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5 Reasons Why Sex is Painful after Radiation
Radiation therapy focuses on one area of the body, but although it brings fewer side effects than chemotherapy, it does affect healthy cells. Is pain after radiation normal? Unfortunately, it is. Post-radiation pain is common, regardless of the type and location of cancer. Unfortunately, in some cases it can cause neuropathic pain, chronic post-radiation pain or soft tissue damage. Radiotherapy in the pelvic area most often causes inflammation, soreness and changes to tissues, so it makes sense that sex can be painful after radiation. This article examines the reasons why sex is painful after radiation. It also answers some of the most pertinent questions about the sexual side effects of pelvic radiotherapy, and sex after cancer. Why is sex painful after pelvic radiation? Sexual problems after cancer are all too common, whether the treatment was radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The fact is that pelvic radiation targets one of the most sensitive and delicate areas of a woman’s body. It is no surprise that there are many sexual effects of radiation, both during and after treatment. Below you can find 5 reasons why sex is painful after radiation: Inflammation and swelling of the skin and tissues Radiation therapy to the pelvis can irritate the sensitive and tender vaginal tissues, which may swell up and become red or pink (with the appearance of sun burn). This swelling and tissue irritation may last for several weeks after treatment, during which time sex can be painful. It may still be possible to have sex, although it might help to soothe inflamed tissues with a cooling lubricant – and of course to make sure your partner takes it easy until you are feeling better. Damage to the vaginal lining Radiation to the vagina or surrounding areas may cause damage to the vaginal lining. Your vaginal walls might thin out and become more fragile, leaving the skin prone to tears during sex. Many women who have had pelvic radiation treatment notice light bleeding during or after sex. It is possible to bleed without pain, but in some instances radiation can create vaginal ulcers or open sores. These can cause a lot of pain during sex, and can take many months to heal once treatment is finished. Fibrosis and scarring inside the vagina After your radiotherapy course is done, inflammation will start to heal. However, there can be further problems at this point. Radiation therapy can cause scarring on the vaginal walls, which may thicken and become leathery in texture. Vaginal fibrosis is another common side effect of high dose pelvic or vaginal radiation therapy, affecting up to 80% of women who received it. Fibrosis is the name for fibrous connective tissue that forms as a reparative response to injury or damage – in this instance, from radiation damage. Fibrous tissue can lead to tightening and shortening of the birth canal (called vaginal stenosis), which in turn can make sex painful or difficult. Due to the proximity of the anus to the vagina, vaginal fibrosis can also occur after anal radiation therapy. Early menopause and hormonal changes If you are given a high dose of radiation to the ovaries, they may no longer be able to function. Whether you recover from this can depend on your age and the dosage given, but it’s possible that you’ll become infertile. The ovaries are responsible for making hormones that naturally decline as you go into the menopause. However, radiation treatment can start this process earlier than it would naturally occur. As a result, you can go through the menopause and all the symptoms this brings, such as: The end of the menstrual cycles Hot flashes Mood changes Vaginal dryness Lack of libido Lack of libido and vaginal dryness can lead to painful sex after radiation. If you’re not in the mood, it will not feel natural, and if there is no lubrication, thrusting can hurt. A water-based personal lubricant may help with this issue, and it might be necessary to make extra efforts to become aroused. Even breast cancer survivors can experience the issue of painful sex after cancer treatment, since they are also more likely to develop vaginal stenosis or vaginal atrophy. Radiation enteritis and bladder and bowel damage Radiation enteritis is the name for inflammation of the intestines caused by radiation therapy. Although it is not a direct cause of painful sex, its symptoms can certainly impact your sex life, and inflammation and soreness can be felt during sex. Enteritis can cause nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps in people who had pelvic radiation. Although in most instances it is temporary, it is possible that symptoms can linger for months or years. It is also possible that radiation might damage the bowel or bladder, which might have a similar negative impact on your sex life. What can I do about the effects of pelvic radiation? Depending on the post-radiation sexual symptoms you are experiencing, there are various therapies, treatments and tools to choose from. Some of the ways to make sex easier after radiation include: Exercises to stretch and soften scar tissue Pelvic floor physical therapy Counseling Vaginal dilator therapy It’s a good idea to discuss your concerns and expectations with your health care provider – especially around your sex life. This isn’t something they will necessarily bring up if they don’t know that you are having problems with sex after radiotherapy. They may be able to suggest techniques or treatments to assist your particular situation, and answer any questions you have about sex during and after radiation. Can vaginal dilators help painful sex after radiation? Vaginal dilator therapy is the number one therapy for all kinds of vaginal issues. Women’s sexual health professionals all around the world often recommend it. Here is what Lauren Streicher, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Feinberg School of Medicine, has to say about them: “Vaginal dilators have two purposes. One is to get the vagina used to having something inside of it. Even if the size of your vagina is normal, painful sex initiates a cycle of pain–fear–muscle spasm–more pain that results in the vagina constricting at any attempt to have intercourse. Dilators are often needed after the initial cause of the pain has been eliminated to erase muscle memory that has kept your pelvic floor in protective mode. Vaginal dilators are also a way to gently and gradually stretch tissues that are tight and have lost their elasticity, which is often the case if a woman has vaginal dryness and thinning from hormonal changes, skin conditions (such as lichen sclerosis) or her vagina has been altered by radiation or surgery. Scarring and shrinkage of the vaginal opening is almost always reversible! The other important advantage to using a dilator is that you will know when you are ready for intercourse.” Whatever your sexual problems after radiation, know that the chances are they will improve, but you might need to help your body to recover. Know that the side effects are often at their worst toward the end of the course of radiation, and for a couple of weeks afterwards. Once your healthy cells start to recover (usually within a few weeks), your sex life is likely to improve too. Resources Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5859894/ Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/radiation-enteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355409 Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/sex-after-cancer-for-women-over-60-how-dilators-can-help Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/cervical-cancer-survival-and-your-sex-life Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3555916/ VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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Why Does Vulvodynia Flare-Up?
What can I do? Here at Vuvatech we have covered the topic of vulvodynia extensively, since it affects so many women around the world. We talked about it in depth in this article on vulvodynia, so for this current article, we will focus on what causes vulvodynia to flare-up and how you can prevent this. In short, vulvodynia is characterized by burning, stinging, aching, throbbing (or general soreness) in and around the vulva. Outwardly there may be no visible signs of a problem; however, redness and inflammation is sometimes present, and itching is common. Unfortunately, it can manifest seemingly out of nowhere, and typical vulvodynia symptoms may be intermittent, short-lived, or persistent. Vulvodynia flare-ups can happen over a period of months, and unfortunately for some, years. Vulvodynia can happen to any woman, at any time from her teen years onwards. Numbers of women affected by vulvodynia are thought to be between 200,000 and six million. However, vulvodynia and vulvar vestibulitis syndrome are more likely to happen to women who have the autoimmune conditions Sjogren's Syndrome and lupus erythematosus; fibromyalgia is also now linked vulvodynia and VVS. What causes a vulvodynia flare-up? Since nobody knows exactly what causes vulvodynia in the first place, there’s no way to guarantee avoiding flare-ups. However, there does seem to be a link between vulvodynia flare-ups and the following activities or situations: Sexual intercourse Exercise – in particular cycling (but even light exercise such as walking) Inserting tampons Irritating contraceptive creams or spermicides Sitting for too long (especially in damp gym clothing or swimwear) Using astringent or perfumed soaps, shampoos, douches and toilet paper Wearing non-breathable underwear in synthetic fabrics like nylon or polyester Wearing tight-fitting pants Coming into contact with chemicals such as chlorine Presence of bacteria and residue urine Pressure on the bowel or bladder If you have vulvodynia, it may be down to one or more of the following reasons. Unfortunately, it is difficult to avoid such things, but being aware of the situations and activities listed above may prevent regular flare-ups: Injury or irritation to nerves Muscle spasms Changes in hormone levels Hypersensitivity to yeast infections Allergic reactions to chemicals Excessive use of antibiotics Vulva cells responding abnormally to trauma, infection or inflammation Although it may seem counterintuitive, STDs are not linked to the manifestation of vulvodynia. If you are having a flare-up, here’s what you can do Go to the toilet regularly, rather than waiting for a full bladder, since this prevents pressure on the bladder. Avoid strong-smelling soaps and detergents – go for chemical-free options instead. Avoid washing your underwear with fabric softener too, as it contains a lot of chemicals. Only buy soft, unscented toilet roll, and after using the toilet, clean your vagina with water every time. You should do the same after sexual intercourse to prevent bacteria from proliferating. As for underwear – no synthetics! 100% cotton is breathable and soft. The same goes for tampons and sanitary pads should be chemical free and made from non-synthetic materials. When showering, try to make sure that shampoo doesn’t come into contact with your vaginal area. The rest of the time, try to keep the area clean and dry. When taking the above precautions every day, you’re less likely to experience a vulvodynia flare-up. You may also benefit from using vaginal dilators for vulvodynia treatment, as many women with vulvodynia do. We hope you found this article useful… it’s one of many, so feel free to check out the Vuvatech blog for more articles on vulvodynia and other women’s health issues.
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What Can Trigger Vulvodynia?
Tips for Managing Vulvar Pain There is no denying that when vulvodynia strikes, it has takes a toll on your everyday life. Women with vulvodynia struggle with everything from sex to exercise, social activities and even doing their job. It can seriously impair your ability to enjoy your life, and you’ll no doubt be left wondering what can trigger vulvodynia and how you can manage the pain. Unfortunately there is no definitive cause of vulvodynia, but there’s a lot of speculation about this. A lot of people ask whether vulvodynia is an autoimmune disease (it’s not, but it is often linked to them) and some researchers have concluded that it is most probably a neuropathic issue. Since women who have vulvodynia are sometimes genetically predisposed to chronic pain, this could be a factor. If there are females in your immediate family with chronic pain conditions, this ups the chances significantly. This article will take a look at what can trigger vulvodynia, and what you can do when it strikes. What can trigger vulvodynia? There’s quite a list of things that can trigger vulvodynia. We’ve broken these down into categories. Bodily issues Nerve injury or irritation Vulvar cells reacting abnormally to trauma or infection Vulvar cells responding badly to chronic inflammation (due to genetics) Muscle spasms (in the pelvic floor area, as happens with the condition vaginismus) Changes in hormones Hypersensitivity to vaginal yeast infections Overuse of antibiotics (which can also cause yeast infections) Sexual abuse Pressure on the bowel and/or bladder (from fullness) Allergic reactions to chemicals Stress (which originates in the mind but takes up residence in your cells and tissues!) Irritants There are plenty of substances out there that can trigger vulvodynia, including: Chemical or perfumed soaps, body washes, shampoos and moisturizers (go for plant-based oils and preservative-free emollients every time) Allopathic medications Vaginal douches Detergents and fabric softeners Scented toilet paper Bleached/chemically treated sanitary products Nylon or polyester underwear and pants Tight-fitting clothing Perfumed contraceptive creams and spermicides Chlorine in swimming pools Damp swimming costumes or gym clothes left on too long Dried sweat or urine on skin or underwear Foods Certain foods can trigger vulvodynia, and sometimes it’s simply because they make your urine more irritating to your skin. Here are some of the foods you might want to avoid if you have (or are prone to) vulvodynia: Greens Beans Berries Chocolate Nuts Soy Goat dairy products Wheat gluten While those food products can trigger vulvodynia, you can also lessen the chances of a vulvodynia flare-up and mitigate its effects by getting more magnesium, vitamin D3, vitamin B12, omega-3 and probiotics through supplements. Make sure you go for high-quality supplements from recommended sources, as not all supplements are equal! Not getting enough fiber may also play a part in triggering vulvodynia because your bowel movements may not happen as often as they should, so be sure to get plenty of this into your diet too. Although vulvodynia can sometimes feel like the end of the world when it has you in its grip, rest assured that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Vulvodynia can go away on its own, and even when it doesn’t, there are many vulvodynia treatment options that can help a lot. For now, it is best to avoid the things that can trigger vulvodynia, and seek professional help if you can’t handle it alone. 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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“Have you ever thought about just not having sex?” The Dairy of my Broken Vagina by Fran Bushe
Written by Fran Bushe “Have you ever thought about just not having sex?” These words were said to me by a doctor a few weeks before I turned 30. I’d been sexually active for 14 years and the truth is that I just didn’t ‘get’ sex. I wanted to want sex, but for the most part, I participated (giving appropriate “ooh” and “aah” noises at what felt like reasonable intervals) and hoped that the next time would be better. Mostly, it hurt. It had been this way since I was 16, and it was impossible to know if it hurt because I wasn’t turned on enough, or I wasn’t turned on enough because I was always worrying it was going to hurt. This became a vicious cycle and the thought of actually enjoying sex became a distant dream. At 30 I’d decided that enough was enough. I was tired of feeling underwhelmed and wanted to become a multi-orgasmic-tantric-come-with-ease-never-painful-sexual-goddess. Or, at least, learn to enjoy — a bit — the sex I was having. That year Viagra had been made available over the counter without prescription (in the UK), and I felt angry that sexual problems for people with vaginas were not being treated with the same attention, care or empathy. I had endured too much sitting in front of Doctors, who didn't meet my eye as they embarrassedly shuffled their papers. They made me feel like asking to enjoy sex was self indulgent, unreasonable and greedy. Feeling unheard and isolated I ended up writing about my experiences instead. . I didn’t think anyone would be interested in hearing about my vagina. All I could picture was people rolling their eyes thinking, “oh my goodness, it’s going to be a woman on stage shouting at me about her vagina for 55 minutes”. I was wrong, turns out people are very invested in my vagina. Let's hear it for my vagina! First I wrote my stage show Ad Libido, which had sell out runs across the United Kingdom. Now I am writing a book and have just released a tv pilot based on my own diaries The Diary of my Broken Vagina. For me talking about it is scary, as it means admitting openly I feel intimately broken at my very core, but it has also encouraged me to communicate and not feel like this is something I have to deal with on my own. Fran Bushe @franbushe 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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What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition affecting women’s hormone levels, in that their bodies will produce more male hormones than is normal, and cysts will grow inside their ovaries. The word “polycystic” actually means “many cysts.” Polycystic ovary syndrome affects the ovaries and reproductive organs that produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries also normally produce a small amount of androgens (the male hormones), but with PCOS, estrogen and progesterone levels will be lower than normal, while androgens will be higher. Due to the abnormal hormone levels, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) start to grow inside the ovaries. These cysts are actually follicles containing immature eggs, but the eggs don’t mature enough to start the ovulation process. When women don’t ovulate regularly, fewer eggs are released for fertilization. PCOS was first discovered by Italian physician Antonio Vallisneri back in 1721, and today it affects up to 27% of women of childbearing age (from 15 to 44). However, it may go undiagnosed in up to 70% of that group. What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome? It is common for women with polycystic ovary syndrome to have ovarian cysts, high male hormone levels, and a disrupted menstrual cycle (irregular or missed periods). Symptoms are likely to appear around the start of the first period, but for some, they don’t find out they have PCOS until they can’t get pregnant, or start to put on weight. Irregular/fewer periods: not ovulating means less reliable shedding of the womb lining Heavy menstruation: due to a delayed build up of uterine lining Excessive body hair (hirsutism): facial and body hair can develop because of the androgens Headaches Acne: androgens cause oily skin and pimple breakouts on the face, chest, and back Thinning of hair: unfortunately, women with PCOS can suffer from male pattern baldness Skin darkening in creased areas of skin (e.g. neck, groin, beneath the breasts) Infertility: it can be difficult to get pregnant due to lack of ovulation Obesity/metabolic syndrome: up to 80% of PCOS sufferers will put on weight or become obese, with high blood sugar, high blood pressure and imbalanced cholesterol levels. This leads to risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Sleep apnea: difficulty breathing normally at night, which disrupts sleep Endometrial cancer: due to thickened, unreleased uterine lining Depression: due to imbalanced hormones and dealing with other symptoms What causes polycystic ovary syndrome? As yet there is no known cause of PCOS. All Doctors know is that high male hormone levels stop the ovaries from producing the necessary female hormones needed for a healthy cycle. There may be a genetic factor, but insulin resistance is a more likely factor given that up to 70% of women with PCOS also have this. If your cells aren’t properly using insulin your body will demand more of it, triggering the pancreas to create it in a bid to compensate for the lack. However, the extra insulin created causes the ovaries to produce more androgens. Inflammation is another possible cause of polycystic ovary syndrome, since it tends to run concurrently with PCOS. It may be possible to reduce inflammation through diet, which also helps with obesity. Obesity may actually be the cause of the inflammation that led to PCOS in the first place, however. Treating PCOS The treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome are usually birth control pills and diabetes drugs. These are prescribed because they can restore hormone levels, resulting in fewer challenging PCOS symptoms. Many women benefit from low carbohydrate or low GI diets, as well as at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3 times per week. If overweight, losing as little as 5% of your bodyweight is likely to have a positive impact on PCOS. In severe cases, laser surgery to restore ovulation may be the answer. If you think that polycystic ovary syndrome may be causing your symptoms, you should contact your Doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is better to tackle the problem sooner rather than later, in order to prevent the condition progressing or leading to secondary diseases. Don’t forget to follow the VuvaTech blog for insights and advice on various women’s health problems… we’re here to help!
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What is Provoked Vestibulodynia and Could You Have it?
You may by now have heard of dyspareunia, which is the name for painful sex. On our website we post a lot of information and advice about this troublesome condition. Yet there is another related term that you may not yet have come across, which is ‘provoked vestibulodynia’. This condition is one of the major reasons for painful intercourse, but that’s not all there is to it. So, what exactly is provoked vestibulodynia? In this article we’ll explore the details, from the symptoms to the causes and how it can be treated. What is Provoked Vestibulodynia? Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is defined as ‘provoked vestibular pain’ that lasts for a minimum of three months, but without an obvious cause. It may help to know what the term ‘vestibule’ means: this is the part of the vulva where the openings can be found (the urethra, vagina, hymenal tags), as well as the inner areas and surfaces from the labia minora to the Hart’s line (the edge of the vulval vestibule). Provoked vestibulodynia is classed as a chronic pain condition, which may also have associated factors, some of which could be related to a patient’s personal history. What is most frustrating about this problem is that it presents with no visible signs – pain is the only obvious sign that something is wrong. This pain is referred to as allodynia – the pain experienced from normal stimuli (such as touch or pressure), relating to the outer edge of the vestibule. What’s more, the location of the pain can be difficult to pinpoint, and is sometimes present even inside the birth canal. What are the symptoms of provoked vestibulodynia (PVD)? Painful intercourse or penetration (dyspareunia) is the main symptom of provoked vestibulodynia, and is most often caused by it. There are actually two types of PVD: the first has always been present in the patient, and the second is acquired. In the former case, the patient will always have experienced painful sex or penetration of any kind. In the latter case, she may have been through extensive periods of time where sex or touch was not painful. The other main symptoms of PVD are: Burning, cutting or stinging pain at the vaginal opening Increased pain during examination or intercourse Pain upon contact with seminal fluid Burning feelings after sex has finished, sometimes lasting hours or days Post-coital dysuria (difficulty in urinating), sometimes lasting hours or days Pain inserting tampons or speculums What causes Provoked Vestibulodynia? Stress is considered to be a contributor, since it is known to lower pain thresholds. There is evidence that provoked vestibulodynia is associated with central sensitization of the pain circuits within the brain and spinal cord. PVD patients generally have low pain thresholds, and often present with other chronic pain conditions, so there may be a comorbidity factor there. Unfortunately, since the condition is so difficult to live with, stress is increased by it and consequently (in a vicious cycle) so is the pain. There may also be genetic factors, psychosocial factors (such as anxiety or PTSD), sleep deprivation, hormonal factors, and pelvic floor muscle over-activity, according to this PVD study. How can you treat Provoked Vestibulodynia? Interestingly, psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as mindfulness practices and therapy have yielded positive results in some women with PVD. This probably indicates that stress reduction helps, or that some factors of the condition may be psychosomatic. Since some patients in medical trials have responded well to placebos, this seems to further confirm this. The belief that a woman can influence her own pain levels has also yielded good results. In some cases, physiotherapy helps, as does pelvic floor physical therapy. Avoiding irritants, harsh chemicals, and improving moisture levels can also help. In particularly troublesome cases, medication such as Lidocaine may be prescribed, although this is merely a sticking plaster. In other cases, vaginal dilators are used in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia, particularly when pelvic floor muscle over-activity is behind it. It is best to consult your healthcare providers for a proper diagnosis before embarking on any course of treatment; it may also be the case that a combination of approaches works best. Here are Instructions on How to Use Vaginal Dilators
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When Do You Use Vaginal Dilators? 10 Times You Should Use Dilators
A vaginal dilator (also known as a vaginal trainer or vaginal expander) is an instrument that women (and therapists) use to gently stretch the vagina. Vaginal dilators are used as an effective treatment for many different gynecological disorders and conditions. Aside from the pain that many gynecological problems cause, women often report that their sex lives have deteriorated, which is undoubtedly challenging - on many levels. Vaginal dilators can help restore or expand your pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues. These tube-shaped tools come in various sizes, ranging from small (around the size of your finger) to large. They are made from medical grade materials, such as silicone and plastic. The VuVa vaginal dilator sets also include patented dilators containing neodymium magnets, which bring extra healing benefits. When do you use vaginal dilators? There are many issues that vaginal dilators can help you to overcome. We have listed ten of the most common problems helped by vaginal dilator treatment, along with the benefits of vaginal dilator therapy for each condition… Vaginal stenosis Vaginal stenosis refers to the shortening and/or narrowing of the birth canal, and the formation of scar tissue forms in the vagina. Other vaginal stenosis symptoms are dryness, and loss of flexibility and elasticity. It often develops after a case of radiation treatment to the pelvic area, but can also be caused by genital surgery, an episiotomy (incision to the perineum) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. With narrowing or shortening of the vagina, vaginal dilators can return it to a functional shape and capacity by stretching out any scar tissue (fibrosis) in the vagina and relaxing the muscles and ligaments. Vaginal atrophy Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) refers to the thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues, as well as inflammation. These issues are caused by a lack of estrogen, so it happens most often to post-menopausal women. Vaginal atrophy can make sex painful, and in some cases it causes urinary issues too. Vaginal dilators treat vaginal atrophy by increasing blood flow to the area, thus increasing natural lubrication and alleviating painful symptoms. Neodymium magnetic dilators do the best job, since the magnets maximize blood flow. Vaginismus Vaginismus causes vaginal pain due to the involuntary contraction of your pelvic floor muscles (specifically the pubococcygeus muscle group), usually when intercourse or examinations are attempted. These muscle contractions and spasms can make sex very difficult or painful. Vaginal dilators are one of the best vaginismus treatments in existence. That’s because women with vaginismus can train themselves to be comfortable with penetration gradually - in their own time and privacy. Dyspareunia (painful sex) Painful sex happens for a myriad of reasons; sometimes it starts in the psyche, and other times it has a physical cause. Since it doesn’t always go away on its own, it is important to seek professional assistance in diagnosing your dyspareunia. However, as is the case with vaginismus, women can use vaginal dilators to either desensitize the vagina or become accustomed to the feeling of penetration. Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is considered chronic vulvar pain not associated with infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic or hormonal disorders. The pain often lasts for over 3 to 6 months, but can continue for years. It is estimated that vulvodynia affects 4 to 8% of women at any one time, and 10 to 20% in their lifetime. This complex condition can have many underlying causes, which has made it notoriously difficult to treat. However, vast numbers of patients have had success using vaginal dilators for vulvodynia pain. In a clinical trial by Physician Care Clinical Research, 80% of participants had decreased vaginal pain when using neodymium magnetic dilators. All study participants also reported reduced anxiety linked to vulvodynia, plus significant improvements in their sexual health. Pudendal neuralgia Pudendal neuralgia is the name for chronic pain around the pudendal nerve, which runs from the lower back, along the muscles of the pelvic floor and into the perineum. It is possible to stretch, squash or traumatize nerves, so the same goes for this nerve. Commonly this results in burning, aching, or shooting pains. It can also present as itching or oversensitivity. Vaginal dilators have a high success rate for desensitizing the vulva, which makes them a useful tool for treating pudendal neuralgia symptoms. After pelvic chemotherapy or radiotherapy When a woman has chemotherapy, radiotherapy or brachytherapy treatment to the pelvic area, scar tissue can form in the vagina, leading to dryness and less elasticity in the tissues. The vagina and vaginal opening may also shrink or form scar tissue (adhesions), which could seal the walls of the vaginal together. Once treatment is complete, vaginal dilators (or also called vaginal trainers) are used to stretch the vaginal scar tissue in order to make sex and examinations more comfortable, and of course to retain the normal vaginal capacity. If you have had any of the above treatments, you should use vaginal dilators for the rest of your life to prevent scarring from forming at any time in the future. After breast cancer treatment Breast cancer treatment can unfortunately lead to other troublesome side effects, since it can cause the deterioration of estrogen levels circulating in the blood. It may also cause ovarian failure. Many breast cancer survivors find themselves dealing with vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) as a result. As mentioned above, vaginal dilators are a very effective vaginal atrophy treatment. If you have lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin condition affecting the skin of genitalia. It often affects post-menopausal women and has no known cause, although experts suspect an overactive immune system causes it. LS causes white patches around the vulva and inflammation. If left untreated it may cause scar tissue, tightened skin and shrinkage of the vaginal entrance. Vaginal dilators ease the associated pain during intercourse by stretching out the tissue and relaxing muscles. Vaginal dilators can also prevent shrinkage and help to keep the vagina at its normal capacity. When your pelvic floor is tight A tight (hypertonic) pelvic floor is a very common problem in women, and can happen due to excessive exercise, stress, anxiety, holding onto stools or urine, or as a result of another pelvic condition. A tight pelvic floor can lead to discomfort and dysfunction in the pelvic area, but you use vaginal dilators to help relax it and restore usual function. Dilators can reverse pelvic floor hypertonicity, hence they are a ‘go-to’ tool for pelvic floor physical therapists. We hope that our article has shed some light on the occasions when you need to use vaginal dilators. Don’t forget to look around our site for a wealth of information on women’s sexual health issues, as well as our range of products designed to help you overcome them. If you have any questions, you know where to find us! References: NCBI: Differentiating overlapping symptoms of vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia Racgp.org.au/afp/2015/july/localised-provoked-vestibulodynia-(vulvodynia)-assessment-and-management/ NCBI: Atrophic Vaginitis in Breast Cancer Survivors: Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4493485/ 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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What You Need To Know About What Causes Endometriosis
How to treat it? If you're living with endometriosis, you may be suffering from severe pain and want to know why. Endometriosis is when the endometrial tissues that usually line the inside of the uterus grow outside. The extra tissue is sometimes referred to as endometrial implants and can grow in the following: Ovaries Fallopian tubes Muscles that support the uterus Bladder Outer surface of the uterus The misplaced endometrial tissue functions similarly to normal endometrial cells. During each menstrual cycle, the tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. It can become provoked and develop into scar tissue. The endometrial tissue can also form dark-colored ovarian cysts on the ovaries. All of which can lead to mild to severe abdominal pain and menstrual cramping. What Causes Endometriosis? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the exact cause of endometriosis isn't known. It's one of the most confusing hormonal and immune diseases. However, the causes of endometriosis are thought to be connected to one or more of the following theories. Retrograde Menstrual Flow Retrograde menstruation or transtubal migration theory is by far the most commonly cited reason for causing endometriosis by healthcare providers. The Endometriosis Association describes retrograde menstruation is when blood backs up through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis. Doctors say that retrograde menstruation isn't unusual and happens to some degree for all women with monthly menses. Yet, endometriosis researchers believe that women with heavy retrograde flow may have an increased risk for the condition. The backward blood flow can accumulate endometrial cells in the abdomen. If they grow, the cells can cause pelvic pain and infertility. However, not all research supports retrograde menstrual flow with increased risk for endometriosis. It may only be one of the other factors that cause endometriosis. Female Sex Hormone — Estrogen According to the Mayo Clinic, high levels of estrogen may increase the risk of endometriosis. High levels of estrogen is referred to as estrogen dominance. This occurs when estrogen is high compared to progesterone, resulting in a hormonal imbalance. Common signs of estrogen dominance are weight gain, menstrual cramps, hot flashes, and endometriosis. Treatments for a hormonal imbalance usually include progesterone supplementation and dietary and lifestyle changes. Genetic Factors Research indicates that the cause of endometriosis may be hereditary. While determining how true hasn't been defined, some studies show that endometriosis occurs in familial patterns. A large study in Iceland looking at family members going back 11 centuries found an increased risk for endometriosis if a sister or a cousin had the condition as well. However, it may be one of the different factors causing endometriosis. Surgical Transplantation One theory that may result in endometriosis is surgical transplantation. This is when endometrial cells are transplanted into the uterus after surgery, such as a cesarean or c-section. When this happens, the endometrial implants may continue to grow, resulting in pain and developing endometriosis. Environmental Factors Another theory for what causes endometriosis is the use and production of environmental toxins, such as herbicides and pesticides. PCBs and Dioxins fall into this category, and when absorbed by the body, they may damage the immune system. The chemicals can contaminate the food chain and then build up in the human body after exposure. Once this happens, the theory suggests that the immune system has a hard time breaking down endometrial implants, resulting in scar tissue and severe pain. Endometriosis Risk factors Women with endometriosis may not be able to determine the exact cause, but certain risk factors may boost chances, including: Short or irregular menstrual period Heavy menstrual period Age Never getting pregnant Runs in families Low body weight Recurrent urinary tract infection If you have endometriosis symptoms and any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about possible treatments. Treatment for Endometriosis The National Institutes of Health outlines that endometriosis treatment usually includes pain medication, surgery, or hormone therapy. However, other natural methods, such as vaginal dilators and homeopathic solutions, can help manage the pain. Conservative Surgery The surgical procedure uses laparoscopy to remove endometrial implants without removing the sexual organs. It's the most common minimally invasive surgery, according to medical advice. However, it may not always work, and women may need additional surgeries. Medications Managing endometriosis can be done with different medications. For example, hormonal imbalances can be treated with estrogen and progesterone supplementation or birth control pills. Women may take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the pain as well. Using medication is a standard treatment, but it can come with some side effects. Vaginal Dilators Many women who suffer from Endo also have other pelvic pain conditions that cause painful intercourse such as Vaginismus or Vulvodynia. Vaginal dilators are proven to help ease pelvic pain from scar tissue buildup in the pelvic cavity. This natural solution is one of the best treatment options for pelvic floor therapy at home. Vaginal dilators don't have any side effects, other than some minimal pain as you learn to use them for treatments. Vaginal dilators are inserted slowly into the vagina to stretch and lengthen ligaments and dissolve scar tissue. As the scar tissue breaks down, fresh oxygenated blood revives vaginal tissue and naturally eases endometriosis pain. The medical devices come in graduated sizes, making insertion easy and pain-free. Diagnosing Endometriosis If you have symptoms of endometriosis, you may need to request an appointment with your gynecologist or doctor. During the meeting, you may need to undergo a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or even have an endometrial biopsy to determine whether you have endometriosis and the possible cause. There are different stages of endometriosis, and depending on what stage you're in will determine the next steps. It's essential for your mental and reproductive health that you begin the healing process before experiencing any complication of endometriosis. Endometriosis symptoms are painful and affect women's health. What causes endometriosis exactly isn't known, but many theories exist that may help direct your treatment. Vaginal dilators are a non-invasive solution for many women with endometriosis. 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? 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Where Are Your Vaginal Dilators Made? It’s Surprisingly Important…
Not everyone checks on the origins of the products they purchase as standard, but there are times when this is necessary. In particular, when sexual health is at stake. Did you ever wonder where vaginal dilators for physical therapy are made? You could be forgiven for overlooking this detail, but it’s actually a more important one than it may seem. Since you’re going to be coming into close personal contact with your dilator, you should be careful to check that it is made from the highest quality materials, under the correct conditions. We’ll start by pointing out that not all vaginal dilators are made here in the US. Surprisingly few are, in fact. What if we told you that 95% of all dilator companies have their products made overseas? The problem with this is that it’s very difficult for you to confirm what type of material they are using. For instance, if the dilator company is outsourcing to China, it’s safe to say that they are definitely are not paying the premium prices necessary to obtain the highest quality materials. Since your health is of primary importance to us, we decided to give you the lowdown on where our vaginal dilators are made, what they are made from, and why this is important… Where are VuvaTech vaginal dilators made? First and foremost, women's health and safety is the number one priority for VuVatech. That’s why we like to keep a close eye on the manufacturing of our products, and we are keen to enable efficient communication with our suppliers. For both of these reasons, our magnetic vaginal dilators are made right here in the United States. Our magnetic dilators (which are our bestsellers for good reason!) are made right here at a high-end facility in Sarasota, Florida. We use medical grade plastic to ensure that our dilators are hypoallergenic and totally safe for you to use. Our silicone dilators are made in North America, for the same reasons. Women find that our Neodymium Vaginal Dilator therapy is more effective than regular dilators for their medical conditions such as vaginal atrophy, vaginismus, vulvodynia and other pelvic floor dysfunction conditions. It can take your fear of penetration away to clear the path to resume normal sexual activity. We chose to have our products made and shipped right from within our own community for another reason too: to create and secure local jobs for people. So with a locally manufactured product line we not only help our own people; we can also oversee the production and quality of everything easily. What are our vaginal dilators made from? VuVa silicone dilators are made from Medical Grade 6 Silicone, and they are free from latex. Our magnetic dilators are made from FDA approved, medical device grade polycarbonate. This means they are latex-free, waterproof and most importantly, non-toxic. This range of dilators contains neodymium magnets. Although these aren’t cheap, they are a major component of our dilators and these magnets set them apart from the rest due to their amazing health benefits. Neodymium magnets are rare-earth magnets frequently used in medical applications. The consist of an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron to form the Nd2Fe14B tetragonal crystalline structure that makes the fundamental base of the magnet. The magnets are all put strategically in place by hand according to a patented pattern that ensures maximum efficacy. Each of our magnetic dilators contains more than sixty neodymium magnets, which will retain their strength for at least ten years. What else is worth knowing about our vaginal dilators? You may find it helpful to know that we ran a small double blind placebo clinical trial, which was conducted at Sarasota Memorial Hospital IRB. In this trial our magnetic vaginal dilators were clinically proven to be more effective than non-magnetic dilators. In fact, 80% of our study participants said they experienced a decrease in their overall pain levels after using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. We hope that this article has given you some insight into the importance of where vaginal dilators are made, as well as the faith that at VuVatech we are doing everything we can to bring you the safest and most effective products on the market. If you have any questions about our product range, please drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help! 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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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.
