynia sufferers experience tenderness after any degree of pressure, even from something as gentle as a cotton swab. Understandably, pressure from activities like exercise or sexual intercourse are likely to aggravate the condition considerably. If you wish to diagnose vulvodynia, you will need to be prepared for an examination of your personal history be sure that your pain is not rooted in any potential infectious or dermatologic causes. How your practitioner will diagnose vulvodynia When your healthcare practitioner is trying to diagnose vulvodynia, they will assess your medical history carefully, as well as your sexual and surgical history. Once all other pain-causing abnormalities are ruled out, it may be possible to pinpoint nerve damage or misinterpretations of pressure by the nervous system, which are the most probable causes of vulvodynia. They are likely to look at aspects such as: Pain characteristics Related bowel, bladder, and sexual issues Blood results to determine hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) At an appointment to diagnose vulvodynia, you will be asked to take part in a cotton swab test. This involves exertion of light pressure via indention of around 5mm with a swab, which is likely to cause some degree of pain if you do have vulvodynia. This pressure will be applied to various areas of your vulva, while your pain response is measured through your verbal feedback. Your practitioner may ask you to rate the pain sensations on a scale. Vulvodynia sufferers are likely to experience the most sensitivity in the following areas: The posterior introitus The posterior hymenal remnants It is possible for you to feel spontaneous pain even without pressure from a swab. It is also likely that you will experience sensitivity in any or all of these areas if you have provoked vulvodynia. Other things to note about diagnosing vulvodynia To diagnose vulvodynia your Doctor may also perform a pelvic exam, which consists of visually examining your external genital region to pinpoint symptoms and causes. Although there may not be visible signs, a cell sample may be taken to rule out infections. Similarly, if your healthcare provider finds any cause for concern in the form of unusual skin appearance, they may wish take a tissue sample for lab analysis. At the very least they are likely to carefully examine the area with a magnifying device. Redness and rashes in the vulvar area generally do not indicate vulvodynia, although it is possible that such symptoms could also be present. In this instance, a biopsy may be necessary. First and foremost, diagnosing vulvodynia is a process of elimination. It may not be possible to diagnose vulvodynia instantly, so it helps to accept that you may need to attend follow up appointments or wait a while for test results to come back. However, with patience and persistence you should be able to diagnose vulvodynia - if it really is the cause of your pain. If so, know that there are many vulvodynia treatments available to you, but finding the right ones for you could also be a process of trial and error. We wish you the best of luck in getting your diagnosis! 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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Why Using Dilators is Important After Gender Confirmation Surgery
Today, more people than ever are unhappy with their gender and choose to opt for gender confirmation surgery. Although this is not a decision to be taken lightly, it’s becoming increasingly common. You might also have heard gender confirmation surgery referred to as sex reassignment surgery or genital reassignment surgery; when a man changes to female gender (MtF), the operation is called vaginoplasty. As you might imagine, vaginoplasty is an incredibly complex operation that requires a great deal of aftercare to ensure long-term success. Anyone who is considering gender confirmation surgery should be aware of the aftercare implications, and we’re here to help with that. One of the most important aspects is the use of vaginal dilators, which we’ll also cover in this article. Post-operative care for gender confirmation surgery After MtF gender confirmation surgery (vaginoplasty), each person takes a variable amount of time to recover. It is normal to experience some soreness and swelling, and believe it or not, a ‘neo vagina’ is also susceptible to yeast infections and urinary tract infections… so consistent care is needed to prevent these. After gender confirmation surgery, it is normal for either gauze packing or a stenting device to be placed inside the neo vagina, to be kept in place for up to a week afterward. After this is removed, it is time to start using vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilation is incredibly important after vaginoplasty, but different surgeons will recommend different protocols. Below we’ll offer a common guideline for transgender dilation. Why are dilators important after gender confirmation surgery? Post gender confirmation surgery, your body is likely to register your vagina as a wound, and therefore try to heal it. This would result in some shrinkage at the very least – if not total closure and/or development of scar tissue. For this reason, transgender dilation therapy is crucial; it can prevent all of these possibilities from happening. You will want to maintain the depth and width of your new vagina, so your surgeon is likely to recommend using dilators a few days after surgery is complete. From this point, you will need to keep using the vaginal dilators ongoing - but less often as time goes on, of course. Guidelines for using a dilator after vaginoplasty Your surgeon should have the final say on this, so do check with them before starting dilation therapy. Also ensure that you are using the right sized dilators, according to your surgeon’s recommendation. Clean your dilator with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry it (the same goes after each use!) Use a water-based lubricant to coat the dilator before insertion Gently insert your dilator at a 45 degree angle; when it is under the pubic bone, continue insertion in a straight direction Once you have inserted it fully and are experiencing some resistance, leave the dilator in place for ten minutes Dilate three times each day for a period of three months, as soon as the gauze has been removed After three months, stat using a larger dilator for a further three months At between three and six months, use the dilator once per day for ten minutes After six months, use it two or three times per week for ten minutes After nine months, use it once or twice per week Note that if your neo vagina seems tight at any point, you can increase the frequency of dilation. It’s also important to stop dilator therapy if you are experiencing excessive resistance, pain or tenderness – a little is normal, a lot is not. A final word on genital reassignment surgery We thought you might be interested in this helpful tip for resuming sexual intercourse: you may find the Ohnut ring useful, since this intimate wearable helps your partner to control the depth of penetration. Using an Ohnut ring means you’re less likely to feel any pain, and your partner will barely notice it. The bottom line is that gender confirmation surgery requires regular self-care, so you’ll need to be disciplined with your dilator use. VuvaTech stock a range of vaginal dilators and we’re always happy to help, so feel free to ask if you have any questions! Other VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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The Importance of Vaginal Dilators after Chemotherapy
Vaginal dilators can be an important tool for cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan. Chemotherapy has a number of adverse effects on physical health, and it can cause vaginal dryness, vaginal tenderness and tightness. This can be due to scarring/and or lack of estrogen, that can make sexual intercourse painful or impossible. Vaginal dilators are used to gradually dilate, or stretch, the walls of the vagina to reduce these symptoms and help women regain control over their sexual health. VuVa Dilator Company offers a number dilators for cancer survivors post-chemo. Made in America since 2014, VuVa dilators are made with medical-grade BPA-free plastic that is body safe and hypoallergenic. This ensures that users won’t experience any irritation or discomfort while dilating their vagina. The dilators come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the specific needs of each woman, plus they come with instructions and a travel pouch. VuVa dilators are available in full sets, combo set and single dilators, so women can start with a smaller dilator and gradually increase the size as their comfort level increases. Dilating regularly with VuVa dilators helps to reduce nerve pain and promote increased blood flow to the vagina, allowing for more natural lubrication during intercourse. It also helps relax the pelvic muscles that can be tighter due to being scared intercourse might hurt. Cancer survivors who use VuVa dilators regularly report feeling more confident about their bodies and their sexual health. If you’re a cancer survivor struggling with the effects of chemotherapy, consider using VuVa dilators to help you regain control of your sexual health and feel more confident in your body. Vaginal dilators are an important tool for cancer survivors post-chemotherapy as they can help reduce pain, promote blood flow, and relax the pelvic muscles. VuVa dilators in particular offer a variety of advantages such as being made with body safe and hypoallergenic material, coming in different shapes and sizes to match each woman’s needs. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 in Sarasota, FL. Vuva dilators sets are used to regenerate vaginal capacity, expand the vaginal walls, add elasticity to the tissues, and to allow for comfortable sexual intercourse. VuVa Magnetic Dilators are smooth lightweight plastic, that come in a variety of graduated sizes. In a clinical trial conducted by Chief Investigator and Pelvic Pain Specialist Dr. Michael Swor in Sarasota, FL, it was shown that VuVa Neodymium Magnetic Dilators reduced pain in 80% of study subjects with no side effects reported. Neodymium Magnets are within each dilator that increase blood flow and relieve sexual discomfort while soft tissue lengthens, relaxing muscles and ligaments. As the tissue relaxes, the Neodymium magnets increase blood flow to the painful area calming nerves. VuVa™ Dilators are the only patented dilators available with Neodymium magnets. Medical conditions that may warrant the use of vaginal dilators include, vulvodynia, vaginismus, vaginal agenesis, menopause, vaginal atrophy, vulvar vestibulitis, and vaginal stenosis. Vaginal dilators are also needed after pelvic radiation therapy. Visit our directions page to learn more about at home therapy. 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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The Most Popular Magnetic Medical Grade Plastic Dilators in 2023
Vaginal dilators (also called vaginal trainers, intimate dilators and pelvic floor trainers) are an extremely useful tool for relieving the symptoms of a wide range of troublesome gynecological problems. Pelvic floor physical therapists often use dilators as part of their treatments, in order to restore pelvic floor function while relieving pain and muscular tension. Magnetic medical grade dilators are relatively new to the dilator world, having first come to market around 2014, but they are by far the most beneficial type of dilator available. You may now be wondering which is the most popular magnetic dilator; if so, we will answer this and many other questions about magnetic dilators in the following article. What are dilators used for? Dilators have a tubular or cylindrical shape, with the end being either rounded or conical. They are made in different sizes so that you can dilate according to your current capacity. There are many sexual health conditions that dilators can treat, including: Vulvodynia Vaginismus Vaginal Atrophy Vaginal Stenosis Dyspareunia (painful sex) Painful or restricted scar tissue Issues from radiation or chemotherapy Pelvic floor muscle tension Post gender reassignment surgery Dilators help to lengthen and stretch the soft tissues of the vaginal walls so that users can become accustomed to penetration, as well as develop greater tolerance and a larger vaginal capacity. They are a wonderful aid for women who experience painful sex or vaginal discomfort, since they retrain the nervous system through repetition and enhance flexibility in the tissues. What are the best dilators made from? You can usually buy dilators in either plastic or silicone. The majority are plastic but some women prefer the softness and flexibility of silicone rubber. What are the best vaginal dilators made from? Medical grade materials, always. This is entirely necessary because you are inserting something into a very sensitive and intimate area that is prone to infection and imbalance. Our silicone dilators are made from 100% medical grade 6 silicone rubber, and our plastic dilators from medical grade plastic. Our magnetic dilators are also made from medical grade plastic, but there is a big difference, as we will explain below. Why do the most popular vaginal dilators contain magnets? Tara Langdale-Schmidt, the inventor of the VuVa neodymium vaginal dilator set, came up with the idea for Neodymium magnetic dilators after successfully treating nerve pain in her back and neck with magnet therapy after a car accident. Magnetic therapy is based on the premise that we exist within a magnetic field, and that the human body also generates its own magnetic field. When electromagnetic energy is in balance, the body is able to heal itself. Tara understood the power of magnetic therapy, and having suffered with the debilitating condition vulvodynia and persistent pelvic pain for several years prior, she was keen to find an effective and lasting solution. She did just that, with the invention of her own magnetic dilator set. Her brainwave led to better results than she could have imagined. Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Wanting to upgrade the standard dilator to something with even more benefits, Tara designed a set of five dilators containing an inner sleeve of more than 60 Neodymium magnets. VuVa has recently introduced several new sizes of magnetic dilator too. She chose some of the world’s most powerful magnets: rare earth Neodymium magnets. As they contain Neodymium, Iron and Boron, they are sometimes called NIB magnets. In fact, these VuVa™ dilators are the only patented dilators with Neodymium magnets, as well as the most popular magnetic medical grade vaginal dilators. Tara’s story has been featured around the world in publications such as Glamour Magazine, SELF, BBC and Huffington Post, and as a result many more women discovered magnetic dilators, with excellent results. What is the difference between magnetic dilators and non-magnetic dilators? While plastic and silicone dilators can benefit the vaginal capacity and help the central nervous system to become accustomed to penetration and different sizes, magnetic dilators take it a few steps further. Magnetic vaginal trainers can lengthen the soft tissues as plastic dilators can, but the benefits are dramatically enhanced by the magnets. The Neodymium magnets attract more blood flow to the area, which assists in calming nerves and diminishing pain levels. Tissues relax more easily in the presence of soothing Neodymium magnets, which have been positioned carefully in our dilators for maximum benefits to the internal tissues. It is the role of every ion in our cells to carry oxygen and produce and electrical impulse: two elements that create the body’s electrical field. When the negative side of the magnet (considered to be the ‘healing side’) comes into contact with a painful area, it immediately starts to draw freshly oxygenated blood to it, soothing the local nerves, tissues and muscles. This creates a positive energetic field, which is able to remove acidity in the body (a major cause of inflammation, and consequently, pain). Healing is therefore accelerated in the presence of these rare earth magnets, while plastic dilators yield slower, more basic results. Why are VuvaTech dilators the most popular medical grade dilators? Don’t get us wrong: we love plastic and silicone dilators too, and they may be all some women need. That’s why we make and stock medical grade plastic and silicone dilators too. However, we are absolute proponents of dilators in combination with magnet therapy, and the benefits of neodymium magnets are undeniable. Furthermore, our clinical trial has proven the efficacy of our magnetic dilators, and our customers vote with their choices. This is how we know that our magnetics are the best dilator range. We also have plenty of testimonials from grateful women who had amazing results with our Neodymium magnets. Ours are also the only dilators on the market to undergo a clinical trial conducted by Dr. Micheal Swor M.D, a Pelvic Pain Specialist Gynecologist. The findings were as follows: Eighty percent (80%) of study subjects reported a decrease in overall pain after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average thirty percent (30%) decrease in pain levels on a standardized tampon test, which is a way to clinically measure pain associated with sexual intercourse. The cotton swab test evaluates eleven (11) different locations of the vulvar vestibule for pain. Eighty percent (80%) of the study subjects reported a decrease in the total number of locations after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average twenty eight percent (28%) decrease in pain levels using a standardized cotton swab test, which is a non-invasive measure of vaginal pain. Overall anxiety associated with vaginal penetration is significantly decreased in all subjects For further information, you can read the full details of the VuVa clinical trials. Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Thinking of buying medical grade dilators? You can’t go wrong with VuVa magnetic dilator sets. To summarize, they can regenerate your vaginal capacity, create gradual expansion and elasticity in the vaginal tissues, and lead to comfortable and even enjoyable sexual intercourse when you feel ready. We think it’s important to mention that we make and ship our dilators from Sarasota, FL, as we believe in manufacturing locally and assisting the local job market and economy. It also means that we have total control over the product line and manufacturing processes, so that quality always stays the same. Your health and safety is always our number one priority, and that’s just one more reason why ours are the most popular magnetic dilators. Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/healing-with-magnetic-therapy-could-magnets-help-you Vuvatech.com/pages/magnetic-vaginal-dilators-vs-non-magnetic Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/atrophic-vaginitis-treatment-with-magnetic-vaginal-dilators Vuvatech.com/pages/how-vuva-vaginal-dilators-work Vuvatech.com/pages/how-do-i-know-what-size-vaginal-dilator-i-need 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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Sex After Cancer for Women Over 60: How Dilators Can Help
Studies have shown that more than half of men and women in their 60s still have sex regularly. Interestingly, older women also report more sexual satisfaction after their mid-60s, probably because they have more experience, free time, familiarity and comfort with their partner, and fewer worries. Whatever the reason, if you have a good sex life, it’s something you may well want to hold onto. So what happens when cancer treatment comes into the equation? What is sex like after cancer for women in their 60s? It’s a common circumstance, so if you’re in this situation, you probably have various questions about how cancer treatment will affect your sex life if you’re over 60. Your body has already been through the menopause, but what other issues could chemotherapy or radiotherapy bring? We aim to answer these questions in the paragraphs below. How does cancer treatment affect your sex life? Cancer and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are likely to affect your sex life (at least for a time) at any age. Cancer treatments cause physical, emotional and practical changes. For example: Certain bodily functions may be impaired The way your body looks and feels may change You can feel sick or exhausted You may be stressed, distracted or worried about treatment outcomes Your daily routine may change Oftentimes a change in one area of life influences other areas, and this combination can really put a dampener on desire levels, for a time at least. Usually this doesn’t long, but your sex life after 60 is likely different than when you were younger, and you probably don’t have sex as often as you did 20 years ago. Therefore, it might take longer for you to feel ‘in the mood’ after cancer treatment. On top of this, your body will take longer to recover at this age, so it is important to take your time. Equally, you may need to mentally and emotionally prepare to adjust to changes that might even be permanent. Is it safe for older women to have sex after cancer treatment? If you have recovered enough from your cancer treatment to feel like having sex, you might be wondering if sex is safe for older women with cancer (or post-cancer). The good news is that sex and physical intimacy doesn’t exacerbate cancer, or pass it on to your partner. Nor will it make cancer come back if it is in remission. Therefore, if you feel up to sex, you should be fine to have it. In fact, it is probably a good idea to try and return to your usual sexual habits sooner rather than later. The only times it may not be safe to have sex after cancer in your 60s is: You had surgery or radiotherapy in the pelvic region and need time to properly heal You had a strong chemo dose or stem cell therapy (making you more prone to infection) You had radioisotope therapy, in which case physical intimacy should be avoided temporarily (your partner may be affected by the radiation) You may find it helpful to read our recent article, ‘How soon after chemo can you have sex?’. However, this is not specifically aimed at women over 60, and it may also be wise to consult your Doctor if you’re unsure if it’s safe to have sex after cancer treatment. How will cancer treatment affect your sex life if you’re an older woman? After the age of around 45, sexual hormones might be in shorter supply, resulting in a lower sex drive. From then onward, women typically progress toward the menopause. During this time, estrogen levels lower even more and the body starts to go through physical changes too. Namely: Thinning vaginal tissues and skin Less lubrication Less blood flow to the area If you’re over 60, you will already be familiar with menopause symptoms. Sex is often more difficult after the menopause, until a woman settles into the changes and develops a different approach to sex. If an older woman has radiotherapy or chemotherapy, she need not worry about it bringing on the menopause, as it can often do for younger women. Radiotherapy in the pelvic region can stop the womb and ovaries from functioning normally, leading to menopause and infertility. So, what might happen to your sex life if you’re over 60 and have had pelvic radiation treatment? The treatment may either cause or worsen issues such as: Lack of elasticity in the tissues Fibrosis (development of fibrous connective tissue, which narrows and tightens the vagina) Vaginal atrophy As you get older (and particularly after the menopause) the vagina gets shorter and narrower, which is known as vaginal stenosis. Fibrosis after cancer treatment may cause or worsen stenosis. Vaginal atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis, also commonly occurs after menopause. Vaginal atrophy symptoms include: Vaginal dryness Vaginal burning Vaginal discharge Genital itching Burning or urgency when urinating UTIs Urinary incontinence Light bleeding or discomfort during or after sex The good news is that there is way to improve your sex life after cancer treatment: vaginal dilators, which come recommended by most Doctors and women’s health practitioners. How dilators can restore sex life for older women Dilators are smooth, tube-shaped devices made from medical grade plastic or silicone. They come in different sizes to suit your capacity, and to allow you to slowly and gently expand the vagina to restore normal function. A vaginal dilator is the ideal tool for stretching out any scar tissue that has formed in the vagina. If you have vaginal atrophy or stenosis after cancer treatment, vaginal dilators can really help. The key is to start with smaller dilators until you can tolerate the larger sizes, at which point sex should be much more comfortable. We have a neodymium magnetic dilator range that especially helps atrophic vaginitis, vaginal stenosis and vaginal pain. Dilators are designed to expand the vaginal walls, which all of our dilators do. However, our magnetic dilators can also encourage elasticity to return to the tissues more quickly, as the strategically placed magnets encourage even more blood flow to the area. This regenerates cells, soothes nerves and relieves pain at the same time. Women over 60 who had cancer treatment may benefit from using dilators for the rest of their lives, since scarring can occur at any time – even after treatment has ended. However, for the first 6 months you should use your vaginal dilators regularly, with a water-soluble lubricant. Between 6 and 12 months you may only need to use the dilators once a week, and if after 12 months your capacity is restored and sex is not uncomfortable, you may only wish to use them occasionally. Rest assured that your sex life can and almost certainly will return to ‘normal’, or at the very least, a place you are comfortable and happy with. It may take some time and effort if you are over 60 and had cancer, but you will be able to enjoy sex again. Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/atrophic-vaginitis-is-a-reality-for-breast-cancer-survivors Edition.cnn.com/2020/09/28/health/sexual-desire-older-women-study-wellness/index.html Psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/201908/sex-in-the-senior-years Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/how-do-estrogen-and-dilators-help-with-vaginal-atrophy 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.
