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Does Vulvodynia Cause Discharge? Symptoms & Treatments
Women with vulvodynia often wonder if vaginal discharge is caused by vulvodynia. Vulvodynia, known as the burning vulva syndrome, causes pelvic pain, burning, and inflammation for millions of women worldwide. In most cases, there's no identifiable cause. Vaginal discharge is normal for women with or without vulvodynia, yet there could be abnormal vulvovaginal secretions. For the most part, the unhealthy release usually comes from another underlying condition, not from vulvodynia. Yet vulvodynia can cause an increase in discharge that may be concerning. Vulvodynia and Discharge The National Vulvodynia Association's Guide to Vulvodynia outlines that each woman's body is different and vaginal discharge varies. The first step is understanding the vulvar anatomy and its essential role. In essence, the vulva provides the necessary protection for a woman's vagina, vestibule, and urinary opening. All of which are the heart of a woman's sexual response. The vulva includes the following female genitals: Clitoris (above the vaginal opening) Labia minora (inner lips) Labia majora (outer lips) Vestibule (the area around the vaginal opening) Perineum (space between the vulva and anus) The vulva and vagina have different types of tissue that stretch and expand for various reasons. For example, to accommodate a penis during sexual intercourse or expanding while giving birth. Vaginal tissue also has different secretions and odors, depending on different factors. Most of these are expected; however, some can become abnormal. Normal Vaginal Secretions The vulvar tissue regularly releases moisture and changes during a woman's menstrual cycle or when sexually active. Secretions come from different areas, including cells in the vaginal walls, certain glands, and mucus from the cervix. Vaginal discharge is normal, and the amount varies with hormone levels. For example, ovulation (release of an egg) increases vaginal discharge. The color of the secretions changes during the menstrual cycle and may sometimes be clear and, other times, faintly yellow or milky white. However, if you take birth control pills, the volume doesn't change at all. The steady flow of estrogen and progesterone in the oral contraceptives keeps the amount the same. You must become familiarized with the amount and colors that are normal for you. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge As mentioned, vaginal discharge is usually normal, but certain types of discharge can indicate an infection. Abnormal discharge may be foul-smelling, yellow or green, or chunky inconsistency. The most common reason for abnormal discharge is a bacterial or yeast infection. Yeast infections also come with itchiness and vaginal discharge that's cottage cheese-like. Abnormal discharge can come from the following conditions: Bacterial vaginosis (common bacterial infection) Lichen planus (vulvovaginal disorder) Trichomoniasis (infection caused by a single-celled organism) Gonorrhea and chlamydia (sexually transmitted diseases) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) (a bacterial infection that spreads up the vagina) Human papillomavirus (HPV) (infection caused by sexual contact) Vulvodynia (burning and vaginal itching in the vulva) Symptoms of Vulvodynia Women with vulvodynia typically have specific symptoms, including vulvar pain that ranges from uncomfortable to searing. Often women report the pain as chronic burning. It results in physical, emotional, and psychological stress, and the following symptoms: Burning Stinging Irritation Itching Pain Rawness Discharge It's common for vulvodynia to become aggravated by sexual intercourse, sitting for long periods, or during leisure activities, such as horseback riding. The American College of Obstetricians divides pain syndrome into two types: Generalized vulvodynia: The pain occurs throughout the vulva and may come and go or become chronic. Localized vulvodynia: The pain is "localized" to a particular area and triggered by touch, tampon insertion, or during sexual intercourse. If you're experiencing any of the above signs, make an appointment with a healthcare professional for diagnosis. Treatment of Vulvodynia The vulvar skin treatment may depend on the type of pain but may include invasive procedures and natural remedies, such as vaginal dilators. Medications The pain of vulvodynia can be mitigated by taking pain-blocking medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, opioids, and topical medications. Medications help reduce the pain but don't solve the problem of vulvodynia. Surgery Women with chronic Vulvar Vestibulitis Syndrome or Provoked Vestibulodynia may choose to have surgery. The surgery removes a portion or all of the vestibule and the hymen. It has a 60-96% success rate, but dilator therapy is commonly recommended to help improve pelvic floor muscle issues remaining after surgery. Nerve Block Injections One method to relieve pain in the pelvis is to receive a pudendal nerve block injection that uses a local anesthetic. The shot numbs the nerve and disrupts the nerve endings that signal pain. Typically women receive a series of injections over a few days or weeks apart, given intravaginally or in the epidural space in the lower back. Vaginal Dilation Therapy One natural remedy to ease chronic pelvic pain from vulvodynia is physical therapy using vaginal dilators. Trusted by obstetricians and gynecologists to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and help with a wide range of vulvovaginal disorders. When the pelvic floor muscles become weak, have scar tissue, or aggravated by a condition such as vulvodynia, vaginal dilators are a natural method that provides long term relief. There are no side effects and can easily complement other treatment measures, such as medication, nerve block injections, or surgery. Other Options Pain specialists often recommend short term and long term actions women can take to avoid vulvodynia triggers and manage pain, including: Dietary Changes (avoid foods with a high-oxalate content) Clothing Options (wear 100% cotton underwear) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) Home remedies, such as dietary changes and clothing options, used in conjunction with vaginal dilators may help cure vulvodynia. Diagnosis and Management Treating vulvodynia first begins by making an appointment with a family physician to discuss the chronic pain and discharge. Your doctor will usually conduct a pelvic exam for signs of infection and other causes of your symptoms during the appointment. If no sign of infection, vaginal secretion samples may be sent to a laboratory to test for an infection. The doctor may also give you a Cotton Swab Test. This test uses a moistened cotton swab to check for tenderness in the vulva that may be causing pain. Vulvodynia causes terrible, burning pain in the vulva. It may also cause abnormal vaginal discharge. If you suspect you are suffering from vulvodynia, see a specialist as soon as possible. In the meantime, discover the natural healing power of vaginal dilators. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa 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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Endometriosis Treatment Options That Work Natural Endometriosis Treatments That You’ll Love Endometriosis Treatment the Natural Way
Endometriosis is a painful affliction that affects 11% of American women. It's prevalent for women between 15 and 44 years of age. For some, the endometriosis pain is mild and manageable, and for others, the severe pain causes crippling lifestyle changes and affects fertility. If you're suffering from endometriosis, there are natural treatments that can help relieve the pain. What is endometriosis? According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), endometriosis is when the same type of tissue that grows in the uterus develops outside. The endometrial tissue or implants can wrap around the following: Fallopian tubes Ovaries Bladder Rectum Peritoneum (abdominal cavity) Cul-de-sac (the area behind the uterus Endometrial tissue can also grow in the vulva, vagina, and cervix. In rare cases, implants can build in the brain, lungs, and skin. The endometrial tissue may result in severe menstrual cramping, abdominal pain, and weight gain. In some cases, the tissue's shedding or irritation may seem like a long menstrual period or another menstrual cycle altogether. Endometriosis Treatment Options The Mayo Clinic states that most endometriosis treatment is not natural but requires pain medications, surgical options, or both. However, there are natural treatment options that can help manage the pain. The type of treatment for endometriosis will depend on each woman's medical history, individual circumstances, and doctor’s evaluation. Surgical Options Surgical treatments for endometriosis include both major and minimally invasive options. Laparoscopy surgery entails using a long thin tube (laparoscope) with a light and a camera on it. The laparoscope allows the doctor to see inside a woman's body and then remove the endometrial tissue growth. It's an out-patient procedure that can take 30 minutes to six hours, depending on the endometriosis severity. Laparotomy surgery requires a large cut in the abdomen. It's a major surgery for severe endometriosis when it can't be treated with laparoscopy. The treatment usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital, and recovery takes longer than other endometriosis treatments. Hysterectomy for Endometriosis Sometimes the symptoms of endometriosis haven't gone away after previous surgeries or treatments. In these cases, a hysterectomy or removal of the reproductive organs is necessary. If the endometrial tissue has grown on the reproductive organs and damaged them, a hysterectomy may be required. Women who don't plan on having children may feel this is a good option. If the ovaries are removed, this is an oophorectomy. Pain Medications One treatment for endometriosis is a pain medicine. The types of pain medications prescribed can be classified into the following: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRH analogs) Progestins Aromatase inhibitors Each of these medications can provide pain relief and management of endometriosis. The right one for you depends on your diagnosis and the healthcare practitioner's advice. Hormonal Therapy Hormonal treatments of endometriosis include taking estrogen or an estrogen and progesterone combination that helps balance missing hormones. Hormone therapy is typically used for menopausal women to fight painful symptoms. However, hormonal treatments can help reduce endometrial implants' size and growth and keep them from spreading. Birth Control Pills Oral contraceptive pills are a mixture of estrogen and progesterone and are used to control endometriosis. Birth control pills help with severe menstrual pain and are asked to be taken continuously when used for the management of endometriosis. This means that menstruation will be skipped altogether, resulting in no period. Even though birth control is well-tolerated for women with endometriosis, it can result in breast tenderness, nausea, and irregular spotting and bleeding. Also, if you’re trying to get pregnant, this may not be a good option for you. Vaginal Trainers Vaginal trainers are also known as vaginal dilators. Women can treat endometriosis naturally without medications or invasive surgery using vaginal dilators. Endometriosis can result in severe pelvic pain and scar tissue to develop around the reproductive organs, vulva, and vagina. Vaginal dilators can help to naturally stretch and soften scar tissue. Simultaneously, vaginal dilators strengthen pelvic floor muscles that cup and support the abdomen, uterus, and bladder. Vaginal trainers are recommended by pelvic floor therapists for helping women with many different health concerns from vulvodynia to vaginismus. When used for endometriosis treatment, women have a choice between magnetic vaginal dilators and silicone dilators. Both are natural, and clinical research has proven to help ease pelvic pain and endometriosis management. Shaped like sex toys, they come in various sizes to fit any vagina. It’s recommended that you start with the smallest size and work your way up to the perfect fit. Causes of Endometriosis Pain The exact cause of endometriosis is not known, but certain risk factors increase the chances, including: Age Heavy or short periods Never giving birth Family history Low body mass index Even though endometriosis's exact cause isn't clear, certain conditions may explain the excess endometrial tissues. Sex hormone estrogen: This hormone seems to promote or cause endometriosis. Issues with menstrual blood flow: Some tissue shed during menstruation flows through the fallopian tubes to other parts of the body. Genetic risks: It may be inherited if endometriosis runs in the family Surgery: For women who have cesarean or other surgery due to ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer, some endometrial implants may have been transported to other parts of the body by mistake. Poor immune system: The body may have a hard time destroying endometrial tissue. Diagnosing Endometriosis The first step is to talk to your doctor and request an appointment. For a diagnosis of endometriosis, you may need a pelvic exam or an endometrial biopsy. Women with endometriosis may also have problems with reproductive health and getting pregnant, making further tests required. Endometriosis and fertility issues are common and may need different treatment options. If you have endometriosis symptoms, finding a treatment that works is critical for women's health. While the cause and cure of endometriosis are not known at this time, you can manage pelvic pain with vaginal dilators. The treatment is natural and comes with no side effects. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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How Do You Get Vulvodynia?
Are you struggling with vulvodynia? You’re not alone. This painful condition affects 16% of all women in the United States. (1) This is about 26.5 million women who experience burning, stinging vulvar pain each day. According to the National Vulvodynia Association, 60% of women with vulvodynia consult with at least three doctors before being diagnosed. (2) While finally having an answer does bring relief, you may be wondering, “how do you get vulvodynia?" In this article, we'll explore the causes of vulvodynia and how to find the right treatment to relieve chronic pelvic pain. What is vulvodynia? The word vulvodynia includes two parts: vulvo + dynia. "Vulvo" refers to the vulva that stretches from the outer area of the female genitals. The vulva encompasses the external female genitalia, including: Opening of the vagina (vestibule) Outer lips (labia majora) Inner lips (labia minora) Clitoris. "Dynia" means pain. When combined, vulvodynia means unexplained chronic vulval pain. Causes of vulvodynia The American College of Obstetricians states that vulvodynia is a complex pain condition that's hard to diagnose. (3) It may be caused by one or more factors working together. (4) Some of these factors include the following: Painful tissue in the vulva due to inflammation Pelvic floor muscles have become dysfunctional or weak Allergies from certain foods or personal care products Nerve damage or irritation of the vulva Sexually transmitted infections Possibly a genetic disorder Long term reaction to vaginal infections Pain conditions that affect nearby bones or muscles Even though there could be various conditions working together to cause vulvodynia, chronic pain may have no identifiable cause. However, the most common reasons are inflamed vulva tissue and weak pelvic muscles. Inflamed vulva tissue Inflammation is the tightening and swelling of the skin. When the inflamed skin is in your private area, the pain is even harder to handle. Anything that touches the painful area can feel as if a hot poker is jabbing your vaginal tissue repeatedly. The Academy of Family Physicians stresses the inflammation may have no cause or connected to other conditions, such as bacterial vaginosis or yeast infection. Another possible reason is lichen sclerosus, which is thin, patchy-white skin in the genital and anal areas. (5) Post-menopausal women are the highest risk for this condition. Lichen planus can also cause inflammation. It's purplish bumps that usually appear over weeks on different parts of the skin, including the wrists, mouth, and vagina. The raised skin is swollen and itchy. Weak pelvic floor muscles The pelvic floor muscles are like a cradle that supports your vagina, bladder, and other organs. Weak muscles happen for various reasons, such as undergoing radiation therapy as a cancer treatment, childbirth, nerve damage, or trauma. Being unable to control your vaginal muscles is considered pelvic floor dysfunction. It causes you to tighten your muscles rather than relaxing them. The constant tightening leads to swollen vaginal tissue in the vulva and vaginal cavity. The inability to control pelvic muscles leads to muscle spasms, problems with controlling urination, bowel movements, and enjoying sexual intercourse. Treating pelvic floor dysfunction can be done with physical therapy using vaginal dilators. Vulvodynia flare-up Vulvodynia can be intermittent or ongoing. For some, the pain disappears and then flare-ups. A vulvodynia flare-up happens for different reasons, including: Sexual intercourse Exercise (everything from cycling to light physical activity) Sitting for long periods Wearing clothing that’s tight and constrictive Personal care products that irritate the vagina Pressure on the bowels or bladder Or, in some cases, there's no discernible reason for the vulvodynia flare-up. For weeks, you've gone with no issues, and suddenly you find yourself in pain. When this occurs, it may be caused by generalized or localized vulvodynia. Generalized vulvodynia Generalized vulvodynia refers to searing, burning, or throbbing pain that may be continuous or irregular throughout the vulvar area, resulting in a flare-up. It may affect the vestibule, labia majora, labia minora, or clitoris all at once. Women also may experience pain in the area between the clitoris and anus, referred to as the perineum (right under the pelvic floor). Localized vulvodynia Localized vulvodynia is the opposite of general in that the pain is in one specific area of the vulva. This type has two categories: Unprovoked vulvodynia: the pelvic pain happens for no apparent cause but impairs leading a healthy life. Provoked vulvodynia: occurs from applied pressure to the vulval when inserting a tampon, during sexual intercourse, prolonged sitting, or leisure activity, such as horseback riding. Treatments for vulvodynia Obstetricians and gynecologists generally prescribe the following treatments to relieve the pain of vulvodynia. Physical therapy with dilators The treatment of vulvodynia is most effective with physical therapy using vaginal dilators. They are tube-shaped devices that naturally stretch the vulva and vaginal tissues. VuVa Magnetic Dilators come in smooth plastic and a variation of sizes to regenerate vaginal tissue and help women lead pain-free lives. Treating vulvodynia with vaginal trainers has never been easier. Women undergo treatment in the privacy of their own home, at a pace right for them. In a clinical trial using VuVa Magnetic Dilators, 80% of all participants reported no side effects and a significant reduction in overall pelvic pain. (6) Biofeedback therapy Biofeedback therapy is a kind of non-invasive treatment that retrains bodily processes that are typically involuntary, such as heart rate, muscle spasms and tension, and vulval pain. In a way, it complements cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps you change thoughts and feelings, and biofeedback therapy enables you to alter physiological responses. During a biofeedback session, the therapist attaches electrodes to the woman's skin to monitor certain stimuli. After identifying and analyzing the responses, the doctor identifies mental activities and relaxation techniques, which you can do to control physical reactions, such as vulva pain. For most, how do you get vulvodynia, there is no exact answer. The pain may have an identifiable cause or unknown. The pain may flare-up or be ongoing. However, vulvodynia treatment is possible without side effects. Vaginal dilators will not make the pain worse. In fact, vaginal dilators along with physical therapy to alleviate the stinging, burning, and searing vulvodynia pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4014358/ https://www.nva.org/media-center/ https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2016/09/persistent-vulvar-pain https://www.acog.org/en/Patient%20Resources/FAQs/Gynecologic%20Problems/Vulvodynia https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lichen-sclerosus/symptoms-causes/syc-20374448 https://www.vuvatech.com/pages/clinical-trials 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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How the Vulvodynia Diet Alleviates Symptoms
Are you looking to cure vulvodynia with healthy eating or removing foods that further irritate the pain syndrome? While changing your diet to relieve pain associated with vulvodynia is never guaranteed, it may eliminate any possible food sensitivity contributing to the vulval pain. The vulvodynia diet is a specific regimen prescribed by some healthcare professionals in the United States to cure chronic pelvic pain. It may alleviate the syndrome altogether or prevent painful vulvodynia flare-ups. What is the vulvodynia diet? The Vulval Pain Society in the United Kingdom (UK) describes the vulvodynia diet as eating low oxalate foods. (1) In 1991, an American medical journal published a study about a woman with vulvodynia who had high oxalate in her urine. After eating low oxalate foods plus taking a calcium citrate supplement, her oxalate levels decreased as well as vulvodynia symptoms. It became commonly prescribed in the United States, but not as common in the UK. Calcium citrate aids the removal of dietary oxalates. Elimination diets, like the low oxalate diet, remove specific foods to reduce food allergies. Similar in a way to the methodology that governs a gluten-free diet or dairy-free diet. You "eliminate" the foods that cause real disruption. See Product See Product See Product Foods High in Oxalate While oxalate is a molecule present in some foods, the body also removes amounts during urination and bowel movements. Below is an abbreviated list of food high in oxalate: (2) Nuts Beans Berries Coffee Chocolate Dark green vegetables Tofu Wheat bran Cranberries Soda Oranges Potatoes It should be noted that men and women with kidney stones or disease often follow a low oxalate diet. Foods Low in Oxalate The above foods are ones to avoid or minimize portions. However, there are foods that you can enjoy that don't increase the oxalate in your body. Below is an abridged list of low oxalate foods that may help decrease chronic pelvic pain associated with vulvodynia Herbal teas Dairy (cheese, buttermilk, milk) Fruit (avocadoes, bananas, cherries) Meat (bacon, beef, poultry) Starches (barley, pasta, white rice) Vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber) Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise) Miscellaneous (lemon and lime juice, gelatin) While knowing what you can and can't eat is an essential part of reducing vulvodynia chronic pain, it can be challenging to follow without recipes. There are a few different cookbooks that give tasty and easy-to-follow dishes for the low-oxalate diet. The Low Oxalate Fresh and Fast Cookbook: Hope and Help For The Low Oxalate Dieter by Melinda Keen makes whipping up culinary anti-vulvodynia delights easier. Or the Renal Diet Cookbook: The Low Sodium, Low Potassium, Healthy Kidney Cookbook by Susan Zogheib offers recipes and a strategy plan. Vulvodynia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Vulvodynia is chronic pain (ongoing or intermittent) with a known or unknown cause in the vulvar region of the genitals. Often women with vulvodynia also have IBS. One case report, produced by Integral Medicine in Encinitas, California, showed how one woman with IBS and vulvodynia, removed all pain through an elimination diet. (3) The athletic woman in the case report followed an elimination diet for six months. Developing a customized nutritional diet to eliminate pro-inflammatory foods may improve vulvodynia and IBS. Vulvodynia diet and vaginal dilators While removing high oxalate foods from your diet may improve vulvodynia, it may not work by itself. Another option to consider is pelvic floor therapy with vaginal dilators along with the vulvodynia diet. Vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers are tube-shaped plastic devices that stretch and strengthen pelvic floor muscles and the vulvar. They are recommended by doctors and physical therapists as a proven method for overcoming vulvodynia. Vaginal dilators come in various sizes and have no side effects. See Product See Product See Product Following the vulvodynia diet When you embark on any diet plan, whether it's for weight loss or pelvic health, it takes time and patience. Seeing the results doesn't happen overnight, and there could be many ups and downs. The critical part is taking one day at a time and following a plan right for your body. Some women who’ve been treated with an elimination diet like the vulvodynia diet have reported pain relief. In conjunction with vaginal dilators, following a low oxalate diet can solve the problem of vulvodynia. Vulvalpainsociety.org/about-vulval-pain/treating-vulval-pain/the-low-oxalate-diet/ Upmc.com/-/media/upmc/patients-visitors/education/unique-pdfs/low-oxalate-diet.pdf Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991650/ VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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The Burning Question: Will I have Vulvodynia Forever?
The poignant question, “Will I have vulvodynia forever?” is one that Tara Langdale (founder of Vuvatech) found herself asking many, many times during her twenties. Tara was no stranger to the burning and stinging pain of vulvodynia, and found that this tricky and persistent condition was impacting her on so many levels. Tara would often find herself thinking it risky to even sit down for an extended period, and the impact on her intimate relationship with her husband was a real problem for her. If you’re reading this, there’s every chance you feel her pain on various levels. In fact, Tara has met countless women who felt that they were at the end of their tether. Some had ended up divorced because they couldn’t overcome their problem, and others had sunk into depression because they got no straight answers or solutions from their Doctors. The unbearable pain of vulvodynia drove Tara to find her own solution in the end… and fortunately it was a very successful one that helped not only her, but countless other women. So if you’ve found yourself asking that burning question too, read on. Will I have vulvodynia forever? Let’s start by saying that even if you do, it need not be as debilitating as it is right now. When there seems to be no end in sight it can be both exasperating and depressing. Tara was there once, but she isn’t now, so hopefully that will inspire a little hope. Perhaps you’re a woman that can’t function normally or consistently because of vulvodynia. Maybe you feel isolated, desolate and frustrated. It’s probably safe to say that most women with vulvodynia feel this way at some point. As vulvodynia can be as difficult to diagnose as it is to treat, they often end up second-guessing themselves and wondering whether it’s all in their heads… No – it isn’t – but there’s no need to worry that you’ll spend a lifetime in agony. Although is a genuine condition, it is unlikely to last forever, and for the unfortunate few who get stuck with it, there are ways to diminish and manage the pain. It’s hard to say if you will have vulvodynia forever These may not feel like the magic words you want to hear, but it’s impossible to say for sure how long vulvodynia will last. The first stop is to find the right specialists to diagnose it, as it often takes more than one. Vulvodynia is a complex issue, more recently theorized as a neuropathic problem by experts – it has even been called a diabetic neuropathic syndrome. In other words, the problem is thought to start in the brain rather than the vulva, and the vulvar nerves over-respond to stimuli. Many other things may have to be ruled out first, due to the complexity of the pelvic area and nervous system. Once those things are ruled out, it will be easier to pinpoint vulvodynia as the cause, but perhaps not the cause of vulvodynia. When you can’t be 100% sure of the cause of something, it’s pretty much impossible to predict its duration. One thing we can confirm is that vulvodynia doesn’t get worse over time – it is generally just exacerbated by certain activities. So if you are in the know about what causes a vulvodynia flare-up, you can modify your lifestyle and activities to make things easier. Truthfully it would be remiss of us to say that you definitely won’t have to manage your symptoms for the rest of your life, but we are here to provide the kind of information that will make freedom more likely. Don’t want vulvodynia forever? Consider this… Tara found relief through a form of magnetic therapy, and she did so by creating her own solution: vaginals dilator filled with Neodymium magnets. How did this come about? Well, after a car accident, she had nerve pain that was eventually helped by magnetic therapy, and this gave her the idea for managing her vulvodynia pain. She knew that when electromagnetic energy is brought back into balance, the body can heal itself. Testing this out with her self-created vaginal dilators, Tara found that there’s a lot of truth to the theory. She also found that magnetic vaginal dilators could reduce pain during intercourse by around 60%, and up to 90% when they were used directly before it. This was a real breakthrough discovery, and she hasn’t looked back. Many years later, feedback from other women fortifies the conclusion: they tell her that their sex lives and marriages have been restored, and that the pain of vulvodynia is either diminished or gone. It may be that you need to take a multipronged approach to your vulvodynia treatment, as everybody is different – and the same could possibly be said of the cause of vulvodynia in the first place. Vaginal dilators are certainly worth a try, and you may also find relief from pelvic floor physical therapy techniques like trigger point release, connective tissue manipulation and myofascial decompression therapy. The list doesn’t end there though, and the Vuvatech site is full of information on treating vulvodynia in various ways. So, will you have vulvodynia forever? Time will tell, but now you have the best chance of being free from it. Let us know if there is anything more we can help with! Other VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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The Benefits of Pelvic Floor Stretches
This can help? Pelvic floor stretches are one of the best ways to improve various aspects of life, from sexual health to childbirth recovery, and bowel and bladder control. You may not be able to see these muscles, but they are easy enough to identify when you know how. Once you figure out the location of your pelvic floor muscles, you can start to train them just as you would other muscles in the body. With regular exercise they become stronger and you are more easily able to control them at will. Exercising your pelvic floor muscles isn’t hard work; there are plenty of pelvic floor stretches you can do without even having to move from your desk, if you have a busy schedule. This article will cover the benefits of pelvic floor stretches, how to locate them, and some tips on getting the best from your pelvic floor exercises. What are the benefits of pelvic floor muscle exercises? Pelvic floor stretches can help you with all kinds of common problems, including: Improving control over the bladder and bowel functions Faster childbirth recovery Faster recovery from surgeries in the pelvic region Improved sensation during sexual intercourse (and stronger orgasms) Prevention of pelvic organ prolapse Improved self confidence (especially in sexual relationships) Locating the muscles before pelvic floor stretches In order to make sure you’re doing your pelvic floor exercises correctly, you should correctly identify the pelvic floor muscles before you start exercising. Check out our pelvic floor stretch program, which you can use ongoing. Here’s what you need to do: Sit or lie down, and relax the muscles in your buttocks, thighs, and stomach Squeeze the anal muscles as you would when preventing wind escaping When you’re going to urinate, squeeze the muscles that stop the flow of urine Once you have located these muscles, you’ll be ready to start your pelvic floor exercises. How long does it take to strengthen the pelvic floor? As we mentioned, you can do pelvic floor stretches wherever you are and whenever you want, without anybody noticing. Ideally, you’ll be sat down in a chair or lying on the floor or bed, as these positions are most comfortable and stable. After you have been practicing the pelvic floor exercises for between four and six weeks you should start to notice some improvement. However, for some people, noticeable changes are not apparent until after three months of practice. We recommend that you do your pelvic floor stretches between eight and twelve times per session, for up to three times per day. Making this a daily habit will certainly improve your quality of life. Note that if you struggle with any degree of incontinence, you might want to do them more often. There are no set rules on this as you can’t really hurt yourself, so feel free to do them as often as you see fit. We do recommend continuing your pelvic floor exercises for at least eight weeks though, if you want to see any real benefits. If you find that you are struggling with ongoing pelvic problems despite doing regular stretches, it might be time to see a pelvic floor physical therapist. Don’t forget that PFPT can improve your sex life too, so it’s worth finding out whether it’s right for you. Here is a list of stretches for you to start: Pelvic Floor Stretches from VuVa Do you want to start pelvic floor therapy at home? Learn how VuVa Vaginal Dilators work here.
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Does Lidocaine Work as a Dyspareunia Treatment?
Lidocaine is an anesthetic, so it has a numbing effect on whichever area of the body it is topically applied. Topical application means to use a product on bodily surfaces such as the skin. Lidocaine is a household name and can be found in medicine cabinets around the world, in the form of gels, creams, liquids and more. Like other anesthetics, Lidocaine blocks nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, resulting in a temporary sensation of numbness wherever it is applied. Lidocaine is sometimes used as a dyspareunia treatment, but is it effective enough to rely on? Let’s take a closer look at the issue. Does Lidocaine work as dyspareunia treatment? Essentially it can work, but the key word is temporary. Lidocaine is most often used for menopausal dyspareunia treatment, and vaginal atrophy caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Topical Lidocaine is applied to the vulvar vestibule prior to penetrative sex, which helps to numb the nerves and prevent intercourse from being painful. However, this may not work for deep dyspareunia. Studies have shown that in the aforementioned instances it can be considered ‘successful’, but this really depends on what constitutes success… and there are issues with this treatment. If used sparingly and as directed, Lidocaine is considered safe. Yet there can be serious health problems if it is misused or overused. Reuters reported that overuse of skin numbing creams can cause a number of issues and even death. According to their report (taken from FDA advice), “People who use large amounts of skin-numbing creams and lotions, often in conjunction with cosmetic procedures, are at risk of irregular heartbeats, seizures and even death.” Since numbing is really just a sticking plaster, it is not tackling the cause of dyspareunia or changing the environment so that the problem can be overcome. Therefore it is probable that the use of Lidocaine as a dyspareunia treatment will need to be ongoing, bringing with it the risks mentioned in the above article. Could another dyspareunia treatment work better? Actually, yes. There are various ways to treat dyspareunia that won’t have negative side effects and could actually reduce or clear the issue over time. Here are some of our top suggestions for treating dyspareunia: Have more foreplay Sometimes sex hurts because the vagina is not lubricated enough. More foreplay could be the solution to this, but if you are unable to produce enough lubrication naturally, you can try using a water-based personal lubricant. Declining estrogen could be negatively affecting your sex drive, but more foreplay will have a positive effect on your libido over time. If dryness is generally a problem you could also try a vaginal moisturizer applied every two to three hours, which should make sex easier too. Use vaginal dilators Vaginal dilators are one of the best natural dyspareunia treatments available, because they stretch and lengthen the vagina gradually, at your own pace. In fact, our VuVa™ Neodymium Magnetic Dilators have been clinically proven to relieve pelvic pain for 80% of study subjects, leading to less painful sex in many cases. With dyspareunia, magnetic dilators are more effective than other types of dilator because they help to increase blood flow to the area. Over time, dilator use becomes more comfortable and trains your vagina for sexual penetration. If dryness has also been a problem for you, you may be pleased to hear that our magnetic dilators come with a free tube of water-based lubricant. See a pelvic floor physical therapist Pelvic floor physical therapy is another dyspareunia treatment that can have great results for women who have myofascial pain. In other words, the pelvic floor muscles are too tight. This can be the cause of dyspareunia, so having a therapist conduct massage and stretching techniques can relieve painful sex. Many pelvic floor physical therapists use vaginal dilators for dyspareunia treatment, as well as to treat other problems of this kind. So as you can see, Lidocaine as a dyspareunia treatment is only helpful as a temporary measure. You may be interested in our article on natural dyspareunia treatments if you are looking for a longer-term solution; it contains further suggestions and more details about the above options. Dyspareunia may not be something that disappears overnight, but with time and perseverance, you should be able to overcome the problem. Don’t forget to browse our blog for dyspareunia information as there is nothing we haven’t covered on the subject! 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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Do I Need Dilators After Breast Cancer? Yes and Here’s Why
If you are undergoing breast cancer treatment – in particular, chemotherapy or endocrine therapy – you probably have concerns about the impact it will have on your body. Undergoing such therapies can be very traumatic for the body, which makes it a challenging process. Unfortunately, for some women there are after effects that also need to be taken into consideration. Many women find that they need to use dilators after breast cancer, but they are often unaware of this potentiality at the start. Since the cancer affects the breast area, it may not occur to you that the after effects can manifest in other areas of the body. However, there is a high instance of vaginal issues in women who have undergone medical treatment for breast cancer. Statistics show that up to 70% of women need to use dilators after breast cancer treatment. This article aims to shed light on the situation so that you can prepare for this possibility in advance. Why do you need dilators after breast cancer? You may need to use vaginal dilators after cancer therapy because some treatments can cause what is known as atrophic vaginitis. Chemotherapy and endocrine therapy can lead to dysfunction in the reproductive system. For some the result is ovarian failure, which is why women may become infertile after their treatment. For many others, the result is atrophic vaginitis (also called vaginal atrophy), which is something that can happen naturally to post-menopausal women once their estrogen levels decline. Vaginal atrophy may affect up to 50% of women after the menopause, so it’s certainly not uncommon. Post-menopausal breast cancer survivors are even more likely to develop atrophic vaginitis though – the statistics indicate that it will affect 70% of women in this category. After chemotherapy treatment, for example, the estrogen that normally circulates and reaches the urinary and vaginal receptors ceases to do so, which essentially induces early menopause. This can happen even if you’re below 40 years of age. The symptoms of atrophic vaginitis are likely to necessitate the use of vaginal dilators after your cancer treatment ends. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, irritation of the vulva area, burning and soreness, inflammation, dyspareunia (painful sex) or bleeding after sex, vaginal stenosis (shortening or constriction of the birth canal), thinning of the vaginal walls or skin, discharge, urinary incontinence and pruritus. Using vaginal dilators after breast cancer You may find that you have a few of the above symptoms of vaginal atrophy if you’ve undergone one of the breast cancer treatments mentioned above. If you have vaginal stenosis, for example, sex (or any kind of penetration) can become difficult. It is necessary to use vaginal dilators after your breast cancer treatment is finished so that you can maintain the shape and size of your birth canal. Dyspareunia is also a common side effect, so vaginal dilators for pelvic floor physical therapy can help you to become accustomed to the sensation of penetration at your own pace. Another issue for cancer survivors in the womens health arena is atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atropgy which is that any of the aforementioned symptoms might lead to fear of penetration, which in turn can develop into the condition known as vaginismus. Naturally this disrupts your sex life, and it may be necessary to overcome the fear of penetration with vaginal dilators. Vaginal Dilators are often recommended for breast cancer survivors as they stretch out the birth canal gradually, which aids in the restoration of normal function and sexual habits. As a result, you are likely to overcome sexual problems much more quickly. Pelvic floor physical therapists also use vaginal dilators as part of their treatment plan for women with vaginal atrophy, which indicates both their efficacy and safety. In case you’re wondering whether vaginal dilators really work, let us put your mind at ease. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you may have about using our dilators after breast cancer, so don’t be afraid to ask for product advice any time. 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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Do Silicone Dilators work? Is medical grade plastic better?
Update: We no longer sell Silicone dilators due to our magnetic being far superior. The answer is: not as good as the magnetic medical grade plastic dilators. When shopping for the best dilators, it can be hard to choose the right one for your needs. Also, you need to know how to correctly use vaginal dilators. VuVa Vaginal Dilator company, located in Sarasota, FL, has now helped over 125,000 women all over the globe with their dilator needs. Do you need plastic or silicone dilators? What sizes do I need? How do I use them? VuVa can help. Our Dilators are made with 100% medical grade plastic using FDA approved colors and ingredients. VuVa™ Magnetic Dilators are safe, phthalate free, hypoallergenic and suitable for those with latex allergies. Do not use silicone based lubricants with VuVa™ Magnetic Dilators. Do I need plastic or silicone dilators? There are two main types of vaginal dilators, silicone and plastic. We have listed below some information to help you decide on what type of vaginal dilator you need. We actually stopped selling silicone due to our patented magnetic dilators working so much better. The silicone also attracted a lot of dust, which the plastic do not. VuVa Vaginal Dilators vs. Placebo Dilators: A Double Blind Placebo Study Eighty percent (80%) of study subjects reported a decrease in overall pain after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average thirty percent (30%) decrease in pain levels on a standardized tampon test, which is a way to clinically measure pain associated with sexual intercourse. The cotton swab test evaluates eleven (11) different locations of the vulvar vestibule for pain. Eighty percent (80%) of the study subjects reported a decrease in the total number of locations after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average twenty eight percent (28%) decrease in pain levels using a standardized cotton swab test, which is a non-invasive measure of vaginal pain. Overall anxiety associated with vaginal penetration is significantly decreased in all subjects. Subjects report feeling more confident about their sexual health in the future after completing the study. Subjects report that VuVa dilator therapy is not a painful treatment. For Full Study CLICK HERE 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. Vaginal Dilators: Directions & Sizes - How to Use Dilation Products - Vuva Dilator Company If sexual activity is painful due to a pelvic pain condition or pelvic disorder, use dilators at least 5-7 days per week. Take your time and breath. If you can only do a minute our two, that’s fine. Work your way up slowly. It will help with the fear of penetration and relax muscles. These dilators only make things better. VuVa has changed thousands of lives. We are in this together. 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 much will I need to use my dilator when I reach my desired size? Everyone is different. You need to be having intercourse or dilating to keep the muscles from atrophying as you get older. If you are having intercourse without pain more frequently, you might not need to dilate as much, or at all. Your body will let you know if you need to continue, and how much you need. Some have more severe atrophy than others, so let your body guide you. If you have Vaginismus/Vulvodynia nerve pain or tightness, you might have to use it every time before intercourse, but some others may not need to use it at all once the pain subsides. Everyone has different nerve pain pathways and triggers that cause good and bad days. Why would I need a Vaginal Dilator? If you have painful intercourse due to a pelvic pain condition, pelvic floor physical therapy with vaginal dilators is a safe and beneficial home treatment for the following conditions: Vulvodynia Vulvar Vestibulitis Vaginismus Dyspareunia Pelvic Radiation Therapy Menopause Vaginal Stenosis Vaginal Atrophy Pudendal Neuralgia Vaginal Agenesis If you have painful penetration and do not keep relaxing the muscles during intercourse or dilator therapy, the muscles can then become very tense and cause your condition to become worse. You may start to associate penetration with pain. Each time you try to penetrate, your muscles will then tighten up causing more pain. Dilating on your own, in the convenience of your own home, is an effective way to keep muscles working and blood flowing to the area for healing. Dilator therapy also creates blood flow and can help with vaginal dryness by creating natural lubrication. How much do Dilators Cost? VuVa Silicone Dilators start at $26. You can buy single dilators or you can buy the full set. Visit our Dilator Store 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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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.
