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What is the Best Treatment for Vulvodynia?
Best ways to treat? The Vuvatech site is full of information about the troublesome condition known as vulvodynia, and many others of its kind. We won’t tell you too much about the condition in this article, since we have many other articles on vulvodynia already. However, we are often asked what the best treatment for vulvodynia is, so we decided to address that separately. Vulvodynia does not discriminate; it affects women of all ages and all ethnicities, and can even starts during the teenage years. When you consider that there are an estimated six million vulvodynia sufferers around the world, It will probably come as no surprise that we’re asked about vulvodynia treatment so often! So without further ado, we’ll get straight to our recommendations on the best treatments for vulvodynia: Home treatments for vulvodynia These options are more about behaviors and product choices, but they can prevent vulvodynia flare-ups too, so they’re worth incorporating into your self-care protocol: Choose chemical-free, plant-based oils for moisturizing the vulva area Take sitz baths (but at a lukewarm temperature – too much heat can aggravate!) Exchange tampons for sanitary pads or Mediterranean sea sponges Clean the whole area with gentle, chemical-free soap after sex, and even after peeing Use water-based lubricant during sex to prevent friction, and a cool gel pack afterwards if necessary CBD oil is a great natural treatment for vulvodynia thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities We know that these treatments alone may not be enough to totally free you from vulvodynia pain, but they should certainly ease things for you. The best treatment for vulvodynia In our opinion – as well as the opinion of many clinical researchers – the best vulvodynia treatment is vaginal dilators. Obviously you will be looking to reduce the pain, and a lot of women find that pain diminishes or disappears when they can relax their pelvic floor muscles. Vaginal dilators (also known as vaginal expanders) are a very safe and effective treatment for vulvodynia. Our Neodymium magnetic dilators help blood to flow to the area while stretching the tissues and muscles to promote relaxation. Rest assured there are studies to back these findings! Women who took part in the trials noticed significant pain reduction after dilator use, as well as improved sexual confidence and mental health. Using dilators just once or twice per day for around twenty or thirty minutes should be enough to help relieve your vulvodynia pain. You can start out with small dilators and work your way up to the bigger sizes as you feel comfortable. Do you need a stronger treatment for vulvodynia? If self-care strategies and dilators are not bringing you enough relief, it may be time to think about a more serious treatment for vulvodynia. If so, the following options could be helpful – but be warned, there could be side effects with some: Sign up for a course of pelvic floor physical therapy (which may include pain-relieving biofeedback therapy as well as dilator therapy) Speak to your Doctor about appropriate medicines like steroids or tricyclic antidepressants (but proceed with caution, as some medicines can exacerbate the problem). Trial and error may be required. If things are really not improving, you could speak to a vulvar specialist about surgery. However, bear in mind that the odds of success are not very high, so it really is a last resort. Surgical options exist, but success rates are not so high. We hope that you find the solution you’re looking for. Treatment for vulvodynia is the first step, and even if it takes a bit of trial and error, you should be able to find a solution that works for you. 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 Urge Urinary Incontinence (AKA Overactive Bladder)? by Dr. Lauren Peterson
Urge urinary incontinence or simply “urge incontinence” is that horrible, sudden feeling you get of having to go to the bathroom and having to go right now. Following the feeling of urgency, the bladder leaks are the component that we formally call urge urinary incontinence. If you are just urinating too frequently, this is the component we call overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Because the outcome of needing to go and ultimately bladder leaks are so similar, I typically lump overactivebladder syndrome in with what qualifies as urge urinary incontinence. Normal frequency of urination is every two to three hours. So, if you are going more frequently than that, for example, every hour or every 30 minutes, that is not normal. Your bladder probably isn't as strong as it needs to be and that is a symptom of overactive bladder. When you have urine leaks because you have the urgency and cannot make it to the bathroom that is what urge urinary incontinence is. Both OAB and urge urinary incontinence can be treated with PelvicFloor Physical Therapy. If you have any other questions about urge urinary incontinence, don'thesitate to ask (OKC@FYZICAL.com). I am Dr. Lauren Peterson Clinical Director and Doctor of Physical Therapy here at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers of Oklahoma City. 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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When Sex Hurts: Dyspareunia and why it is a Broad Term
When sex hurts, we don’t always know why. It is obviously scary and distressing to when something that should be pleasurable and natural results in pain. However, for many women, this is the reality. It is important to try and get to the bottom of the reasons sex hurts, so that you can find a solution and resume normal balance in your relationships. Dyspareunia (the name for painful sex) is no laughing matter, but it is a broad term. In this article we’ll take a look at why this is and some of the reasons you may be having painful intercourse. When sex hurts, finding the cause is important Dyspareunia is often linked to underlying physical or psychological problems. The term refers to any kind of pain related to sexual activity, whether that is before, during or after sex. If the cause is not obvious, it can be tempting to brush the problem under the carpet it in the hope that it will get better… and it might. It also might not, and the longer you go without a healthy sex life, the more of an impact this can have on your self-esteem and your relationships. To make matters a little more confusing, there are actually two types of dyspareunia. The first is superficial dyspareunia, which relates to the pain felt around the point of penetration. A large penis, an infection or anything that affects libido or hormones could be behind this pain. Superficial dyspareunia also refers to painful sex caused by psychological disorders. Then there is deep dyspareunia, which refers to sex-related pain deeper in the vagina. When sex hurts and you feel it nearer to the cervix, womb or ovaries, this is deep dyspareunia. You may feel aching or burning sensations, and they may be caused by conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. What does it mean when sex hurts? If you’re experiencing dyspareunia, a part of you (body or mind) isn’t functioning as it should be. The reason dyspareunia is such a broad term is that there are so many possible reasons for it. If the cause of dyspareunia is physical, your symptoms might be related to malfunctioning Bartholin glands. These are the glands that lubricate the vagina during sexual excitement. As you might imagine, when these are not working properly, you won’t be lubricated properly and this can result in friction and tears in the vaginal lining. The more tense you become, the worse this gets – it can even become a cycle as you start to anticipate it and tense up. There are other physical reasons for dyspareunia. When sex hurts, you might already have a problem with inflammation caused by another condition. This may be a yeast infection or STD, for example. Some women may experience dyspareunia because of pelvic nerve damage (pudendal neuralgia). Hormonal issues can also result in vaginal dysfunction. For example, the menopause could lead to vaginal atrophy. Certain surgical procedures (such as hysterectomy or removal of other reproductive organs) may also damage the muscles of the pelvic region or alter hormone balance, leading to painful intercourse. Physical causes of dyspareunia need to be carefully assessed and diagnosed by your healthcare practitioner. Are your thoughts the cause of painful sex? If you don’t have a physical condition causing your dyspareunia, there may be a psychological reason. For instance, vaginismus is a common condition often caused by negative anticipation before sex. This causes the vagina to contract and spasm, making sex difficult and often painful, so it is linked to dyspareunia. If sex hurts, it could be because you simply don’t feel like it. If your libido has dipped, you might need to see a doctor; the reason could be hormonal, stress related, or age related. It could even be that you just don’t feel attracted to your partner anymore, or you’re worried about your appearance or ability to perform; whatever the reason, if you’re forcing yourself or you’re not relaxed, sex is more likely to hurt. Unfortunately there are a lot of women out there who have been through some kind of sexual or psychological trauma in the past. Even if the conscious mind appears to have let go of it, these experiences can lay dormant in the subconscious, affecting your associations with sex. Again, relaxing becomes difficult and the result may be dyspareunia. If you suspect this may be the reason sex is painful for you, it may be time to see a sexual health counselor. When sex hurts, you can find a way out. We know that many of our readers benefit from using vaginal dilators, since they can help you to work with physical causes and prepare you for sex when the cause is psychological. Our site has so much information designed to help you, but you should also feel free to contact us if you think we can help with anything. This article was posted by VuVatech. VuVatech has their own line of Magnetic and Silicone Vaginal Dilators for Pelvic Pain. Learn more here: Vuvatech.com/pages/how-vuva-vaginal-dilators-work
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What Size Vaginal Dilator Should I Get?
You have undoubtedly found your way to this article because you have heard about the benefits of vaginal dilators. However, if you haven’t used a vaginal dilator before, you may be a little confused about how to get started with them. Knowing which is the right size vaginal dilator for you is not always easy. In fact, one of the most common questions we are asked at Vuvatech is, “What size vaginal dilator should I get?” and although there is no exact answer to that question, our wealth of experience means we can help you to decide on which dilators are right for you. Choosing the best vaginal dilator may entail doing a little mental math on details such as your shape and size, comfort levels and personal goals. Every woman’s body is different, and there are so many reasons for needing a vaginal dilator. It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all product, and you may even be wondering if it’s the right kind of product for you at all. This article was written to help you understand what dilators are for, how they work, and of course which size of dilators will fit you best. We can also provide the best vaginal dilators on the market, so that you can be sure you are getting a premium quality product that will solve your problems and boost your confidence. How to pick your Vaginal Dilator sizes: When shopping for dilators, it might be hard to know what size vaginal dilators you need. If you ask your physician or pelvic floor physical therapist, they should be able to tell you what size you need to start your pelvic floor therapy with. Some people do not need the entire set and some people do. When it comes to our size vaginal dilators, there are seven to choose from. We have one of the smallest vaginal dilators on the market and one of the largest. The smallest dilator, the Size 1, is comparable to a pencil and the Size 2 is comparable to a women's pinky finger. If you can get a larger tampon applicator in with ease, you may want to start with a Size 3 or 4 dilator if your muscles are very tight, or you have a lot of atrophy pain. If you are sexually active, you might not need the smaller dilators and starting with the Size 4 or 5 and moving up would be best for your home therapy plan. You can also purchase the size dilator that is comparable in circumference to your partner if you are sexually active. As dilator therapy can be uncomfortable, you do not want to be in extreme pain when you are dilating. If you are, then you need to move down one dilator size. On a pain scale of 1-10, you do not want to go over a 3-4 pain level when dilating. Now, when you first put the dilator in, it can be very painful, but that pain should subside after a few minutes. You don't want to be in extreme pain the entire time during your dilator therapy. Here are the seven sizes of VuVa Dilators: VuVa™ Magnetic Vaginal Dilator Tips: In order for you to tell the true size, you might want to use a ruler and draw the sizes you think you need on a piece of paper. This can help you visualize the correct sizes of the dilators. Use a VuVa™ Magnetic Vaginal Dilator comparable to your partners size 20 minutes before intercourse to relax tight muscles and bring blood flow to the area. You have now created a relaxed environment for penetration. If you use the dilator that is around your partners size 20 minutes before intercourse, it will relax your muscles and help create natural lubrication before you replace the dilator with your partner. It will also help with the fear of penetration that most women have due to the pain of insertion because of their pelvic pain condition. For a full list of instructions on how to use dilators, visit our Directions page. Choosing the right size of vaginal dilator with your Pelvic Floor Physical Therapits One of the quickest and easiest routes to deciding which is the correct size of vaginal dilator is to check with a pelvic floor physical therapist or women’s health practitioner. They will be able to tell you which sizes are right for your specific issues. However, if you don’t have or don’t want to see a specialist, you can still figure out and decide out which size dilators to use. We know that looking at a screen can’t give you a truly accurate idea of a dilator size. So here’s a top tip to help you choose the right dilator size: using our size chart above and a ruler, you can draw the sizes onto paper, which will help you to visualize the dilator sizes more accurately. If you are really unsure which dilators will fit you best, a combo set will give you a few options; this way you can ‘err on the side of caution’ and take your time to achieve your goal. A word of warning: it is normal for dilators to feel a little uncomfortable when they are the correct size, but you should not be in severe pain when using them – that’s not normal and could lead to soreness or further problems. As a point of reference, pain should not be over a 4 out of 10, so if you experience a lot of pain when using a dilator – anything over a level 4 - try moving down a size until you have expanded your capacity enough to tolerate a bigger one. Having said that, depending on your reason for using a dilator, you may experience pain when inserting anything at all. In this case you may want to wait a few minutes to see if the pain level drops. If so, you should be fine with the size you picked. Sexually active women generally wish to work their way up to a size comparable to their partner’s penis. Using one around his size for approximately 20 minutes prior to sex should make intercourse much more comfortable and satisfying. Which are the best types of dilators? Vaginal dilators for women's health are made from different materials, designed to suit different issues. Most issues include some kind of pelvic floor dysfunction, for which dilators are available in silicone, magnetic and plastic. We recommend VuVa magnetic dilators first and foremost, as the magnets inside them work very well to improve blood flow to the vaginal tissues. This soothes nerve endings and helps the body to heal by balancing its electromagnetic energy. Our clinical trial proved the effectiveness of magnetic dilator therapy, and our happy customers agree! Are vaginal dilators helpful? In so many instances, yes: vaginal dilators are extremely helpful! Women use them for many reasons, from conditioning the vagina to receive a penis or any other kind of penetration, to overcoming pain, fear and discomfort around penetration. Pain and fear tend to work together to create a cycle, unfortunately. This cycle can lead to negative anticipation and varying degrees of involuntary constriction. Once the causes of vaginal pain have been determined, dilators are often the next step recommended by physicians. That’s because they can erase the muscle memory that leads to this constriction, desensitizing your central nervous system and muscles, and conditioning you to develop a more positive anticipation for penetration. Vaginal dilators are helpful for stretching out your tissues and muscles over time, thus improving capacity and elasticity, and reducing tightness caused by scarring or hormonal changes. In case you weren’t aware of it, we are happy to tell you that vaginal scarring and shrinking are reversible in almost all instances. Which pelvic pain conditions do dilators help? Women who suffer from any of the conditions below can benefit from using vaginal dilators. Some of the conditions include: Vulvodynia Vulvar vestibulitis Vaginal atrophy Menopause Vaginal stenosis Pudendal Neuralgia Pelvic radiation therapy Vaginismus Dyspareunia Vaginal agenesis Reassignment surgery Thanks for reading our article, and we hope we have helped you to decide upon the best size of vaginal dilator for you. However, if you are still unsure which size dilator is right for you, or whether you can use them at all, you could ask a trained medical professional. It might also help to take a look through our blog, which contains countless articles on the sexual health conditions dilators can help. You can use the search bar (on the top right of the site) to explore our library of articles and information. Oh, and we are always happy to hear from you if you wish drop us a line for some advice on our products and what they are used for, so feel free to get in touch! Resources/Links Vuvatech.com/pages/how-do-i-know-what-size-vaginal-dilator-i-need Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/do-silicone-dilators-work-yes-and-here-are-instructions-on-how-to-use-silicone-vaginal-dilators Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/vaginal-dilators-how-to-use-dilation-products Vuvatech.com/pages/vuva-recommended-pelvic-pain-specialists-doctors Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4475318/ 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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What happens when my dilators don’t work? by VuVa Dilator Company
For more than 50 years, Doctors, healthcare experts and gynecological therapists have been prescribing vaginal dilators to treat a wide range of sexual health problems in women. The goal for the vast majority of women is to heal from pain, or to restore and maintain vaginal capacity in order to have a natural and normal sex life. Vaginal dilator therapy has huge success rates for many women, hence its popularity… but of course there are always instances when things don’t quite go to plan. So, what happens when your dilators aren’t working? In this article we answer this important question and a few others. We’ll address possible reasons why a dilator isn’t working, and what to do if dilators didn’t work for you. You have to think of it this way, the dilator is trying to work, but your muscles are so tight, you might be struggling to move up to that next size. Even though your next size dilator didn’t work yet, that doesn’t mean it never will. You may just need a little extra help. Read on to find out what happens when dilators don’t work… Why isn’t my dilator working? When you first start using a dilator, it can feel a little strange, but you soon become accustomed to it. However, it is important to use the dilator in the correct way from the beginning to be sure you are optimizing your results. Vaginal dilating isn’t particularly complicated, but the process of healing can vary greatly depending on how often you do it, whether you’re following the dilating instructions properly, and the severity and complexity of the health condition you are treating. It may also be that you have attempted using vaginal dilators for your condition without the assistance of a professional – and that’s fine, many women do. If you have any of the below concerns, you would have been right to assume that dilators would help you: Pain and discomfort during pelvic examinations Pain or discomfort during sex, particularly in the vulvar region or reproductive organs Painful or fear in relation to any sexual activity Painful vaginal symptoms after receiving pelvic radiation Menopause-related atrophy However, if your problem is complex or has underlying issues as yet undiagnosed, it may be that you also need extra support in the form of professional guidance. It may also be necessary to combine your dilator therapy with another kind of therapy, medication or protocol for best results. Unfortunately, there are so many possibilities for dysfunction in the female reproductive system. As the majority of this system is not easily accessible or visible, professional diagnosis and assistance is often required. Has my dilator stopped working? This is important distinction to make. If you were making progress with your dilators, but now feel that you are not, it stands to reason that vaginal trainers were working for you, and so they can work again. It could be that the dilator you are using has done its job; in other words, you have reached the maximum capacity this dilator can achieve and now need to move up to a larger size of dilator. If you are not feeling any pain or discomfort when inserting your dilator, but are not seeing any improvement in your condition, perhaps it is worth trying a bigger dilator. They come in 7 different sizes, with the largest size of dilator being equivalent to the ideal vaginal capacity (generally speaking). If you are still experiencing a degree of tightness and discomfort, but are not achieving any discernible results after weeks or months of use, it might be that your condition is not responding to the therapy any longer. This is when it is best to seek professional assistance. Should I keep using a vaginal dilator? Provided that the vaginal dilators or trainers you are using are not causing pain (some discomfort is normal and indicative that there is more work to be done), it should not be an issue for you to keep using vaginal dilators. However, you are seeking better results, and you deserve to have a relaxed and healthy sex life, or to be free of pain, discomfort and worry when it comes to penetration of any kind. You can continue to use dilators to lengthening and stretching the vagina naturally. It is also worth considering that it can take weeks and sometimes months to notice an obvious improvement. So again, as long as you are not in pain or experiencing severe anxiety over dilating, it should not be an issue to keep using vaginal dilators. How do I know if my dilator is working? Firstly, remember that dilators gently and slowly widen your vaginal capacity at a rate you are comfortable with. How much time you have, and how dedicated and consistent you are in using your dilators will also play a part in how long it takes to heal. It could be unrealistic to expect your pain to calm after one or two uses, since it can take several weeks or months for dilators to effectively do their job. It may actually take between 8 and 12 weeks for you to notice any increase in the size of your vaginal opening, or any softening of the tissues or flexibility in the muscles. It is a good idea to document the changes you notice along the way, right from the start, and with dates. This will help you to keep track of progress, because it can be a little like looking in the mirror every day. It’s not always as easy to notice subtle changes happening gradually; we tend to notice more after a period of not being focused on our reflection. Since you want to dilate consistently, it could help to have notes to compare against, regarding your feelings and observations from the weeks prior. What should I do if my dilator doesn’t work? If you feel that you’ve gone as far as you can go with your vaginal dilators alone, you may benefit from seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist. This type of therapist will understand a wide range of gynecological conditions and how they should be responding to dilator treatment. They may also be able to spot anomalies or issues that you couldn’t, and they will certainly know how best to manipulate the muscles and tissues for best results. Pelvic floor therapists also use a range of other therapies alongside vaginal trainers. You may find that your therapist recommends biofeedback, trigger point therapy, pelvic floor stretching, and more. Pelvic floor physical therapy is particularly recommended for women who suffer from: Severe or persistent pelvic pain Organ prolapse Problems becoming sexually aroused or orgasming Vaginal tightness or spasms (vaginismus) Dyspareunia (painful sex) Lack of bladder or bowel control Pelvic floor physical therapists are trained in pelvic anatomy, and they have great knowledge of the joints, muscles, nerves, organs and connective tissues. An experienced PFPT will be well-versed in pelvic conditions and how the symptoms can show up in your body. It is always wise to check in advance that they have dealt with your condition, or are equipped to diagnose it. A good pelvic floor physical therapist will show treat you in person, as well as showing you exactly what you need to do with your vaginal dilators and when. So, if you’ve been worried that your dilators aren’t working, it might be time to find a local pelvic floor therapist who can help you get to the bottom of your particular issue. There is always a solution – it’s just that sometimes a little more effort is required to find it. Don’t forget to check out the many articles in our blog on all things women’s health – simply search your keyword on the site and you may just find some golden tips and solutions, sooner than you thought. Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/do-dilators-really-work Vuvatech.com/pages/vaginal-dilator-how-to-use Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-benefits-for-great-health Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/first-visit-for-pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-here-s-what-to-expect Visit our directions page to learn more about at home therapy. VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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What is a dilator used for? - VuVa Dilator Company
Why is it important to use a vaginal dilator? A vaginal dilator is an instrument designed to gently stretch the vagina when it has tightened, shortened or narrowed, or to reduce or eliminate the pain associated with various gynecological problems. These small tube-shaped devices are made of medical grade-silicone or plastic and come in various sizes. Vaginal dilators can are used to restore or expand the muscles of your pelvic floor and the tissues of your vagina. A healthy vagina has good elasticity, and flexibility and lubrication, enabling normal function. If any of these factors are compromised, the vagina can start to narrow or close over time; it also may lose the ability to stretch normally when penetration is required. In order to be able to have comfortable sexual intercourse or vaginal examinations (or even to insert tampons or pessaries) it is necessary to maintain your vaginal capacity. In this article we will take a look at what dilators are used for, the problems and conditions they can treat, and how you should use them... What are vaginal dilators are used for? Vaginal dilators are used for various reasons. What you use a dilator for will depend on the problem you are experiencing. Below are some of the most common reasons for using a vaginal dilator: To expand the depth and width of the vagina To regain or maintain elasticity and flexibility in the vaginal tissues To prevent or treat vaginal scarring and adhesions To prepare the vagina for penetration (sex, examinations, tampons, etc.) To train the vagina to respond positively to touch To relax or train the pelvic floor muscles What are dilators used to treat? There are many gynecological conditions that improve after vaginal dilator therapy. Some of the more common conditions are: Vaginal atrophy due to low estrogen/menopause or cancer therapies (such as pelvic radiation or brachytherapy) Diseases, such as lichen planus or lichen sclerosus Shortening or narrowing of the birth canal (vaginal stenosis) Pain conditions such as vulvudynia, vestibulodynia, pudendal neuralgia and dyspareunia (painful sex) Involuntary tightening or spasms in the vagina (vaginismus) Dilators are frequently used to relax the pelvic floor muscles in the case of a hypertonic pelvic floor (in short, a tightened pelvic floor). Women often experience vulvar or vaginal pain due to the constricted pelvic floor muscles, whether that’s because of vaginismus, mis-performed or excessive kegels, or too much exercise. Dilators are helpful in the case of spasms or constriction of the pelvic floor muscles (or levator ani muscle - the largest component of the pelvic floor). Vaginal dilators are one of the most effective treatment tools for pelvic floor problems, which is why pelvic floor physical therapists often use vaginal dilators with their clients. They also commonly suggest exercises and stretches to be done with the dilator in place at home. You may appreciate our article on when you need vaginal dilators, since it gives more detail on how vaginal dilators help most of the above conditions, as well as a few others. Less common reasons you may need a dilator Vaginal agenesis is a rare condition that occurs when the vagina doesn't develop properly, and the uterus might only develop partially, if at all. It is also named ‘mullerian aplasia’ or ‘Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome’ (MRKH). Vaginal agenesis happens before birth, and is often concurrent with kidney, heart or skeletal abnormalities. In some cases it is possible to help vaginal agenesis with dilators. Dilators are sometimes used to aid recovery after vaginal construction or reconstruction, or gender reassignment surgery. It is possible for the vagina to start shrinking after surgery, develop scar tissue or close over time. In such cases, vaginal dilators can be very helpful in maintaining the capacity of the vagina. How should you use a dilator? You would normally start with the biggest dilator you can comfortably fit inside you, and gradually work your way up to using the larger sizes over time. To make this easier you can buy vaginal dilators in convenient sets. Here is a brief guide to using dilators: Wash your dilator in hot water and mild soap, rinsing properly before use Laying on your back with knees bent, open your legs to a comfortable degree Add personal lubricant to the tip of your dilator if needed Gently but firmly insert the tip of the dilator into your vagina Using gentle pressure, keep the dilator in place for as long as your protocol recommends Remove the dilator and clean with hot, soapy water before rinsing and air-drying it Remember that it is normal to feel mild discomfort, but severe pain is not a good sign – so be sure to check with your healthcare professional if you’re experiencing a lot of pain. Another thing to note is that there are no standardized protocols for using dilators, which can leave some women confused. Rest assured that our protocol on using vaginal dilators has been developed based on studies, years of experience in the field, and advice from leading pelvic floor physical therapists. We hope that our article has helped you to understand what a dilator is used for, and as always, feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions about how our products can help you. References Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32364016/ Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32014450/ Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4921398/ Urology.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/urology/JJimages/publications/Pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-in-the-treatment-of-pelvic-floor-dysfunction-in-women.pdf 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.
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What are dilators used for?
Vaginal dilators are pelvic wands used to strengthen vaginal muscles slowly and naturally. Sometimes referred to as vaginal trainers, they are commonly prescribed to improve the elasticity of the vagina for a variety of reasons. Is sexual pain normal? No. And you should know what devices to use to treat it. Women use them to improve sexual pain or make it possible to have pelvic exams. In some cases, women suffer from vulvodynia, unexplained chronic pelvic pain, and dilators help ease the discomfort. Regardless of the reason, dilators improve mental, physical, and sexual health. What is a dilator medical? Dilators resemble a sex toy but have nothing to do with using them for sexual pleasure but instead as a medical device. The main point is to help strengthen and lengthen pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor is a sling that cups and supports the bowel, bladder, and uterus in women and bladder and bowel for men. The hammock-like sling also plays a vital role in maintaining bowel and bladder control and sexual function and sensation. The best way to think of a dilator is as a vaginal expander that helps improve vaginal issues. The dilator medical comes with no side effects other than mild discomfort as you begin treatment and, over time, eases chronic vaginal pain. How long should you keep a dilator in? After inserting the vaginal dilator, the amount of time inside the vagina depends on your comfort level. Generally, the recommended amount of time is 20-30 minutes each session. The longer you insert the dilator, the more effective the treatment is over time. At first, you may have to hold the vagina dilatorl in place with your hand because your vaginal muscles may resist insertion. It's best to begin with the smallest dilator to avoid vaginal penetration pain that becomes overwhelming. If you think about pain on a scale of 1-10, with one being the lowest and ten the highest, your pain shouldn't be higher than three or four when dilating. As you progress with your vaginal therapy, you'll slowly increase the dilator size. If you have vaginal dilator issues when inserting, you may need a vaginal moisturizer to help with insertion. From the start, you may only be able to stretch the vagina for a few minutes each session. It's essential that you don't become discouraged and give yourself time to heal and allow the treatment to work. How often should you use dilators? Pelvic floor rehabilitation takes time to be effective. You will need more than a few sessions to feel sexual health relief. It's recommended that pelvic floor physical therapy occur 1-2 times a day. As your muscle tension decreases and you have less pelvic pain, you can decrease how often you should use dilators. Scar tissue from radiation therapy may take longer to heal, so daily treatment is necessary. Or you may feel less pain during sexual intercourse, so you undergo pelvic floor therapy four times a week, instead of twice a day. Your progress is personal and depends on your individual needs and situation. But, generally, you'll need to use dilators once or twice a day to stop experiencing painful penetration. What are dilators used for? Vaginal dilator therapy is safe and effective for many different female sexual medicine health concerns, including: Vaginal stenosis Vulvodynia Vulvar vestibulitis Vaginal atrophy Menopause Pudendal Neuralgia Pelvic radiation therapy Vaginismus Dyspareunia Vaginal agenesis Reassignment surgery If you suspect you're suffering from any above conditions, check with your healthcare professional before starting treatment. Vaginal atrophy Vaginal atrophy is extreme dryness in the vaginal tissues and cavities. The condition may also alter the shape of the vagina and cause vaginal tissue thinning. These can cause pain during sexual activity, make tampon insertion unbearable, and pelvic exams painful. Vaginal atrophy occurs for different reasons; the most common is during menopause. Menopause is a natural condition that usually affects women in their early 50s. The reason for menopause is when the sex hormone estrogen plummets, resulting in painful symptoms and one of them being vaginal atrophy. Dilator physical therapy helps bring moisture by rejuvenating dry tissue and widening and expanding the pelvic muscles. Radiation Therapy Pelvic radiation therapy is a standard cancer treatment for women and men. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center describes pelvic radiation uses intense energy beams to target and break up cancer cells. The precision of the radiation therapy as a cancer treatment is effective, yet it may result in vaginal atrophy. Improves Sex Life Having a healthy sex life is vital for most adults. It brings about feelings of vitality and youthfulness at any age. Painful sex, on the other hand, brings about feelings of sadness and shame. The end result is avoiding sex altogether, resulting in loneliness, sexual frustration, and harmed relationships. Vaginal dilators help improve sex lives by making it possible to experience less pain during sexual intercourse. The pelvic wand therapy gives you confidence and flushes healthy energy and blood throughout your pelvic area. Type of Vaginal Dilators The good news is that there are various types of dilators to choose from. However, not every dilator may be equally effective. Research scientists showed that in a randomized, double-blind study, the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators decreased pain levels by 28% higher during the cotton swab test than standard dilators. Dilator choices include the following: VuVa Smooth Vaginal Dilators: The medical grade plastic vaginal dilators are smooth and come in smaller to larger sized choices. VuVa™ Silicone Vaginal Dilators: This dilator set is the opposite of rigid plastic vaginal dilators. The high-quality silicone comes in fun colors, incredibly soft and porous, making insertion silky and comfortable. Deluxe Neodymium Magnetic Vaginal Dilators: As the top of the line in vaginal dilators, you’ll be amazed at the quality and effectiveness of these dilators. Each dilator set has over 60 neodymium magnets that gently draw out the negative ions in the vagina to flush freshly oxygenated blood throughout the pelvic area. 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 is an Imperforate Hymen? How do you treat it?
An imperforate hymen is the name for the condition in which a thin fleshy membrane (your hymen) covers the vaginal opening fully, rather than just partially. The hymen is present until sporting activities, sexual intercourse or tampons cause it to stretch, tear or wear away. When the membrane is as it should be, it will have one or more openings within it to let menstrual blood and vaginal secretions pass through, and it will not stretch across the entire vaginal opening. An imperforate hymen will not have openings in it, so it seals the vaginal opening. Obviously this becomes an obstacle to the body’s processes and must therefore be treated. Imperforate hymen is classed as a congenital disorder. In other words, it is something you are born with. Imperforate hymens are not particularly common and the causes are unknown, but fortunately it is easy enough to correct the problem. What are the signs of imperforate hymen? Many girls with imperforate hymen are unaware of this until they reach puberty and their menstrual cycle starts. Doctors can diagnose it soon after a female baby is born, but it is not always noticed at this time. A girl may find that she has an imperforate hymen if her first menstrual period does not appear to occur, because the blood flow is unable to exit the vaginal opening. She may get a sensation of fullness in her lower abdomen or the pelvic area since the blood will have built up in her vagina. Naturally this can lead to discomfort in the form of stomach pain or backache; she might also have problems passing urine, or pain on passing stools. If an imperforate hymen is suspected, a trip to the Doctor for a pelvic examination will be necessary. This is a simple process in which your Doctor should be able to confirm the presence of an imperforate hymen quickly. You may also be referred for a pelvic ultrasound scan to confirm it, and to rule out other potential issues that could be causing your symptoms. Treating an imperforate hymen Fortunately, treating an imperforate hymen is quite simple. It is a minor procedure consisting of a small incision in the hymen to let the blood pass through. A small ring may be temporarily inserted to keep the vagina open, if your Doctor deems it necessary. Alternatively, you can use vaginal dilators to keep the incision from closing up. You will only need to insert one for around fifteen minutes per day until it is healed. Dilators made in the USA are available at www.vuvatech.com Once this procedure is complete, you should have no further problems with your cycle and if it has not been completely removed, your hymen should stretch or tear, or gradually wear away over time (depending on the type and frequency of sporting activities, sexual intercourse and tampon use). If you (or your child) do have a surgical procedure to correct an imperforate hymen, rest assured that recovery is quick - healing should only take a few days. Such procedures are normally carried out around the time of puberty, although it is possible for it to be done shortly after birth. Ultimately this procedure is simple, safe and effective, and it will allow you to continue with life as normal a few days later. 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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How Long Should I use a Vaginal Dilator for Menopause? A Complete Dilator Instruction Guide
Menopause can be a difficult time for many women. One of the most challenging symptoms can be vaginal atrophy, which can cause dryness, irritation, and pain during sexual activity. Fortunately, vaginal dilators can help alleviate these symptoms and restore sexual health. But how do you know how long to keep a vaginal dilator in? In this complete guide, we'll answer that question and provide you with instructions on how to use a vaginal dilator. What is a Vaginal Dilator? A vaginal dilator is a medical device used to expand the vaginal walls. The dilators start very small are typically made of medical grade plastic and comes in various sizes. Using a vaginal dilator can help alleviate symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as dryness and pain during intercourse. See Product See Product See Product See Product What is Vaginal Atrophy? Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to your body having less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs most often after menopause. Atrophy is symptom of menopause. Your quality of life can be greatly improved with vaginal estrogen and vaginal trainers/dilators. For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful, but also leads to distressing urinary symptoms. Because of the interconnected nature of the vaginal and urinary symptoms of this condition, experts agree that a more accurate term for vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms is "genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM)." Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis With moderate to severe genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), you may experience the following vaginal and urinary signs and symptoms: Vaginal dryness Vaginal burning Vaginal discharge Genital itching Burning with urination Urgency with urination More urinary tract infections Urinary incontinence Light bleeding after intercourse Discomfort with intercourse Decreased vaginal lubrication during sexual activity Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal How to Use a Vaginal Dilator If sexual activity is painful due to a pelvic pain condition or pelvic disorder, use dilators at least 1-2 times per day. If you skip a day it is okay. Take your time and breath. Here are some instructions by VuVa Dilator Company to help you with your pelvic therapy journey: Directions Before Using your VuVa™ Vaginal Dilators Wash dilators with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let the dilators air dry. Vanicream Bar soap is a good option to clean dilators with. To Get Started In a private and comfortable place, lay on your back and put both knees up with your feet on the bed (no wider than your hips) or lay on your side and pull your legs up with a pillow between your knees. Lubricate the smallest VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator and vagina canal opening generously with a lubricant your choice. IMPORTANT: Do not use petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline). Slippery Stuff is water based and does not cause irritation. Keep all the dilators within reach. Finding the right size VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator can be tricky. If you find that you can only tolerate the tip going inside when using the smallest dilator, that’s ok and is not uncommon. However, if that is the case, it may be best that you start with the exercises (See the instructions below). Please do not force the dilator inside. Using gentle pressure, insert the smaller round end of the smallest dilator into your vagina. Make sure that the dilator shaft is inserted as deeply as is comfortable for you. Do not insert entire dilator -- leave the larger, round, flat end outside of vaginal opening. If there’s no discomfort (you can put the little one inside, squeeze and let go around it on the inside like you’re holding back gas and pee and take it out without any pain or irritation – not even a little bit), you need to use the next size bigger. You’re looking for minimal pain when you put the dilator in the vagina (pain level not more than a 1-2/10, with 0/10 being no pain and 10/10 the worst pain ever) —the type that you might just describe as “annoying” or “uncomfortable.” Moderate pain (pain levels 4-6/10) is too much, and severe pain (pain levels 7-10) should be avoided. Once you’ve found the proper size, please use your dilator 5-20 minutes twice/day. When you can actively insert and remove the dilator as well as contract and relax around it with no discomfort, move up to the next size. IMPORTANT - WOMEN: Do not walk around with dilator inserted. Do not use dilators during sexual intercourse. Do not sleep with dilator inserted. Wash the vaginal dilators after use with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let them air dry. Use a VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator comparable to your partners size 20 minutes before intercourse to relax tight muscles and bring blood flow to the area. You have now created a relaxed environment for penetration. How Long Should You Keep a Vaginal Dilator In? The length of time you keep a vaginal dilator in depends on your comfort level. Some women may be able to tolerate wearing a dilator for up to 20 or 30 minutes, while others may only be able to tolerate it for a few minutes. It's essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. You can gradually increase the length of time you wear the dilator over time as part of your treatment therapy. 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 Benefits of Using a Vaginal Dilator Using a vaginal dilator can have numerous benefits, including: 1. Alleviating vaginal atrophy symptoms, such as dryness and pain. 2. Helping improve sexual health and function. 3. Restoring vaginal elasticity. Using a vaginal dilator can be a helpful tool for women experiencing vaginal atrophy symptoms. It's essential to talk to your doctor before using a dilator, determine the appropriate size for you, and take things at your own pace. Remember to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. By using a vaginal dilator, you can reclaim your sexual health and function. VuVa Dilator Company Helpful Links: See Product See Product See Product See Product
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