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Can You Use CBD for Vulvodynia?
Who could blame her? Any woman with vulvodynia wants shot of this awful pain, as soon as possible. Vulvodynia can be incredibly uncomfortable, plus it gets in the way of intimacy with partners, which is frustrating and even depressing. There are various approaches to treating vulvodynia, but no one-size-fits-all treatment. However, CBD (and abbreviation of Cannabidiol), is one of the closest things to a cure-all we know of… but can you use CBD for vulvodynia? Absolutely. Our ancestors have long been using cannabis to treat pelvic pain, but it is only recently being embraced in modern society. First, let’s take a look at what CBD is: CBD is just one of more than a hundred naturally occurring compounds found in hemp (or marijuana). Hemp is the term generally used to classify varieties of cannabis with 0.3% or less THC content (the compound that gets you stoned), although the difference between cannabis and hemp is more complex than just that. Don’t worry about getting high while using CBD for vulvodynia; it’s easier to get CBD products with little to no THC content, since those are legal, whereas THC is often not. CBD oil products are made from high-CBD, low-THC hemp. Why use CBD for vulvodynia? There are a few reasons for using CBD to treat vulvodynia. Firstly, CBD is famous for its pain relieving qualities, and no area of the body is exempt from that. It is also known to reduce anxiety, which is an issue for many women with vulvodynia. They have negative associations with sexual intercourse because of the pain they feel during penetration. The benefits don’t end there, either. CBD can relax muscles, which helps vulvodynia because when you anticipate sexual pain, your muscles are likely to contract. This can worsen the pain of vulvodynia, or lead to vaginismus. If you insert a CBD suppository or apply CBD products to the vulva, you may be surprised at just how effective the relaxation and pain relief is. To summarize, CBD helps with the following vulvodynia symptoms: Pain Inflammation Anxiety Tight muscles The CBD can desensitize the nerves in the genitals, as well as reducing any inflammation present (which can be a side effect of vulvodynia in some women). CBD limits your body’s ability to feel pain signals, but also works on pain by targeting the same enzymes Ibuprofin targets, thus reducing prostaglandin production. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that promote pain, inflammation and fever. Why else should you use CBD for vulvodynia? It’s an aphrodisiac! Here’s another major USP for CBD. Cannabinoids actually work as an aphrodisiac for many women, and when applied directly to the vulva, can increase sexual pleasure. That’s because when applied to the skin, phytocannabinoids increase blood flow to the area, which is what happens when you get aroused naturally. Whether you smoke a bit of cannabis or apply some oil topically, CBD oil or cream is a wonderful addition to your sex life. Note that if you smoke cannabis, you’re going to feel the effects of THC too. However, if you apply a CBD product to your skin, you are unlikely to experience any psychoactive effects. Can You Use CBD for Vulvodynia? Yes… and Here’s Why it Works Strains containing a lot of CBD are the best for inflammation reduction, and they won’t get you stoned. Some feel that the best strains for pain relief are those with both CBD and THC content. If you do want a product containing THC (as many with chronic pain do), even one with less than 6% THC content will still help to calm and relax you. Indica strains are believed to be physically sedating, perfect for relaxing with a movie or as a nightcap before bed. Sativas are said to provide invigorating, uplifting cerebral effects that pair well with physical activity, social gatherings, and creative projects. Hybrids are thought to fall somewhere in between, offering a balance of indica and sativa effects. Vaginal Dilators paired with CBD is a great treatment option. Vuva Vaginal Dilators sets are used to regenerate vaginal capacity, expand the vaginal walls, add elasticity to the tissues, and to allow for comfortable sexual intercourse. VuVa Magnetic Dilators are smooth lightweight plastic, that come in a variety of graduated sizes. Using Dilators with CBD maximizes your pelvic floor physical therapy. To shop dilators click here. You may find this article on CBD for pelvic pain useful if you would like more information on the topic. We hope that you will be able to reap the rewards of CBD for your vulvodynia… good luck, and don’t forget to check out our blog for plenty of other information on vulvodynia and similar conditions. 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 Vaginal Dilators Really Work?
Do I need one? If you’re trying to overcome a medical condition in the pelvic area, or the after-effects of treatment for it, you might be asking yourself an important question: “Do vaginal dilators really work?” Well, vaginal dilators are used as a standard treatment for a whole range of problems in the vagina, from vaginismus to vaginal atrophy. In many instances, a pelvic floor physical therapist or radiotherapy Doctor will prescribe the use of vaginal dilators - sometimes ongoing. These healthcare providers are well aware that vaginal dilators really work, and there is much anecdotal evidence to support this too. Which conditions do vaginal dilators work on? Below are some of the most common medical conditions that vaginal dilators work on. At times it is necessary to dilate the vagina for relief from the symptoms of: Vaginismus Vaginal atrophy Vaginal agenesis Vaginal stenonis Vulvar dermatoses Superficial dyspareunia Provoked vestibulodynia Post-radiation adhesions High-tone pelvic floor dysfunction Psychogenic dyspareunia (used as a deconditioning therapy) There are also other conditions of the pelvic floor area that can be helped by using vaginal dilators. If you are having pelvic floor physical therapy for any reason, you may find that your therapist prescribes vaginal dilator therapy within the sessions or at home. Aside from supplementing pelvic floor physical therapy, vaginal dilators work as a supplement to the following therapies: Sexual therapy Psychotherapy Minimally-absorbed local vaginal estrogen therapy Intravaginal muscle relaxants How do vaginal dilators work? Vaginal dilators are smooth cylindrical objects made of material that is safe to insert into the vagina. They come in various sizes and weights, and are usually made from silicone, plastic, rubber, or glass. They range from the size of a pencil to the size of an erect penis, approximately. Vaginal dilators work by restoring the capacity of the vagina (birth canal and/or vaginal opening). The aim is to expand your vagina in both depth and width, as well as to increase the tissue elasticity. Dilators encourage blood flow to the area – especially dilators containing neodymium magnets. When the vagina is able to open up more, however gradually, you will find that you can have more comfortable sexual intercourse, or even just necessary clinical examinations. How do you know if vaginal dilator therapy has worked? Since the aim of using vaginal dilators is to restore proper function to the vagina, you can consider it a success when you have been able to resume normal, comfortable sexual activities or examinations. It may take anything from a few weeks to several months for vaginal dilator therapy to work, and some Doctors recommend use ongoing. To give you an example, this study demonstrated that each patient in the case studies had successfully resumed sexual activity after several months of dilator therapy, sometimes when used in combination with other medical interventions. Furthermore, this study saw good results with sufferers of vaginal stenosis after radiotherapy. In addition, sexual researchers Masters and Johnson advocated vaginal dilator use for female patients with sexual dysfunction so that they could “interrupt the cycle of pain–fear–muscle spasm–more pain, and to build confidence in the privacy of the marital bedroom.” To put your mind at ease, here at Vuvatech we also have plenty of testimonials from happy customers who have decided that our vaginal dilators really work. Feel free to check those out and ask us any questions you have!
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Can I Use a Vaginal Dilator After Radiation?
For women receiving pelvic radiation therapy, your healthcare professional may recommend that you use a vaginal dilator to improve vaginal elasticity. Vaginal dilators make examinations more comfortable, ease discomfort during sexual activity, and help stretch scar tissue caused by pelvic radiation. It's essential that you consider dilator therapy a vital part of your health maintenance once radiation therapy ends. Table of Contents Why are vaginal dilators needed? What is a vaginal dilator? When should I use a dilator? How should I use a dilator after radiation? Why are vaginal dilators needed? According to the American Cancer Society, radiotherapy uses high energy rays (such as gamma rays or x-rays) to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is the most common treatment for cervical cancer. The high energy rays may kill the cancer cells, but radiotherapy treatment could cause healthy vaginal tissue to become irritated and sore. As the abrasions heal, they form scar tissue on the pelvic floor. The scar tissue can make the vagina shorter and narrower. Once this happens, sexual intercourse, gynecological examinations, and even using tampons can cause searing and stinging pain. Vaginal dilators help stretch the vaginal canal, helping to widen and lengthen the vagina. What is a vaginal dilator? VuVa vaginal dilators are smooth plastic devices similar in shape to a tampon. They come in different sizes with the smallest about the size of a finger. It's recommended to begin with the smallest size. Vaginal dilators help stretch the vagina and soften scar tissue by increasing blood and breaking up scar tissue. When should I use the dilator? One of the most frequently asked questions is, when should I use the dilator? Health professionals recommend starting treatment four weeks after your last radiation session. This timeline will depend on whether you're experiencing any pain from the cancer treatment and the recommendation of your doctor. A healthy sex life can replace dilator use, but sexual intercourse should be consistent (3-5 times per week). How should I use a dilator after radiation? The use of a dilator after radiation is easier than you think. It’s recommended you find a private space where you won’t be interrupted. Lay on your back with your knees bent, and legs open wide. Rub water-based lubricant on the vaginal dilator. Slowly insert the dilator along the vaginal wall. Move back and forth to help stretch the vagina. Leave the dilator inside for 5-10 minutes at first, gradually moving up to 20 minutes per session. What can I expect from using the dilator? Stretching the vagina takes time and consistent dilator use. It may take 8-12 weeks to increase the vaginal opening and ease scar tissue. For some women, there's a period of adjustment before it becomes routine. At first, there may be some bleeding after using the dilator or having intercourse. This is normal but speak to your doctor if the pain is excessive. Using a vaginal dilator after radiation is a conventional treatment for women's health. It will not only help to remove scar tissue, but also improve the overall quality of one's life. ______________ This post was informed by or approved by staff, writings or colleagues of Dr. Robert J. Echenberg, MD is an Obstetrician-gynecologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 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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Benefits of using Vaginal Dilators for Vaginal Atrophy Treatment and other Pelvic Pain Conditions
Vaginal dilators are an effective and safe tool to help women with pelvic floor therapy, painful intercourse, and other vaginal health issues. These non-invasive devices come in the form of a kit containing multiple sizes of dilators; they have been used for decades to help with muscles spasms in the pelvis, reduce pain during sexual intercourse, and support recovery after surgery or childbirth. Trusted Since 2014 The VuVa Magnetic Dilator Kits are some of the most trusted on the market due to their unique design which includes neodymium magnets. The magnets provide therapeutic benefits that traditional dilators do not offer, such as improved blood circulation to the area and relief from spasms or muscle contractions. This helps increase comfort during use since the magnets help create blood flow and natural lubrication. Additionally, the VuVa Magnetic Dilator Kits are made with medical grade BPA free plastic—which is safe and non-toxic—so they can be used without fear of irritation or adverse side effects. List of some Pelvic Pain Conditions that VuVa Dilators help: - Vulvodynia - Vaginismus - Vaginal Stenosis - Postpartum Care - Pelvic Floor Dysfunction - Scar Tissue & Adhesions - Interstitial Cystitis What is Vaginal Atrophy and how do dilators help? Vaginal atrophy is a common problem for women in menopause, caused by a decline in estrogen levels. This can lead to vaginal dryness and other issues such as painful intercourse, pelvic floor dysfunction, and urinary tract infections (UTI’s). Magnetic dilator kits are an excellent tool to help combat these symptoms because they naturally increase blood flow to the area while providing gentle stretching to the vaginal walls. Regular use of magnetic vaginal dilators can help improve elasticity and lubrication, allowing for more comfortable sexual activity. Additionally, the magnets stimulate nerve endings which helps relax muscles that are tense due to pelvic floor dysfunction or childbirth trauma. Using the VuVa Magnetic Dilator Kits is a safe option for women suffering from vaginal atrophy due to menopause. The magnets help reduce discomfort and support recovery of the vaginal muscles so that women can enjoy pain-free intercourse and overall improved sexual health. By working with a healthcare professional to determine the right size and usage plan, these kits can provide long-term relief from menopausal symptoms. Other Benefits of Using VuVa Magnetic Dilators: - Increase blood flow to the vaginal walls safely at home - Help relax muscles that are tense due to pelvic floor dysfunction or childbirth trauma - Stimulate nerve endings - Improve gynecologic exams - Aid in recovery of vaginal muscles after surgery or childbirth - Support overall sexual health and comfort during intercourse. How can a pelvic floor physical therapist help me learn to use my dilators? A pelvic floor physical therapist can be an invaluable resource as you learn to use your dilators. An experienced PT will evaluate your current condition and provide instructions on how best to use the dilator kits, as well as other exercises and lifestyle changes to support long-term relief. They can also help you customize a program based on your individual needs, such as adjusting the size of dilator used, increasing frequency and duration of use, and incorporating other forms of pelvic floor therapy. VuVa Dilators are made in America Our dilators are made in Florida and come with a lifetime warranty, so you can use them with confidence knowing that they are the highest quality and safest dilator kits available. Another benefit is that these dilators are designed to last over time; they're strong and durable so you don't have to worry about them breaking during use. The kit also comes with detailed instructions on how to safely insert and remove them from the vagina, as well as other tips for vaginal health care. These instructions were composed by Dee Hartman, DPT, a leader in the pelvic health field. Overall, vaginal dilators are an excellent painful sex treatment option for women in 2023 due to their safety, effectiveness, and longevity. The VuVa Magnetic Dilator Kit provides additional therapeutic benefits to help with pelvic floor therapy and painful intercourse, making it a safe and reliable option for women in 2023. References: VuVa Magnetic Dilator Kits. (2021). Retrieved from https://hermanwallace.com/vuvamagneticdilatorkit/. Yancy, S. (2020). What is vaginal atrophy and how can it be treated? Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vaginal-atrophy-symptoms-causes-treatment. Thakar et al., (2015). Vaginal dilators: a review of current practice and evidence base for their use in the management of pelvic floor disorders. International Urogynecology Journal, 26(1): 77–86. doi:10.1007/s00192-014-24 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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5 Possible Reasons Your Vaginal Trainers Aren’t Working
There is no doubt in the minds of women’s health experts that vaginal dilators (also called vaginal trainers) are some of the best tools for resolving a range of gynecological issues, from vaginismus to vaginal atrophy. It is easy to find studies supporting the use of vaginal dilators; likewise, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence in the form of dilator therapy success stories online. However, if you have problems using a vaginal dilator, it may not be obvious why that is or what you can do about it. You might believe you are using dilators incorrectly, but that may not be the real problem. As with any therapy, we are all different, so some women may have problems using vaginal trainers - especially if they aren’t used to it. Am I using my dilator correctly? It’s been a while now… is my vaginal dilator working? Could I damage myself with a vaginal dilator? Is a dilator going to hurt me? Any number of questions may be buzzing around your head, creating anxiety or negative expectations, and ultimately contributing to difficulty doing vaginal dilating. In this article we have listed some of the most common reasons for vaginal dilators not working as expected according to vaginal dilator studies. We hope that it will help to identify your problems with vaginal dilating and make the necessary adjustments and move toward successful dilator therapy… Why aren’t my dilators working? A review of 21 studies on vaginal dilators brought to light some interesting reasons dilators might not be working for all women who use them, despite professional consensus that they are some of the best treatment tools for gynecological issues. Among the identified barriers to therapy adherence, “unhelpful circumstances” and “negative perceptions of the vaginal dilators” were the two mentioned most often. Interestingly, positive results were aligned with “supportive interactions with health care providers” and “risk perception and positive outcome expectancies”. This indicates that it is not necessarily the dilators that are the problem, and that resolving an underlying or concurrent problem may lead to successful vaginal trainer therapy. As outlined in the review, our health behavior tends to be guided by perceptions, meanings, and beliefs. Therefore health care providers can improve women’s adherence to vaginal trainer therapy by understanding how a woman perceives it. They can then introduce targets for improving unhelpful perceptions and improve the chances of a successful outcome. As highlighted by various studies, here are some of the main reasons for difficulties with vaginal training, and why they might be happening: Unclear or missing instructions on the use of vaginal dilators If you are wondering how to dilate properly, you obviously don’t have clear instructions to hand, or haven’t been given sufficient training. There could be various reasons for this: According to one vaginal trainer study, “Patients who purchase dilators have often suffered with their condition for a long time and had difficulty finding a competent health-care clinician well versed in sexual pain syndromes that can help them. When patients did find a clinician, there were no clinically proven standardized protocols or formalized guidelines to give to patients about how to best use their dilators.” Although a lack of dilator instructions may simply be an oversight on the part of your practitioner, it also could be down to assumptions that you were comfortable or confident, when in fact you were not. Perhaps you felt anxious and didn’t absorb the information on using dilators correctly, or perhaps your practitioner was simply not experienced enough to give clear and concise instructions. Unsupportive health care providers It is an unfortunate fact that some women’s health practitioners have become desensitized to their patient’s plights, perhaps for having seen so many of them. When carefully relayed information or warm support is not forthcoming, it can feel even more awkward to attempt to discuss the use of vaginal trainers. Especially when you are not close to the person and they don’t seem to care about your success! However it is your practitioner’s job to do so, and even if you are, they should not be embarrassed by it. Successful dilator therapy may depend on it. Whatever the reason, it is important to ask for proper assistance from your practitioner, or find one who is more experienced or conscientious. A negative perception of vaginal trainers Even if this is subconscious, or not fully conscious, it’s certainly a possibility - especially for women who have a history of fear of penetration or sexual acts. Some women perceive a loss of modesty or dignity when using dilators, and others experience emotional or mental flash backs to traumatic experiences, from painful cancer treatments to sexual violence. This can naturally translate to a negative perception of an instrument that may cause physical discomfort (at least initially) or bring up challenging memories. If you suspect that your dilator therapy isn’t working well because of such perceptions, it may be prudent to seek concurrent psychological support. Some women may not have understood the benefits of vaginal trainers in relation to their particular issue, and may need more clarity around this so as to be able to relax and trust the process. A tendency to expect negative experiences or outcomes Many studies have concluded that women can experience undesirable emotions and expectations while using vaginal trainers, from embarrassment to fear and anxiety. It is common to anticipate pain (whether you actually feel it or not), which can cause tension. For some people, life conditions them to expect things not to go well, and this expectation might be transferred on to your vaginal trainer therapy. This could prevent proper or consistent use of the dilator, thwarting positive results or making them take longer. As with point 4, if this sounds familiar, it may be an idea to seek some psychological support around life expectations, or to have a session with a women’s health professional to calm your nerves and help make your expectations more positive. Poor quality or incorrect sized dilators It may be that you are using dilators that are not made from medical-grade materials (or comfortable materials for such a sensitive area). Perhaps they were not designed ergonomically, or perhaps they were too basic for your condition. For example, magnetic dilators help to sooth nerve pain associated with vulvodynia, while simple plastic ones might only help a woman to become accustomed to the penetration. The quality of your dilators is as important as using the correct size for your capacity and health concern. If you get this wrong, it may result in ineffective dilator therapy. Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Other women on using dilators successfully Sometimes perseverance is required with troublesome conditions such as vaginismus and vulvodynia. Even if it seems like dilators aren’t working quickly, or you can’t get used to them, don’t give up too easily. It may be that you are having difficulty dilating because you have been using the wrong sized dilators, or perhaps not the best quality dilators. Since we make some of the best vaginal dilators available, we get plenty of confirmation from happy customers, which we hope will inspire you to trust in the efficacy and safety of vaginal dilators. The below recent testimonials on successful dilator therapy with our vaginal trainers should give you some faith in the process: “I first developed vulvodynia/vaginismus about 7 years ago. No reason it just happened. I have and continue to try lots of treatments but nothing has worked so far. I have seen these dilators pop up for years when I've been researching, but having had little improvement with other dilators I always ignored it. It came up again and this time I decided to read the reviews and thought I will take the risk and try them. I have been using for a month now and I've never seen an improvement with the vaginismus before like I have with these. I am now on the largest size!! (I started with 3 or 4 i think). I'm still on a journey to heal but this is set is helping me go a long way on it. I would definitely recommend!” “These vaginal dilators have drastically changed my life! Once I was finally comfortable inserting the largest size, I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders. Vaginismus has controlled my sex life for too long, and these dilators have finally relaxed and stretched my vaginal muscles to the point where I can have pain-free sex! I was a little skeptical at first that these dilators would even work, but they were amazing. I would highly recommend these to anyone suffering from vaginismus or other related conditions.” You can read more vaginal trainer testimonials here. Resources Vaginal dilator exercises https://www.vuvatech.com/blogs/care/do-dilators-really-work How long does it take for dilators to work? https://www.vuvatech.com/blogs/care/how-long-does-it-take-for-dilators-to-work-vuva-dilator-company Scared of vaginal dilators? 5 Reasons you shouldn’t be https://www.vuvatech.com/blogs/care/are-you-scared-of-vaginal-dilators-5-reasons-you-shouldn-t-be 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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4 Ways to Treat Psychogenic Vaginismus (Pelvic Floor Myalgia)
Pelvic floor myalgia (muscle soreness) is another name for vaginismus, one of the most common causes of sexual pain in women. Most Doctors consider vaginismus to be psychogenic in nature, meaning that it has a psychological origin. With psychogenic vaginismus, it is psychological issues around sex that create fear or anxiety, which in turn causes a physical reaction that seems to be beyond the woman’s control: pelvic floor myalgia. Pelvic floor myalgia describes the tightening and tension that develops in the pelvic floor region. Not all women are aware of tightness in their pelvic floor muscles until it causes pain. Psychogenic vaginismus will result in pain in the vaginal muscles because the muscles go into spasm and essentially ‘clamp shut’ when penetration is attempted. Any further attempts to penetrate are likely to worsen pelvic floor tension myalgia, regardless of whether the penetration is sexual in nature. What does pelvic floor myalgia feel like? This is actually just another way of asking, “What do sore pelvic floor muscles feel like?”, as the muscles in the vagina and surrounding areas react to tension in the same way as other muscles in the body. However, there is a slight difference if you have psychogenic vaginismus, because in response to a thought (or even a subconscious fear) your vaginal muscles may involuntarily contract and feel very difficult to release. Since the pelvic floor is trickier to reach than other muscle groups, pelvic floor muscle contractions can persist for an extended period, causing pain. The pain of pelvic floor myalgia may feel like: Burning Deep, dull aching Soreness (akin to inflammation) Because of the tension in the pelvic floor muscles, vaginismus can give the impression of a ‘blockage’ inside the vagina. This is particularly evident when penetration is attempted, which is often unsuccessful as the vagina is tightly closed. Even urination and defecation can be difficult if you have psychogenic vaginismus. What causes pelvic floor myalgia? Pelvic floor tension myalgia can occur for various reasons, including: As a secondary reaction to pain around the vaginal opening (vulvar vestibulitis syndrome or vestibulodynia) As a response to prolonged and consistent squeezing or clenching of the vaginal muscles (as per psychogenic vaginismus) A history of habitually holding onto urine or stools A history of urinating too much or pushing too hard when passing stools Injury to the pelvic floor muscles during surgery or childbirth Nerve damage in the pelvic region What is psychogenic vaginismus? There is a clue in the fact that vaginismus is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), which is the American Psychological Association's manual of official psychiatric diagnoses. This certainly does not mean that women with psychogenic vaginismus have mental health problems in general: it simply means that they have a psychological issue around sex that is likely to need professional assistance. Vaginismus has more recently been classed as a genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorder (GPPPD), which is diagnosed according to the following symptoms: Vulvovaginal or pelvic pain when intercourse is attempted Vulvovaginal or pelvic pain after intercourse is finished Pain during sexual intercourse Pelvic floor muscles contractions or tightening at the thought of vaginal penetration Fear or anxiety about the pain you experience with penetration What causes psychogenic vaginismus? At some point, women who experience issues with penetration or soreness during sex might find themselves asking, Do I have vaginismus? It may help to learn about this issue, so that the link between the various causes becomes clear. For some, psychogenic vaginismus may happen immediately after the first attempt to penetrate the vagina, whether that is with a tampon, a speculum or a penis. For some women, vaginismus may occur after having normal intercourse in the past, developing into long-term sexual dysfunction (if not treated effectively). Common causes of psychogenic vaginismus are: Difficult or painful past sexual experiences A history (or experience of) sexual trauma, such as sexual abuse or rape A lack of trust and connection with a sexual partner An unsatisfying sexual relationship A physically or emotionally abusive partner Past experiences of painful or distressing pelvic examinations Feeling a loss of control or anticipation of pain around penetration Being afraid of getting pregnant How do you treat pelvic floor myalgia? The pelvic floor muscles are technically under your voluntary control, but with psychogenic vaginismus it certainly doesn’t feel like that. This is why physical and emotional rehabilitation is often required. Below are 3 of the best ways to treat vaginismus symptoms: Physical support from a pelvic floor physiotherapist Pelvic floor myalgia is treated through pelvic floor rehabilitation; a pelvic floor physical therapist is likely to use physical manipulation, biofeedback and dilator therapy to relax your vaginal muscles and get you used to the feeling of penetration. You can also use vaginal dilators alone at home, which your therapist (if you have one) will usually recommend. Psychological support from a sexual therapist Treating the psychogenic aspect of vaginismus requires an experienced sexual therapist to address the underlying cause; that is, your subconscious programs around the sexual experience. If you have gone through a lot of stress or abuse, and even if there is no longer any danger, the body may have developed conditioned responses to triggers around sex and penetration. Seeking an experienced sexual counsellor to help work though sexual issues and core beliefs may be necessary, if you are to fully treat psychogenic vaginismus. Learning to relax Women with vaginismus are often out of touch with their own bodies, because rejecting the sexual experience is to reject their own sexuality. It can really help to get back in touch with your own body, in your own space and when you have plenty of time to relax. This might feel alien at first, but you will get used to it. It is necessary to feel comfortable with your body if you are going to enjoy sex, or at the very least be able tolerate any kind of penetration. The point is to become familiar with your body, what it enjoys and dislikes, and what leads to relaxation. It might help to use personal massagers and water-based lubricants, especially if you are going to attempt penetration at any point during this exploration. Over time, when you are more familiar with your body and sexual preferences, you will be able to communicate this more easily to a partner. Using vaginal dilators Experts highly recommend using vaginal dilators for vaginismus. We also know from many dilator testimonials that lots of women have great success treating vaginismus with vaginal dilators. Dilators are a form of desensitization therapy in which a woman learns to slowly relax and accept penetration at her own pace. They can stretch the vaginal walls to expand capacity, and help the muscles to become accustomed to the feeling of penetration. At some point you will feel ready to attempt penetration through sex, or to have a health examination. Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Dilators treat vaginismus by reducing or completely stopping the muscle spasms that prevent penetration and lead to myalgia. Over time, your pelvic floor will start to relax relaxing and you can even find that you start to enjoy sex – which is surely the goal! It’s important to remember to be patient with yourself, because recovery from vaginismus often doesn’t happen overnight. We recommend buying magnetic dilators in a range of sizes (from small to large) initially, because they contain Neodymium magnets which help to stimulate blood flow and soothe nerves, making the whole process easier for your body. You can work your way up through the sizes, from small to large, until you feel comfortable with the largest. Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators You may need to combine therapies, as mentioned above, and it may be a case of trial and error with different therapies (and therapists!) until you find the combination that works best for you. Don’t worry though - it is definitely possible to heal from psychogenic vaginismus – it happens all the time, and with time and effort, it will surely happen for you too. Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/dealing-with-vaginismus-psychologically Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/how-to-overcome-fear-of-physical-intimacy Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/fear-of-penetration-why-you-have-it-and-what-to-do Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/how-vaginismus-treatment-could-change-your-life Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/pelvic-pain-is-sex-therapy-the-answer VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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How Soon After Chemotherapy Can You Have Sex?
How soon can I have sex after chemotherapy? This tends to be an important question for women going through chemo, if they are in a romantic relationship. Given that there are many ways chemo can affect your sex life, the prospect can feel worrying. Cancer affects women of all ages, the types of cancer vary a lot, and we all have unique constitutions and lifestyles that can affect our healing rate. For these reasons there is no guarantee that it will be totally safe to have sex while having chemo, but the likelihood is that you can. In short, some women find that their sex life is unaffected by chemo, while others find that it is, but returns to normal afterwards. To help you decide how soon after chemo to have sex, we have answered the most common questions about sex and chemo in this article… Can I have sex during chemo? Let’s get straight to the point and address the burning question: can you have sex with cancer treatment? Rest assured that there is no medical reason to stop having sex during chemotherapy. For many, it is ok to have sex during cancer treatment, but there are some precautionary measures you may want to take, which we’ll address a little later in this article. Whether you choose to have sex while on chemotherapy is likely to depend on whether you’re experiencing any sexual side effects of chemo. The same applies to the type of cancer you are dealing with. For example, if you have cancer in pelvic areas, including the genitals, urinary tract or rectum, penetration may not be a good idea until it is fully healed. It would be wise to consult your Doctor on this. Is it better to have sex after chemo? Some women prefer to have sex after cancer treatment, and that is a perfectly understandable choice. Perhaps you don’t feel comfortable having intercourse while receiving treatment, or your Doctor has advised against it. Perhaps the chemo symptoms have made sex more difficult for you. Sex after chemotherapy might just be better because it doesn’t feel as risky, or because fewer symptoms mean more enjoyment. It makes sense that higher doses of chemotherapy are more likely to affect your sex life than lower doses. Still, chemo doesn’t usually impact your sex life for a long time. Your enjoyment (and usual performance!) should return to normal soon afterward. Having said that, for some women chemo treatment leads to physical changes that can affect the sexual experience. For example, it is possible that chemotherapy can induce ovarian failure and trigger the onset of atrophic vaginitis or vaginal stenosis, or exacerbate existing symptoms. If this does happen, know that there are lots of treatment options to restore your sexual enjoyment. Check out our article library for more information on these issues. Is it safe to have sex during chemo? As we mentioned above, it is usually safe to have sex during chemo, but there are some instances when it is not. For instance, it might be better to wait to have sex after chemo if you have any of the following: Low white blood cell count Low platelet count Thin or inflamed vaginal skin or tissues Any pain or discomfort during normal intercourse Some types of chemo can cause low white blood cell or platelet counts, which can lead to a higher risk of infection. Since chemo compromises the immune system, you are more likely to develop infections or catch something from someone else, and your body may not have its usual ability to heal as quickly. It is worth asking your Doctor whether you might have low counts. Does sex hurt after chemo? No, chemo doesn’t cause pain directly, but sometimes the physical issues caused by chemo or radiation (vaginal stenosis or atrophy) can lead to dyspareunia (painful sex). If this happens you should consult your Doctor about whether it is safe – or sensible – to have sex yet. Likewise, tears in the skin or bleeding can leave you open to infection, so if your skin down there is likely to become irritated or damaged from sex, it may be better to wait. How will chemo affect my sex life? Your Doctor may confirm that it’s fine to have sex during or after your chemo treatment, but realistically, you may not feel like it. Does chemo affect sexual desire? Again, not directly, but it can have symptoms that deflate your desire. For instance: Tiredness or physical exhaustion Mood swings and irritability (due to stress and worry) Feeling sick Pain in the pelvic region On top of this, it could be that other chemo symptoms affect your physical appearance, which in turn can make you feel self-conscious. This might make it harder to relax and enjoy sex. Such side effects may include: Hair loss Weight changes Scarring Changes in your skin condition Swelling (lymphedema) Surgical removal of body parts (such as breasts) How long after chemo will it take for your sex drive to come back? This is difficult to answer; it really depends on the reason for it disappearing. If it’s a psychological reason, you may need to work on coming to terms with changes, or waiting for your physical appearance to return to normal. Physical symptoms may need to subside before you are comfortable enough to want to have sex again. Sometimes you may just not feel up to it - and that is fine. It would help to communicate honestly with your partner over this, so that both of you understand each other throughout this period and there is no room for negative assumptions. It might be that your partner isn’t in the mood as often either, for any number of reasons. In this case it would help to extend compassion to your partner too. They may feel stressed, or worried about the impact the chemo could be having… which isn’t much of a turn-on! What can chemo do to your partner? It is a possibility that chemo drugs could be passed to your partner during intimate moments, through bodily fluids. It hasn’t been categorically proven, but it may be a risk. Therefore it is a good idea to protect your partner if you do have sex while on chemo drugs. To be on the safe side (by keeping bodily fluid exchange to a minimum), Doctors recommend using condoms during sexual activity, or a dental dam during oral sex, for between 48 and 72 hours after chemotherapy. How does chemo affect pregnancy? The National Cancer Institute published findings that indicate chemo can cause changes that might lead to birth defects in the first three months of pregnancy. Eggs and sperm could be affected, so it is important to use contraception if you do have sex during cancer treatment. Remember that if your treatment is for breast cancer, the birth control pill may not be suitable for you. Your Doctor will advise on this. Similarly, you wouldn’t want to become pregnant while having chemotherapy because the treatment could damage the developing child. The bottom line is this: how soon after chemo you should have sex is a very personal issue, for you only to decide on. However, provided you take the necessary precautions, in most instances it is safe – the real question is whether it is sensible or enjoyable! Listen to your body, don’t force yourself to do anything you don’t feel like doing, and be patient with yourself when you don’t. You will be able to have sex again soon enough, and it will have been worth the wait. Resources Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4493485/ Discussing safe sexual practices during cancer treatment: Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25095299/ Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/atrophic-vaginitis-is-a-reality-for-breast-cancer-survivors Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/cervical-cancer-survival-and-your-sex-life Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/the-vaginal-side-effects-of-anal-radiation Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/cervical-cancer-treatment-vaginal-dilators-can-help 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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5 Treatment Options for Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
What is Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) refers to a range of infections that can cause damage and dysfunction in the endometrium (womb lining), ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). The most common cause of PID is sexually transmitted infections; for instance, untreated chlamydia is responsible for around 15% of cases of PID. However it can also develop due to recurrent bouts of bacterial vaginosis (BV). Delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to various complications, from chronic pelvic pain to damaged reproductive organs, infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Since PID is caused by an underlying infection, it is always necessary to treat this infection first and foremost, and as soon as possible. When the infection has already progressed to PID, other more invasive treatment methods may be required. The treatment options for pelvic inflammatory disease vary dependent on what stage the PID has reached. Diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease When symptoms of PID do occur, they include: Abdominal pain Painful sex (dyspareunia) Pain when urinating Irregular periods Signs of infertility It is important to get an accurate PID diagnosis, but that isn’t always an easy task since there is no single test that can do so. Therefore your Doctor may conduct various examinations in order to come to a conclusion, including: Symptoms you are experiencing Medical history, including birth control, sexual history and STIs Your pelvic region, through a physical exam designed to pinpoint soreness or swelling Vaginal and cervical swabs may be required (to check for STIs) An ultrasound may be recommended Your blood or urine, through various tests Should it still be unclear whether you have pelvic inflammatory disease after this point, your Doctor may recommend a microsurgical procedure to view your pelvic organs or take tissue samples, such as a laparoscopy or endometrial biopsy. If you have not yet been diagnosed with PID, but you experience severe pain in your lower abdomen along with nausea or vomiting, and/or fever and unpleasant vaginal discharge, you should get to the emergency room immediately. Treatment options for pelvic inflammatory disease It is of vital importance that you seek treatment for PID as soon as you possibly can - if it is suspected, even before you get a positive STI test result. That’s because just three days of untreated PID can triple your risk of infertility and ectopic pregnancy. Pregnancy complications are common in women who have (or have had) PID, so it is crucial that you get treatment before getting pregnant. If scarring or damage to the reproductive tract occur it may be difficult, if not impossible, to successfully treat this later. Untreated PID has also been linked to an increased risk of ovarian cancer (especially for Asian women). Treatment options for pelvic inflammatory disease depend on the stage the condition has reached, so we will address treatment according to that factor: Treating the underlying infection with antibiotics When treating the infection behind your PID, most of the time you will be offered antibiotics, or a combination of antibiotics. Once test results confirm a specific infection, your Doctor might offer you something more specific to that infection. If it happens that you have acute PID, or the antibiotics you’ve taken haven’t worked as well as they needed to, you may need to attend hospital for intravenous antibiotics. Please note that the antibiotics given to treat PID won’t do anything to treat the internal damage PID has caused, although they may be able to prevent further damage from occurring. Although drugs including antibiotics and hormones are often used to treat of PID, they can bring about a range of adverse effects (for example, antimicrobial resistance and a limited effective duration of hormones). Treating PID or underlying infections naturally If you are concerned about taking antibiotics, there are natural remedies available to treat PID and its underlying infections, such as Chinese medicinal herbs. A study published in the International Journal of Medical Sciences concluded that medicinal herbs Cortex Phellodendri and Humulus japonicus reduced various inflammatory aspects of PID but with no adverse clinical signs. Treating PID-related pelvic pain Even after your PID treatment is complete, it is possible to experience pelvic pain due to adhesions and scar tissue. Chronic pain treatments may include various painkillers, pelvic floor physical therapy, acupuncture, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), or trigger point injections. In serious instances, surgery may be needed to remove the adhesions, but even this is not guaranteed to bring permanent pain relief. Treatment of PID related infertility PID can lead to infertility due to blockages in your fallopian tubes. When only one tube is blocked, you still may be able to conceive naturally. However if both are blocked or you have thick adhesions between the fallopian tubes and ovaries, it might be necessary to seek IVF treatment. When IVF is combined with embryo transfer (ET), your chance of success is heightened. Treatment for blocked tubes, abscesses or adhesions Surgery may be required if both fallopian tubes are blocked, one or more dilates and fills with fluid (hydrosalpinx), or you have an abscess on a fallopian tube or ovary. If only one tube is removed, your chances of conceiving may rise. Fortunately, many PID-related issues can be treated with microsurgery rather than traditional laparotomy. Microsurgery (such as laparoscopy) is less invasive but still has good success rates, especially with reconstructive infertility operations. The bottom line is that PID and the infections that cause it should be treated as early as possible so that it does not cause further complications or pain conditions later in life. We hope you found this article informative; if so, please check out the VuvaCare blog for advice on all kinds of sexual health issues. Resources Aafp.org/afp/2019/0915/p357.html Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28342087/ Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6227744/ Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5562126/
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Is Vulvodynia an Autoimmune Disease?
Vulvodynia is the name for chronic vulvar pain with no identifiable cause. Since it is incredibly difficult to pinpoint the cause, a lot of tests may be necessary to diagnose vulvodynia in the first place and eliminate other possible causes of vulvar pain. Because of the lack of definitive causal factors, in the past there has been lots of speculation that it could be an autoimmune disease. The straight answer is that no, vulvodynia is not an autoimmune disease. However, it has been linked to other autoimmune disorders, in that certain autoimmune diseases render you more likely to develop vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis syndrome. VVS is also called vestibulodynia or vulvar vestibulitis, and it is basically vulvodynia, just localized to the vulvar vestibule. As you are no doubt well aware, vulvodynia is a pain condition, so if it has not yet been diagnosed, your Doctor will need to carefully assess you to eliminate any other possible causes of your vulvar pain. If vulvodynia is not an autoimmune disease, what is it? Many physicians have conceptualized that vulvodynia is a type of neuropathic pain, which means that nerve fibres in the vulva are behaving like pain fibres; thus they interpret even the lightest touch or pressure as pain. Since neuropathic pain often results in burning or stinging sensations, it is quite possible that vulvodynia is the result of neuropathic dysfunction. Vulvodynia could be caused by one of three types of neuropathic pain: Allodynia: Painful responses to a stimulus should not normally be painful Hyperalgesiadescribes: Exaggerated pain reactions to a stimulus that normally would cause some degree of pain Dysesthesia: Perception of abnormally uncomfortable sensations despite stimulus not being noxious Vulvodynia sufferers can experience all three of the above, but pain specialists generally consider it to be allodynia. Autoimmune diseases are linked to vulvodynia For instance, Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes excessive dryness in the body, and the vulvar area is also affected by it. It goes without saying that this could cause serious discomfort during intercourse, which could be mistaken for vulvodynia. However, as mentioned, if you have Sjögren’s Syndrome you may have developed vulvodynia too. Sjögren’s Syndrome can also increase in the likelihood of developing bacterial or fungal infections in the vagina, which can also cause irritation, inflammation and pain. However, if you eliminate these infections you are likely to get rid of the pain. With vulvodynia, the pain would be more likely to persist. Women with Sjögren’s are also more likely to develop urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can lead to pain when urinating. If you have this problem, you should have your Doctor check whether the cause is bacteria or Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Other autoimmune diseases thought to make women more susceptible to vulvodynia or vulvar vestibulitis are another pain condition known as fibromyalgia, and systemic lupus erythematosus. If you have been diagnosed with any of these autoimmune diseases, you should disclose this to your healthcare specialist. You should also note that it is important to find a Doctor who is familiar with treating vulvodynia, since not all understand the condition well and treatment is likely to be unsuccessful. So in a nutshell, no, vulvodynia is not an autoimmune disease… but whatever the cause of your vulvodynia, if you’re looking for treatment, you’ve come to the right place. VuvaTech has a wealth of information on treating vulvodynia, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about which products could help 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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