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How to Avoid Painful Sex: 5 Helpful Tips
If having pain during sex is new to you and haven’t yet done much research on the topic, you may not have heard of the medical name for it: dyspareunia. It refers to the varying presentations and degrees of pain that can occur during intercourse when something isn’t functioning as it should be. If this is you, you are no doubt wondering how to prevent painful sex. Fortunately there are various solutions available to restore or improve your sex life. This article will cover the symptoms and causes of dyspareunia, and offer you five top tips for avoiding pain during sex… Painful sex symptoms What are the most common symptoms of painful sex? Firstly it’s worth noting that sexual pain symptoms are not always the same, since we have complex bodies. Sometimes underlying conditions can create dysfunction leading to pain. Often women with dyspareunia experience the most pain during penetration. Sexual pain can be felt deep inside the pelvic area. It may be most uncomfortable in the vagina, but can also occur in the bladder or urethra. The pain may vary from aching or burning sensations to uncomfortable itching. It could be compared to the kind of stabbing or deep pains experienced during dysmenorrhea (period cramps). Dyspareunia can occur at varying stages of sexual intercourse, but it most likely at penetration, during or after intercourse. For some, it only occurs when intercourse has finished. Others still may find that it only happens in certain situations, or with specific people. Why do I feel pain during sex? There are many possible reasons for dyspareunia. Causes of painful sex vary greatly, and it is not always easy to pinpoint the true reasons. It is sensible to examine some of the physical factors that may be behind it. The below list is a good place to start, but in the event that you are unable to find the cause of painful sex, you should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for an official diagnosis. Your doctor will examine your medical history and perform a pelvic examination. It may be necessary to take a vaginal sample in case tests are required. It’s possible that women who experience dyspareunia can also feel pain when inserting tampons or having gynecological examinations. Although it is more common in women, it’s also possible for men to have dyspareunia. If you have pain during intercourse, firstly, you should determine whether you are experiencing outer or inner pain. This can be a good indicator of which underlying conditions could be responsible. Entry pain in the vagina or anus is classified as outer pain. Conditions that cause outer pain are: Vulvodynia or vaginismus Vulvodynia is a chronic vaginal pain condition, which itself has a variety of possible causes. It is characterized by a burning or stinging pain in the entrance of the vagina, and must have been present for over three months. For pain around the opening, the condition is called vulvar vestibulitis. Vaginismus refers to involuntary muscle contractions and spasms in the vagina. Penetration can be painful, difficult and even impossible with this condition. Both conditions can play havoc with a woman’s sex life since she is unable to relax due to the pain upon intercourse. Vaginal dryness If you are not properly lubricated during sex, this can lead to pain. Women who have had radiation treatment for cancer may struggle with this issue, as will women who have had their ovaries removed. That’s because estrogen levels will drop significantly or even totally. The same applies for women who have been through the menopause, which may lead to lack of libido and lessened frequency of intercourse. The latter is, for some, a causal factor in dyspareunia. Women who are on birth control may also be at risk. Other factors affecting lubrication levels are breastfeeding, smoking, stress and excessive exercise. Finally, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough foreplay so that your body is ready for penetration. Other causes of outer pain It is possible that inflammation, infections, or skin disorders like lichen sclerosus, psoriasis or eczema are causing outer pain. A UTI (urinary tract infection), yeast infections, or an STD could also cause it. Another possibility (although rare) is congenital abnormality such as vaginal agenesis or a retroverted uterus. There are also conditions that cause inner pain: that is, deep pain in the vagina or anus. Some of the more common possibilities are: Interstitial cystitis Endometriosis Ovarian cysts Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) Damage or discomfort after giving birth Hemorrhoids Surgical or medical treatments impacting the vaginal wall or hormone levels A history of sexual or emotional abuse Stress 5 best ways to avoid painful sex There are several things that can help with dyspareunia pain, from products to behaviors. Below are our five favorite painful sex remedies: The Ohnut ring The Ohnut ring is a little device that your partner can wear around the base of his penis. It acts as a soft buffer when you’re having sex, allowing control over the depth of penetration. It comes as a set of 4 linking rings, meaning that you can make adjustments for maximum comfort when necessary. Its soft design makes it feel like skin, and it’s very comfortable to wear for your partner. Vaginal dilators Vaginal dilators are small plastic or silicone devices with a range of benefits for women with sexual health problems. They are designed to stretch the vaginal capacity if needed, but they can also prepare a woman for penetration when this has been historically difficult. Some of the benefits of using vaginal dilators for dyspareunia are: Pain free penetration, tampon insertion or pelvic exams through pelvic floor muscle relaxation Post-surgery comfort for those with narrowing, shortening or scarring in the birth canal Prevention of adhesions/fibrosis after radiotherapy to the pelvic area A reduction of pelvic floor muscle tension (or vaginismus spasms) Psychological benefits (diminishing the negative anticipation around penetration) Need Dilators? Visit the VuVa Dilator Store here Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Pelvic floor physical therapy is a treatment to help address pain, weakness, and dysfunction in the pelvic floor muscles. The type of therapy you need will depend upon the different symptoms you’re experiencing. For example, some symptoms will require relaxing and lengthening of the muscles, while others may require strengthening the muscles. Find a pelvic floor physical therapist near you here. CBD products Our bodies contain natural chemical receptors, known as endocannabinoids, and these have a role in pain. Located in the brain, nervous system, and reproductive organs, they are part of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which reduces pain in the body a harm reduction system. Researchers have found evidence that the ECS has a vital role in pain and inflammation treatment and management. In 2014, they determined that 61% of pelvic pain sufferers who used cannabis benefited from symptom improvement. CBD products containing high amounts are able to reduce pain inflammation without the high associated with THC. VuVa does not recommend a specific brand of CBD products. Open communication with your partner As always, communication around sexual intercourse can only be helpful, although many undoubtedly find this to be a sensitive topic. However, if you want to avoid pain during sex, it is important to be sure your partner knows what hurts and what feels good. ‘Grinning and bearing it’ will not lead to intimacy and connection, which should be one of the main goals of sex. Whether you discuss your pain in the moment or outside of the bedroom, your partner will surely be grateful for the information, as they will want you to enjoy yourself. Another good idea is to use extra lubrication if you’re experiencing any dryness, which could also be a contributor. We hope you found our recommendations on how to avoid painful sex useful, and are happy to help with any product advice for this issue. Don’t forget to check out our blog, which is a library of information on women’s sexual health concerns. Thanks for reading! Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/dilators-for-dyspareunia-home-treatment-for-painful-sex Bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2341 Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5638059/ Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20962696/ 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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How to Achieve Pain-Free Sexual Intimacy with PelvicSense by Evelyn Hecht, PT
For women who experience the following: - pain during intercourse, - have a fear of penetration because of past sexual trauma, - have restricted vaginal scar tissue from cancer treatments or surgery,- experience difficulty with penetration during menopause: Dilators can help regain healthy sexual function and improve intimacy between you and your male partner. A vaginal dilator is a personal tube-shaped device used to stretch the vagina. Vaginal dilators are smooth plastic, rubber, or glass cylinder-shaped objects with various graduated sizes and widths. They range in size from short and narrow, like an index finger, to longer and wider, like a cucumber. More female-led companies are designing dilators with pleasing colors and better ergonomics, so many options exist. The company, Vuvatech, includes magnets inside one of its products, the Neodymium Magnetic Dilator, which increases blood flow to the vaginal tissues. A double-blind placebo study showed improvements in symptoms after women used this product! vuvatech.com/collections/magnetic-vaginal-dilators. A dilator is inserted into the vagina to help the vulva and pelvic floor muscles get used to receiving touch and feeling comfortable with stretch. These tissues can stretch as a natural part of sexual function and the birth process. Using dilators helps desensitize the emotional and perhaps a physical recoil reaction when the area is touched. By gradually increasing the size of the dilator to your partner’s size, you build confidence towards enjoying penetrative sex. If you are nervous or fearful of anything touching your vagina, consider starting the online pelvic healing home program, PelvicSense, www.pelvicsense.com. Doing this program for 20 minutes three days a week can significantly improve the success of dilator training and gain pain-free intimacy. PelvicSense teaches why your body experiences pain, how to send more soothing, safe messages to your nervous system and reduces the underlying pelvic muscle tension. The 3-month program includes guided audios with music to calm the hypersensitive nervous system, gentle progressive exercises to encourage your body to move with ease and strategies to regain optimal pelvic function. Dilators can seem intimidating, so it helps to become familiar with them before use, perhaps rename them something sexy or healing for a more positive experience.Before your dilator session, create a soothing environment, whatever that means to you. Use scented candles, listen to relaxing music, perhaps take a warm bath, do some stretches from PelvicSense or meditate before use. Empty your bladder for more comfort. Arrange pillows so you are in a semi-reclined position, your knees bent and lowered comfortably to each side resting on a few more pillows. To further decrease the expectation of pain or lower feelings of anxiety, repeat a few positive affirmations, such as: “I am safe.” “I am relaxed.” “I am healthy.” “My vagina is soft and receptive.” “I can insert my dilator with ease.” Saying them out loud has the best effect. Follow your statements by doing 5 slow full diaphragmatic breaths to relax the pelvic floor and activate the Parasympathetic “rest/prepare for sex” nervous system. Once you feel calm, you can follow the directions on using your dilator from the package, your pelvic physical therapist, or the from the Learn module in PelvicSense. Once you reach the dilator size close to your partner’s size, include your partner in the process and have a bit of fun together, possibly using a dilator or even vibrator. It’s essential for the person with vaginal pain to feel in control and discuss a plan ahead of time. Sensing little tugs or discomfort at the start of penetration may occur and is normal. In summary, pain-free intimacy can be achieved with gentle practice of an online pelvic healing home program and dilator training in about 3 months.About: PelvicSense is an affordable online pelvic healing home program that significantly reverses chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in three (3) months. www.pelvicsense.com Designed by a Master Clinician of pelvic physical therapy and a Certifiedbiopsychosocial chronic pain rehabilitation practitioner with 25 years of clinicalexperience, do the home program while receiving care by your healthcare practitioners. - Learn about pain neuroscience, and how to heal with evidence-based self-care techniques to reduce pelvic pain/distress- Feel safe doing gentle body exercises for the pelvis, achieve a sense ofcalm with Evelyn’s guided audios, and learn strategies to return tooptimum pelvic function This program is for you if you’re ready to: LEARN- Understand why you have pelvic issues. You want to learn how to do safe,proven self-care activities to free your pelvic discomfort and/or pelvic pain- Our easy to comprehend 10-minute reads include information about thescience of breathing, stretching, gratitude, achieving intimacy, use ofdilators, tips for optimum urinary and bowel function + more- You’ll also receive our eBook, Heal Your Pelvic Pain with ScienceREWIRE- Let go of the stress and anxiety that usually comes with pelvic issues- Be guided on the positive emotional journey towards health- Listen to our audio guides with music to relax your mind, calm your nervoussystem and retrain your brain MOVE- Receive guidance from an expert who understands pelvic/hip/backanatomy and movement, who teaches you a gently paced, step by stepmethod to safely exercise for optimum results- 20 progressive videos, over 45 exercises, to soften pelvic floor tension, gainflexibility, stability, pelvic floor and core strengthPelvic Health Conditions Treated with PelvicSense Endometriosis, Vulvodynia, Pudendal Neuralgia, Chronic Pelvic Pain, InterstitialCystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome, Urinary Urgency, Incontinence, Constipation, Abdominal Bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coccydynia, Rectal Pain, Lower Back, Hip and Sacroiliac Joint Pain About Evelyn Evelyn Hecht is the founder of PelvicSense, Master Clinician of Pelvic Physical Therapy, Certified Biopsychosocial Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Practitioner, Curable scientific advisory board member and women’s health researcher. Evelyn has over 25 years of professional experience and has personally treated over 15,000 women. PelvicSense is Evelyn’s evidence-based brainchild to help you achieve lasting healing from the comfort of your own home. Her online program provides everything you need - education, calming mind exercises, and gentle progressive body exercise videos - to create peace in yourbody. You can achieve significant results in just three months using the program just 20 minutes three times a week - which is also designed to be used alongside traditional medical treatment or while working with a PT. PelvicSense can help with endometriosis, IBS, IC, painful sex, lower back pain, sitting pain and urinary urgency/frequency. Please get in touch to find out more 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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How Your Pelvic Floor Condition Can Be Improved with a Vaginal Dilator
Painful experiences with vaginal penetration don’t have to be something you deal with forever. There are ways to help address your pelvic floor condition. Vaginal dilators are a proven way to recover from some or all of the symptoms associated with your condition, when used properly. Check out our helpful guide to improving your condition with a vaginal dilator. What Is a Vaginal Dilator? Vaginal dilators, also known vaginal spacers or trainers, are tube shaped tools designed to expand or restore the musculature and tissues in the vaginal opening. They are often used to keep the vaginal tissues healthy and pliable by gently stretching them over time, and for pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy to ensure the canal is functional for a patient’s preferences, without invasive surgery. Vaginal dilators are typically made out of body-safe silicone, rubber, or plastic. They range in sizes from small to large and often come in sets. Pelvic health physical therapists can help women find the right sizes that are comfortable for them. 8 Conditions That Can Be Improved with a Vaginal Dilator Here are some common pelvic conditions that can be improved with the use of a vaginal dilator. Vaginismus Vaginismus is a condition that causes the vaginal muscles to involuntarily tighten and spasm during penetration. This often makes sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, and gynecological exams uncomfortable, painful, or even impossible. This condition can result from medical or emotional factors, sometimes both. If vaginismus is left untreated, it may get worse. Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition that causes pain to one or multiple areas of the vulva. Many women report a burning sensation, while others report pain symptoms consistent with stabbing pains. Any activities that apply pressure to the vulva may cause pain, including prolonged sitting and/or sexual intercourse. Vulvar Vestibulitis Vulvar vestibulitis or provoked vestibulodynia is a cognition that causes increased sensitivity to pain at the opening of the vagina with even a gentle touch or stimulation. This means that touches that are normally mild cause pain. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse is a pelvic floor condition that is caused by the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor giving way and no longer supporting the pelvic organs and their typical position. The pelvic organs (bladder, vagina, uterus, cervix, rectum,and urethra prolapse. This may happen due to factors related to childbirth, genetic predisposition, connective tissue disorder, and other conditions. Some of the symptoms of this condition include pelvic pain or discomfort, pressure, urine leakage, sexual difficulties, and protruding tissues or organs. Vaginal Fibrosis Vaginal fibrosis is a condition that makes it painful for women to engage in sexualintercourse. It is often the result of radiation therapy or cancer, which causes adhesions to grow on the fibrous tissues in the vagina. Vaginal Agenesis Vaginal agenesis is a rare condition that occurs at birth when the vagina and womb don’t develop or they develop partially. This condition can be approved through the process of self-dilation. Vaginal Stenosis Vaginal stenosis is when fibrous tissue forms in the vagina causing it to become narrower and shorter. This often leads to sexual dysfunction, painful pelvic exams, and other complications. Dyspareunia Dyspareunia refers to painful intercourse. Patients generally report having a sharp or painful sensation in the genital area or the pelvic area during intercourse. This condition often causes interpersonal conflict and distress. There are other pelvic floor conditions that didn’t make our list that may require a vaginal dilator. We recommend consulting a physician or a pelvic floor physical therapist if you believe you have one of these conditions that has not yet been diagnosed to ensure you get the proper How Your Pelvic Floor Condition Can Be Improved with a Vaginal Dilator Your pelvic floor condition can be treated and lead to a more comfortable and enjoyable experience. Vaginal dilators have been used for over 50 years to help women achieve symptom recovery in conjunction with their pelvic floor therapy. Vaginal dilators are a natural and effective treatment option frequently prescribed by medical professionals to help women decrease pain and improve their sex lives. They help to improve pelvic floor conditions by slowly widening and lengthening the vagina and sending blood flow to the localized area. The best part about this treatment option is that you can undergo vaginal dilator therapy at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, on your terms. Use dilators as much or as little as you need. Here are some of the medical and emotional symptoms that vaginal dilators help to alleviate: Fear of intercourse/intimacy Reduces pain caused by sexual activity Relaxes pelvic floor muscles Lessens discomfort during pelvic exams Improves vaginal atrophy caused by radiation cancer treatments/menopause With different movements and time, vaginal dilators really do improve your tolerance for penetration. Learn more about how to properly use a vaginal dilator here. Tips for Using a Vaginal Dilator If you already have a vaginal dilator and need some help to guide you on your way to relief, here are five helpful tips: Relax before you begin. Put on some soothing music or take some deep breaths before you begin. Start the dilation process slowly. There’s no need to rush your therapy. Make sure you don’t take on too much at once and you follow your therapist or doctor’s recommendation. Feeling better is a marathon not a sprint. Become aware of physical sensations. Think about your body and what it’s doing when you insert the dilator to avoid getting caught up in your thoughts or emotions. Try different positions. Most often, a modified happy baby pose is suggested to new dilator users for comfort. If you begin getting used to dilator insertion, try switching your position to side-lying. Prop a pillow between your knees to help relax the hip and leg muscles further. Use as much lubricant as you want. Don’t feel like you have to use lubricant sparingly. If you are afraid of making a mess on the surface where you are inserting the dilator, then cover the surface with a towel. Sometimes the more lubricant you use, the easier it is to insert the dilator. Start your pelvic floor therapy process today and order one of Vuvatech’s vaginal dilators or dilator kits. 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 are Dilators Used For Pelvic Pain?
Your healthcare provider or physical therapist may have recommended dilators for pelvic floor dysfunction. This may have been the first time you’ve heard of a vaginal dilator or pelvic wand. Not knowing what they are or how to use dilators for pelvic pain is normal. After all, talking about sexual pain or sexual dysfunction is difficult and not exactly a dinner time conversation. But in female sexual medicine dilators are commonly prescribed to help heal many pelvic pain conditions such as vaginal stenosis, pudendal neuralgia, or vaginal agenesis. In this article, we’ll help you understand the best practices for using dilators for pelvic pain. There are silicone vaginal dilators and plastic vaginal dilators. Getting Started With Vaginal Dilator Therapy Vaginal dilators come in a variety of sizes and textures, making them ideal for helping a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the pelvic floor and vaginal tissues. The simplicity of the device does not truly reflect the positive health outcomes many women report and backed by scientific research. While some pelvic pain can be diagnosed from a specific cause, such as pelvic floor radiation or a pelvic organ prolapse. Other times the pain occurs during pelvic exams, during sexual intercourse, or from vaginal atrophy due to menopause. While penetration of any kind may trigger the pain, the discomfort may become chronic and without known triggers. Chronic pelvic pain with no known cause is called vulvodynia. Regardless of the painful intercourse or penetration, getting started with vaginal dilator therapy is easy and the treatment simple to follow. How to insert the dilator? The best part about vaginal dilator therapy is that for the most part occurs in the privacy of your own home. Before treatment find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Prop your head and neck up with soft pillows and open your legs wide. With gentle pressure slowly insert the dilator into the vaginal canal. Vaginal penetration may be extremely uncomfortable at first, so it’s important only to insert the dilator as far as the pain will allow. Your dilator set will come with a variety of sizes. In the beginning, choose the smallest size to make sure that you’re not overwhelmed by the treatment. In essence, dilator therapy is helping you to relax your pelvic floor muscles. The lengthening and strengthening comes from letting go and allowing the dilator to do its job. How long to keep the dilator inserted? This is a great question and one asked by women to health physical therapists a lot. We recommend that you aim for 20-30 minutes each session. It may require deep breathing and holding the dilator inside with your hand. At first, your pelvic floor muscles may try to push the dilator out, but as your treatment progresses, you’ll be able to hold the dilator inside for longer periods without resistance. Dilators can cause pain when inserted but the pain is really helping vaginal tissues and muscles to relax. The pain should never be too much or beyond a four on a 1-10 pain scale. How many times per week to practice dilator therapy? Typically, the treatment for painful intercourse or other vulva pain conditions should happen 1-2 times per day. Relaxing the pelvic floor takes consistent treatment over a few weeks to months. Even after you’ve stopped experiencing pain after sexual activity, you may need ongoing treatments to ensure that your vagina remains strong and elastic. It’s recommended to set a schedule that’s right for you. Should I use a lubricant? Yes, a vaginal moisturizer may help ease the pelvic pain during dilation. Generously cover your vaginal dilator and vagina opening with a water-based lubricant. Some vaginal dilator sets come with complimentary lubricant to use during treatment. You may also add more lubricant if needed during the dilation session. How to increase the dilator size? You may increase the size from small to a medium dilator and so on, as you feel comfortable doing so during your treatment. It may take a few sessions before you feel ready to insert a larger size, but you may feel ready during the same session. Dilator sizes start at as small as a pinky finger all the way up to 1.5 inches in width. Increasing the size is necessary to lengthen and strengthen tender vaginal tissues and muscles but remember only increase without searing pain. How do you know what size dilator you need? Click here. Types of Vaginal Dilators Dilators come in many different sizes and types. The three most common are the following: Magnetic vaginal dilators: By far the best vaginal dilator set you can buy to improve pelvic dysfunction. The set comes with over 60 neodymium magnets that pull fresh oxygenated blood while healing vaginal scar tissue. Women report less pain and discomfort after treatment with these deluxe dilators, compared to other types. While the cost is higher for magnetic dilators, the results are superior. Non magnetic vaginal dilators: These dilators are made with medical grade plastic and come with a soft yet firm feel that slips in easily. The firm plastic makes it easier to target pain trigger points with it’s smooth design. Silicone vaginal dilators: Perhaps, the softest vaginal wands you can invest in. Silicone dilators are firm yet flexible and offer an outstanding choice for those why latex allergy concerns. The hypoallergenic material is at the highest grade you can find. What should I do after the pelvic floor physical therapy? After completing your pelvic floor rehabilitation, you should wash your vaginal dilator and hands with warm water. Place your dilator on a towel to air dry. Once dry store in the provided cloth pouch for later use. Using dilators for pelvic pain is easy and simple to perform. It’s only a matter of time before your pelvic health and self life improves. The reason vaginal dilators are the number one choice to pelvic floor dysfunction is that they work. Before starting treatment speak to your healthcare provider about the possibilities of vaginal dilators. 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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I Have Painful Orgasms, What Are My Options?
Everyone talks about how important a healthy sex life is, but no one talks about pain during orgasm. The medical term for painful orgasms is dysorgasmia. It feels like a sex headache or deep muscle cramps that take away the pleasure of lovemaking. If you're suffering from dysorgasmia, you'll be happy to hear you're not alone and do have treatment options that work. Symptoms of Painful Orgasms The depth and severity of the symptoms varies and affects each person differently. Both men and women can experience cramps after sex. The condition may have always existed from your first sexual experience or have begun with no apparent cause. Regardless of the reason, dysorgasmia can cause symptoms that include: Painful sex after climax Sharp abdominal pain Searing back pain Deep penetration pain in the scrotum, penis, and perineal You can feel this pain right before or right after an orgasm. Figure Out The Underlying Cause The exact cause of painful orgasms isn’t known, but it’s associated with different health conditions. The first step in diagnosis is to speak to a medical professional to ascertain the underlying cause. Sometimes you have a bladder infection that can be treated with medication. Or the reason is psychological, and sex therapy with vaginal dilator therapy is the answer. In some cases, especially in women's health, the cause can't be determined. Below are some possible reasons for painful orgasms. Endometriosis One of the potential causes of dysorgasmia is endometriosis. It's when tissue grows outside of the uterus and during each menstrual cycle thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. Uterine Fibroids Another condition that could be a cause of painful orgasms is uterine fibroids. These are balls of tissue that collect in the uterus. While rarely cancerous, uterine fibroids can expand and distort the uterus, resulting in painful sex and orgasms. Ovarian Cysts Another underlying condition that could result in dysorgasmia is ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are pockets of fluid-filled sacs that collect around the ovaries. When irritated or burst can result in serious pelvic pain that feels like period cramps. Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common cause of pain during sex. Your pelvic muscles act like a sling to hold your bladder, rectum, and sexual organs. The pelvic muscles are the foundation of your pelvis to keep everything in place. It's critical that you're able to relax and contract these muscles correctly. If the muscles become weak or strained, pelvic pain can occur, making sex and orgasms painful. The reasons for the pelvic floor dysfunction can be one of the following: Chronic constipation Giving birth Surgery Traumatic injuries Being overweight Aging Vulvodynia Vaginismus Vaginal atrophy Pudendal Neuralgia Connective Tissue Disorders The pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms include pelvic pain, issues with urination, bowel movement dysfunction, and pain during intercourse. The condition may start without warning, become chronic, or intermittent. Bladder Disorder One of the potential causes of painful orgasms is bacterial infections or disorders. Bladder disorders are when you have an overactive bladder leading to weak pelvic floor muscles. You may be unable to go to the bathroom or leak urine accidentally, amongst other symptoms. Pelvic Inflammatory Disorder (PID) Another cause of dysorgasmia is PID, or an infection of the female reproductive organs. PID is a sexually transmitted infection from bacteria being spread from your vagina to your uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. It can lead to chronic pelvic pain or pelvic inflammatory disease. Radiation Therapy If you experience pain after an orgasm, it may come from pelvic radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a standard treatment for people with certain types of cancer, such as uterine cancer or prostate cancer. While radiation therapy helps reduce cancer cells, it can change the shape and texture of vaginal tissues. The vulva and vaginal cavity may become smaller and more sensitive with the vaginal walls inflamed, thin, and dry. Treatment Options Orgasm muscle cramps make it hard to truly experience a lively sex life. However, there are treatment options that lead to pain-free orgasms and healthy living. Understand You're Not Alone First, understand that you're not alone and that sexual dysfunction takes a toll on mental health. The exact number isn't known for how many men and women experience pain after sex, but it's estimated to be about 20%. One treatment option is to seek advice from a sex therapist or counselor. Speaking to a trained professional about dysorgasmia helps give you the tools to understand your condition and hopefully figure out the underlining cause and best treatment plan for you Use Vaginal Dilators If you experience painful orgasms, you may benefit from vaginal dilators or wands. Vaginal dilators are tube-shaped devices that resemble sex toys but are medical devices used to treat everything from pelvic floor dysfunction to chronic pelvic pain. Vaginal dilators are a natural way to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles that are causing pain. When you have tight vaginal tissues, you may experience involuntary muscle contraction or searing pain during intercourse. Your pelvic floor tissue may become inflamed, thin, and dry. All of which can lead to dysorgasmia or other pelvic pain conditions. Vaginal dilators come in multiple sizes and provide a safe and effective method for overcoming sexual issues. As you learn to lengthen and relax taut muscles, youThe treatment is at your own pace, and research shows that VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators reduced overall pain by 80%. Understand It Takes Time Post orgasm pain may take time to overcome, depending on the underlining condition. In some cases, a medicine may help ease the symptoms quickly. However, if the cause is unknown, due to weak pelvic floor muscles or traumatizing sexual activity, reducing the pain may take longer. Strengthening and softening tight vaginal muscles is an ongoing process that may require daily treatment for a few weeks or months before real progress can be felt. But be rest assured you can overcome painful orgasms. Vaginal dilators may be the answer you need to improve your sexual health and having the orgasm you deserve. 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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How do Estrogen and Dilators Help with Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy (also known as vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis) is a condition that commonly occurs during or after menopause, or after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include thinning of the skin (sometimes leading to tearing), lack of lubrication, pain and inflammation. It usually develops once estrogen levels are lower, and as they get lower still, symptoms can worsen. Vaginal atrophy symptoms can cause women another set of problems in the form of painful sex (dyspareunia), as well as burning or stinging when urinating, urgency, increased frequency and leaking. During the early stages of vaginal atrophy you may find relief using vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants, but as and when symptoms worsen, other solutions may be necessary. Estrogen and dilators are two of the most common vaginal atrophy treatments, and we’re here to tell you why that is…. Estrogen products for vaginal atrophy If vaginal moisturizers like Replens are no longer working for you or you think you need more than water-based personal lubricant, you may wish to look into the below estrogen therapy options for atrophic vaginitis. Estrogen products can help to replace the diminished estrogen in your body, thus reducing uncomfortable symptoms. Note that these will need to be prescribed by a Doctor, but they may not be suitable for women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or stroke. Vaginal estrogen tablets One option is to insert a pessary into the vagina using an applicator. It will gradually dissolve and the estrogen will be absorbed into the vaginal tissues. At first you will need to use them every second night for a few weeks, later reducing application as needed. Your Doctor will advise according to progress. Topical estrogen creams Vaginal estrogen creams can be topically applied to the vaginal area, effectively raising your estrogen levels and slowing or halting those testing symptoms. For the first two weeks (or up to a month) it’s a good idea to apply it on a nightly basis. After this time, you should be able to drop it down to every second or third night. Estrogen rings Vaginal estrogen rings are flexible rubber rings that gradually release estrogen into the vagina once inserted. These can be quite convenient as they only need replacing after 3 months, but of course will need to be removed when you are engaging in sexual intercourse. Estrogen pills, patches or gels In some instances a Doctor might prescribe estrogen pills, patches or gels. It’s also possible they will recommend a progestin supplement also (but only for those who have not had a hysterectomy). Dilators for vaginal atrophy Vaginal dilators help vaginal atrophy in a big way. Dilators can widen your vagina, making it easier and more comfortable to have sex once again. Depending on the severity of your atrophy, you may need to start with the narrowest dilator and work upward to the larger sizes. Once your vagina has the capacity for pain-free sexual intercourse, you can reduce your dilator use. However, you may need to continue with dilator use ongoing if you wish to retain the capacity required for comfortable sex. Many of our customers find that our Neodymium magnetic dilator range is perfect for atrophic vaginitis since they not only expand the vaginal walls, but also add elasticity to the tissues. The magnets are strategically placed inside the dilators to encourage blood flow to the vaginal tissues, which has a regenerative effect and relieves pain at the same time. We have a vaginal atrophy FAQ page, which should answer any questions you have, but of course you are welcome to drop us a line if you don’t find the answers you’re looking for. 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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Foods to Avoid with Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition affecting the vulva area in females. What causes it hasn’t been definitively confirmed, but experts think the causes are among vulvar cells responding abnormally to trauma or infection, genetics, hormonal changes or imbalances, nerve feedback abnormalities, allergic reactions, yeast infections, pelvic prolapses and more. It can be a challenging condition as it’s often difficult to treat, although relief from vulvodynia symptoms is certainly possible. Certain natural treatments and protocols can help vulvodynia, as can medications, but what if we told you there were dietary changes you could make that could lessen or completely relieve your symptoms? It’s true… some common foods might be exacerbating your vulvodynia pain, so knowing which foods to cut out could be a valuable key to your healing. Read on to find out which foods to avoid with vulvodynia… Which foods to avoid with vulvodynia There are organic compounds known as oxalates, found in some plant and animal foods. These are not really a requirement for human nutrition, but while most people can excrete oxalates through passing stools and urinating, some have sensitivity or intolerance to them. In fact, oxalates have been linked to vulvodynia. It should be noted that they don’t cause it, but they may play a part in worsening symptoms. Reducing oxalate intake is therefore recommended. One study of 59 women with vulvodynia demonstrated that there was a possibility that a low oxalate diet could relieve symptoms somewhat. It isn’t guaranteed, but it may be worth a try! Nearly a quarter of the subject showed some improvements when they stopped eating high oxalate foods. Below are the foods to avoid if you have vulvodynia: Fruits and vegetables These fruits and veggies can be problematic since they’re high in oxalate with over 50mg of oxalate per serving. Note that oxalate content in foods can vary greatly, but the below is a general guide to high oxalate foods: Swiss chard Spinach Okra Leeks Green beans Beet greens and beetroot Collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens Wax beans Eggplant Escarole, parsley, and rutabagas Tomato paste Dried apricots Red currants, elderberries, blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries, blueberries Star fruit Figs Rhubarb Kiwi fruit Nuts, seeds and beans and grains Lots of nuts and beans also have varying but relatively high oxalate content: Peanuts Almonds Hazelnuts Pistachios Pecans Sesame seeds (and tahini) Poppy seeds Refried beans Baked beans Kidney beans Dried beans Lentils Wheat bran, wheat germ, and barley Grits and bran cereal White corn flour and buckwheat flour Whole wheat bread Drinks Depending on how strong you make your drink, it could be high in oxalates. The drinks to avoid with vulvodynia are: Brewed or instant coffee Tea Cocoa Dark draft beer Soy milk The best drink you can choose if you have vulvodynia is good old purified water! If you can’t go without the above beverages, dilute them or find a low oxalate substitute where possible. Other foods to avoid with vulvodynia We also recommend leaving out soy burgers and other soy products (for example, tofu and miso) and desserts such as fruitcake, chocolate (we know!), carob and marmalade. If you find that cutting the above foods out isn’t making any difference, you may not need to deprive yourself. It could help to make a food diary of what you ate when, and when you felt better or worse after specific food intakes. This way you can figure out which foods you personally need to avoid if you have vulvodynia. You may be interested in our article on natural ways to treat vulvodynia, since this condition often requires various approaches to find that magic key that leads to pain relief! We wish you the best of luck! 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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Can Vulvodynia Go away?
Women who live with pain in the vulva often ask, can Vulvodynia ever go away? The quick answer is treating Vulvodynia is possible, regardless of whether the problem is chronic or a vulvodynia flare-up. In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Vulvodynia. So that you can live without vulvar pain and have a healthy sex life. In essence, we will show you how to eliminate the pain and suffering from Vulvodynia. What is Vulvodynia? The National Vulvodynia Association defines Vulvodynia as unexplained vulva pain that lasts longer than three months. The vulva is the area of a woman's anatomy that includes the external genitals, including the clitoris, vaginal lips and opening, and urethra. It's above the perineum (space between the vagina and anus) and anus. The female genitals are sensitive without being inflicted with chronic pain due to vulvodynia. In the vulva are nerve endings that respond to touch or pressure. If the pudendal nerve is compressed or spasmodic, it may cause weakened pelvic floor muscles, further aggravating the vulva. Women with vulvodynia experience severe emotional impact and have difficulty remaining sexually active because vaginal pain may be severe. Types of Vulvodynia Obstetricians and gynecologists break down vulvodynia into two main pain conditions during diagnosis and treatment. Generalized Vulvodynia Generalized vulvodynia is chronic pelvic pain that encompasses the entire vulva. It may be ongoing or intermittent, but the pain seems to afflict the whole area, not one specific focal point. The condition can be aggravated by wearing tight clothing, horseback riding, sitting for long periods, or pressure. It may feel as if your entire female genitals are on fire. Localized Vulvodynia Localized vulvodynia is still in the same area as generalized, except it's one or two distinct points in the vulva that burn or sting. The vaginal muscles supporting the vulva may have become sore or stretched, resulting in feeling like you've torn a muscle. Pressing one spot makes the pain worse or produces burning pains in that area, while the other parts of the vulva feel fine. Conditions Connected to Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is a multifaceted condition, which means other vulval conditions may be present as well. Some of these subsets include the following: provoked vestibulodynia (caused by pressure or touch in the vaginal lips and opening) vulvodynia vestibulitis (pain around the vaginal opening) cyclic vulvovaginitis (flare-ups around menstruation or before intercourse) essential vulvodynia (usually appears postmenopausal) vulvar dermatoses (presents as excessive itching) According to a study published in the American Family Physician Journal, vulvodynia and subsets are often misdiagnosed; however, these conditions' commonality may be as high as 15% of American women. (1) Symptoms of Vulvodynia The kind and strength of vulvodynia symptoms vary from woman to woman. For some, chronic pain comes from painful sex or weak pelvic muscles. However, women can experience one or more of the following symptoms at one time. Stinging Itching Burning Throbbing Pulsating Inflaming Spasms Vulvodynia symptoms may stop or start without warning. You may go months without a vulvodynia flare-up and suddenly fall into chronic pain. Some women suffer for years in pain without much relief. Causes of Vulvodynia The most common definition of vulvodynia usually entails not knowing the exact cause of the vulval pain. This is one of the biggest reasons vulvodynia can be hard to treat. Also, vulvodynia may have specific factors working together, so you have to diagnose multiple causes at once for effective treatment. However, according to the American Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, diagnosis usually looks at the following reasons. (2) Compressed nerve damage in the vulva Vulva inflammation causes (skin irritation, reaction to birth control or hormone creams) Result of long-term vaginal infections (yeast infections, urinary tract infections) Food sensitivities that cause pain and inflammation Bacterial vaginosis (inflamed vulva and vaginal muscles) Pelvic floor dysfunction or muscle weakness There is also evidence that anxiety and depression may lead to vulvodynia. Or that vulvodynia may lead to depression and anxiety. Indirectly, vulvodynia also can cause infertility because it results in fear of sex. There is no strong link between sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and vulvodynia. Also, sexual abuse or trauma can result in vulvodynia. Yet women who’ve never been sexually active or undergone trauma can still experience the pelvic pain. Treatments for Vulvodynia Treating vulvodynia isn't easy due to its complexity, lack of research, and sensitive nature. Yet vulvodynia can go away. It's possible to find medical and home remedies to relieve pain. Remember, you're not alone and help is possible. Invasive treatments options include everything from surgery to taking tricyclic antidepressants. Noninvasive therapies include the following: Biofeedback (strengthen and relax pelvic floor muscles) Cognitive-behavioral therapy Gel packs to each pain and inflammation Dilation therapy with vaginal dilators Vaginal Dilators One of the best home remedies for vulvodynia is dilation therapy. The pelvic floor physical therapy uses a medical device to stretch and strengthen vaginal tissue inside and outside the vaginal opening. You can order them online without a prescription. VuVa Dilators are available at www.vuvatech.com Physical therapists trained in dilation therapy can help you relax your muscle spasms to overcome vulvodynia. It's important to note that you don't actually have to see a physiotherapist to receive the same benefit. You can use a vaginal dilator at home at a pace right for your body and schedule. After applying a vaginal lubricant, the dilator is slowly inserted into the vagina. For more detailed instructions, check out how to use dilators. In a clinical trial by the Physician Care Clinical Research, women using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators reported an 80% reduction of overall pain. This is significant in showing that vaginal wands can make vulvodynia pain go away. If you've received a vulvodynia diagnosis, you may be heartbroken and looking for a solution to your physical and emotional well-being. You may want to experience sexual intercourse without pain. All of which is understandable. If you suspect you have vulvodynia, make an appointment with your family health provider. In either case, know that overcoming vulvodynia is possible, and you're not alone. https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0315/p1547.html#:~:text=Vulvar%20vestibulitis%20syndrome%20is%20also,FIGURE%201 https://www.acog.org/en/Patient%20Resources/FAQs/Gynecologic%20Problems/Vulvodynia 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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Can Vulvodynia Cause Infertility?
Women suffering from female infertility may wonder if the cause is vulvodynia. Both have profound emotional and physical effects on women's mental wellbeing. While both conditions affect reproductive health, there's no strong evidence that vulvodynia directly causes infertility. However, chronic vulvar pain may indirectly cause infertility because one of the necessities for conception is sexual intercourse. This article will explore vulvodynia and infertility and the possible connections and reasons for both conditions. Vulvodynia and Infertility Infertility is the inability to conceive after trying for 12 months or more if you're over 35. Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain that affects female genitals and the area around the vaginal opening. Both can have detrimental effects on a couple's sex life for the following reasons. Pain During Sex If a woman suffers from searing pain before, during, or after sexual encounters, engaging in intimacy becomes unbearable. Pain conditions associated with vulvodynia cause burning and stinging pain, making the vulvar and pelvic muscles inflame and throb. All of which may make getting pregnant extremely difficult or impossible. While conception may happen after being intimate one time, it usually takes regular sexual intercourse. The pain syndrome from vulvodynia may make even the thought of sexual penetration too much to consider. Unable to Discuss Painful Sex Women with vulvodynia find it extremely difficult to talk about their vulvar pain. The reasons for this vary, but common ones are an embarrassment, shame, and fear and we need to feel comfortable talking about this to get the right treatment. Since chronic pain affects the vaginal opening, clitoris, and region between the vagina and anus, it can be hard to discuss private parts. The sexual pain may also extend inside the vaginal cavity due to weak pelvic muscles, and having to describe this to a medical professional can be overwhelming. In some cases, pain during sexual intercourse started after a pregnancy loss or cesarean section, making it hard for women to talk about a past traumatic event and ongoing pain. Not being able to discuss painful sex may make overcoming the problem difficult, resulting in infertility. Symptoms of an Underlying Medical Condition Vaginal pain in the genitals or pelvic floor may be due to an underlying medical condition. Some existing health concerns can cause pain in the vulvar skin or throughout a woman’s reproductive system, including: yeast infections urinary tract infections ovarian cysts blocked Fallopian tubes endometriosis polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Sexually transmitted diseases (STD), such as human papillomavirus, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, can cause infertility. However, there's no evidence that vulvodynia is due to sexually transmitted diseases. Women who have a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) like chlamydia may experience similar symptoms to vulvodynia, but may not have the painful medical condition at all. Or could have the PID and vulvodynia. If you believe you have an STD, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Causes of Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is a painful condition with no known cause in the majority of cases, according to the Vulvar Pain Foundation. (1) It generally affects women between the ages of 20-40, but women at any age can have vulvodynia symptoms. (2) The burning and stinging pain penetrates the vaginal tissue from any touch or becomes chronic pain without pressure. Unfortunately, vulvodynia results in psychological impairments, sexual dysfunction, limitation of everyday activities, and physical disabilities. Causes of Infertility The inability to conceive may have roots in various conditions and may be difficult to diagnose. The most common reason is not ovulating or low ovarian reserve. (3) Conception relies on the ovaries, releasing an egg each month for fertilization and implantation in the uterus. If the eggs' quality is low or the ovulation cycle is too short or too long, the egg may not implant at all or properly. Besides ovulation issues, the increased risk for infertility can be linked to the following conditions: (4) poor diet athletic training celiac disease certain medications diabetes exposure to certain chemicals PID hormonal changes In the United States, 10% of women have difficulty conceiving. It can bring about deep sadness and heartache. (4) It may also be the cause of painful sex. Treatments for Vulvodynia and Infertility If the pain from vulvodynia is preventing you from being sexually active and resulting in infertility, you do have options. The National Vulvodynia Association recommends different methods for treating vulvodynia, including: low-dose tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) biofeedback massaging tight muscles with vaginal dilators cognitive-behavioral therapy The exact pain management treatment you choose will depend on your body, doctor’s recommendation, and cause. However, vaginal dilators are a natural choice that come with no side effects. Treating Vulvodynia with Vaginal Dilators Vaginal dilator treatment is a kind of physical therapy that uses a tube-shaped device to massage and stretch vaginal muscles gently. Vulvodynia pain may come from tight, constricted pelvic floor muscles located in the vagina and around the vaginal opening or vulva. Dilators made in the USA available at www.vuvatech.com Vaginal dilators help promote healthy vaginal tissue by bringing fresh oxygenated blood to ease tightness and restriction. Through consistent dilator therapy, persistent vulvar pain eases and allows women to have healthy sex lives. Regular sex boosts conception outcomes. The vulvodynia treatment can be used in the privacy of your own home and at the pace you're comfortable with following. Vulvodynia and Infertility Diagnosis Women with vulvar pain should make an appointment with their doctor to give a full medical history. A cotton swab test may be performed to indent the vaginal flesh to check for pain points. Also, complete blood work may be drawn to check different hormone levels and rule out STDs, infections, and other medical conditions. (5) The concern of whether or not vulvodynia causes infertility is a natural one. Vulvodynia is a severe and painful condition that makes it difficult to remain sexually active. However, there's no direct link between vulvodynia and infertility. Yet easing the pain of vulvodynia may make sexual intercourse pleasurable, but if you have other underlying conditions that affect your ability to conceive, becoming pregnant may still be difficult. Vulvalpainsociety.org/about-vulval-pain/vulval-pain-conditions/vulvodynia/ Nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/causes/causes-female Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308 Womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/infertility Aafp.org/afp/2006/0401/p1231.html#:~:text=A%20cotton%20swab%20is%20used,common%20sites%20of%20increased%20sensitivity. Other 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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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.
