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Why Does My Vagina Hurt After Sex?
Is your vaginal pain getting in the way of your sex life? There may be an underlying medical issue that is interfering with your sexual experiences. Dyspareunia is a term describing painful intercourse, where constant genital pain occurs before, during, or after sexual intercourse (Mayo Clinic, 2021). Women with dyspareunia may - among other issues - have pain involving penetration, burning, and throbbing pain that lasts for hours even after sex (Mayo Clinic, 2021). If you are dealing with pain from sexual intercourse, then it is essential to see your physician or/and your pelvic floor physical therapist. This article will provide information on potential reasons for vaginal pain after sex, as well as some effective solutions. Causes of vaginal soreness Check out the most common causes for vaginal soreness: Lack of lubrication During sexual arousal, women experience natural lubrication that helps make their sexual experiences easier and more enjoyable. However, the time that it takes for your body to become naturally lubricated can vary amongst individuals. Feelings of anxiety may surface if your natural lubrication is not occurring exactly when you want it to, hence why it is more convenient to use a lubricant. Approximately 17% of women before menopause have issues concerning vaginal dryness when engaging in sexual intercourse (Women’s Health Concern, 2020). This can occur for a number of reasons such as inadequate foreplay and or psychological issues (ex: stress) (Women’s Health Concern, 2020). Over half of post-menopausal patients suffer from conditions associated with decreased estrogen levels (Women’s Health Concern, 2020). Some symptoms of vaginal dryness may include (NHS, 2018): Pain during sexual intercourse Sore vagina Itchy genital area Persisting urinary tract infections (UTIs) Peeing frequently Doctors typically recommend applying a water-based lubricant before engaging in sex and introducing vaginal moisturizers to treat excessive dryness (NHS, 2018). One example of a lubricant recommended by physicians is the Slippery Stuff Gel. It is a water-based and ultra-slick lubricant, which increases vaginal moisture and lubrication to enhance your sexual experiences. Tight pelvic floor muscles Your pelvic floor muscles are the muscles that control your bladder and bowel movements. They also help with sexual sensation and function (Peninsula Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, 2020). Increased tension in the pelvic region causes the muscles to involuntarily tighten and constrict, which forcefully closes the vaginal opening as well (Peninsula Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy, 2020). Vaginismus is a condition where the muscles of the pelvic floor contract or are tight during penetration. You should see a pelvic floor physical therapist for this condition. Symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful cramps, and spasms from this condition may prevent an individual from having penetrative sexual experiences, making sex unbearable. Pelvic pain may occur throughout the vagina and bowel, persisting for days (WebMD, 2012). Generally, vaginal dilators are recommended by doctors to induce flexibility in the vagina and help relax these muscles. The Deluxe Neodymium Magnetic Vaginal Dilator Set can help you acquire control over your pelvic and vaginal muscles, by gradually stretching the vagina. VuVa Deluxe set pictured below. These vaginal dilators cause blood flow to enter the pelvic region, which calms the involuntary spasms that occur from these tight muscles. They come in a range of different sizes. Talk to your doctor or pelvic floor therapist so they can monitor your condition and treatment. Vigorous sex and fissures In the anticipation of being intimate, your body probably was not ready for the long and vigorous sex that it was exposed to. Fissures of the posterior fourchette can occur with intercourse. These are tiny cuts that can burn after intercourse or when you pee. These can cause pain during intercourse. Make sure to be tested for a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis that may not be presenting any of their normal symptoms, but can still be present. Increased friction and pressure can cause inflammation in the vaginal tissue from prolonged and vigorous sex (Women’s Health, 2021). Additional lubrication is vital, as it decreases the friction that the vagina is exposed to. Elevated pressure and friction may cause tears in the vagina that make it more susceptible to infection (Women’s Health, 2021). All of these factors cause additional soreness and pain from engaging in sexual experiences. Vulvodynia The vulva is a female’s genital area that also consists of the skin that surrounds the vaginal opening (NHS, 2019). When there is insistent pain in the vulva, with no known cause, it is classified as vulvodynia (NHS, 2019). The main indicator of vulvodynia is persistent pain in the vulva, despite it looking normal. The pain has been described as (NHS,2019): Burning or stinging sensation Throbbing or soreness Pain activated by touch, penetration, difficulty using tampon Pain is constant, does not go away Pain worsens from sitting There are many more symptoms of this condition, and the pain is not always limited to the vulval area. It may spread over the entire genital area including the anus (NHS, 2019). Although the reasons for this condition are unknown, doctors believe potential causes may include (Mayo Clinic, 2021): Trauma and irritation of the nerves that surround the vulvar region Infections in the vagina Changes in hormones Weak pelvic muscles Muscle spasms in the pelvic floor region Connective Tissue Disorders Lower Back Nerve Trauma Suffering from this chronic condition can stall your sex life, negatively impact your relationships, and cause psychological issues (NHS, 2019). It is crucial to consult with a doctor to help treat your pain from vulvodynia. Some treatments a doctor might recommend include vaginal dilators and lubricants. Vaginismus When the muscles in the vagina spasm and contract involuntarily from any penetration occurring in the vagina (tampon, penis, sex toys, etc.), this is classified as vaginismus (WebMD, 2012). This may cause tears which can make the vagina prone to infection. This may result in a woman fearing and dismissing the notion of sexual experiences (WebMD, 2012). Another reason is a hypertonic pelvic floor which can be treated by a pelvic floor physical therapist. It is vital to consult with a medical professional to properly diagnose your condition because the symptoms associated with vaginismus rarely subside without treatment. Although the cause of vaginismus is unknown, doctors believe that it is associated with psychological factors which include fear and anxiety towards the concept of sexual experiences (WebMD, 2012). Potential causes may result from traumas, such as sexual assault. Some treatments often include using vaginal dilators, lubricants, and counseling (Web MD, 2012). Hormone changes Did you know that hormonal changes may cause pain from engaging in sex? Decreased estrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness and the thinning of vaginal tissues (North American Menopause Society, 2020). Both of these contribute to discomfort and increasing pain associated with sexual experiences. Declining estrogen is the main indicator for pain during intercourse in a woman’s midlife and onwards (WebMD, 2020). When estrogen levels drop, this decreases the natural lubrication that coats the vagina during intercourse and increases the friction the vagina is exposed to (North American Menopause Society, 2020). This causes the vagina to become dry and tight making sexual intercourse unbearable (North American Menopause Society, 2020). Menopause causes inflexibility of vaginal tissue which contributes to vaginal tightness (WebMD, 2020). After having sex, burning, inflammation, and soreness in the vagina may occur (North American Menopause Society, 2020). Some tears may result in the tissues during intercourse, causing even more pain (North American Menopause Society, 2020). Talk to your doctor about possible treatment plans. A doctor will likely recommend low-dose estrogen pills, vaginal dilators, and lubricants in the treatment plan (WebMD, 2020). Vaginal infections In many instances, the reason for decreased sexual health is a vaginal infection (vaginitis). Examples of infection include (WebMD, 2020): Bacterial vaginosis Urinary tract infection (UTIs) Genital herpes Yeast infections Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) Some symptoms experienced from these infections are (WebMD, 2020): Itching, irritation Burning, soreness Inflammation Abnormal discharge (cottage cheese) and odor Painful sex It is crucial to get tested by a doctor to diagnose any vaginitis conditions you may have. If your infection is left untreated, it may cause sufficient damage to the reproductive organs, and worse pain, symptoms, and conditions. Symptoms are not always present when you have one of the above infections so you must demand a test sometimes from your doctor. Bartholin's cyst On each side of the vaginal opening, there are pea-sized glands known as Bartholin’s glands (WebMD, 2020) These glands are responsible for naturally lubricating the vagina for sex. Fluid travels through ducts to the vagina. However, if the ducts become blocked, this forms a swelling fluid-filled sac, a Bartholin cyst (WebMD, 2020). These cysts have the potential to grow and become noticeable as well as cause intense discomfort (NHS, 2020). Even walking, sitting, or having sex may cause pain in the vagina. Generally, sexually active women in their 20s and 30s are affected by Bartholin cysts (NHS, 2020). The cyst may become infected, causing a sore vagina, and additional symptoms and pain. It is important to go to an OB-GYN if you have a lump in your vagina. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) A possible reason for your vagina hurting after sex may be due to a sexually transmitted infection. According to John Hopkins Medicine, approximately 20 million cases of STIs occur in the United States every year (John Hopkins Medicine, 2021). Chlamydia, genital herpes, and gonorrhea are common STIs that are known to cause pain and vaginal irritation during sex (John Hopkins Medicine, 2021). Common symptoms of STIs include (John Hopkins Medicine, 2021): Abnormal vaginal discharge Abnormal odor in the vagina and vaginal discharge Pain in the lower abdomen Rashes Burning/difficulty when urinating Painful blisters & open sores in the vagina Tingling and burning sensation in legs, buttocks, and genital area An STI can spread through sex and skin-to-skin contact, and it may cause changes to the vagina and painful sex (Embry Women’s Health, 2018). Visit your OB-GYN as soon as possible if you suffer from pain during sex that may indicate the presence of an STI. Allergic reaction to latex or lubricants Are you experiencing persistent and abnormal itching in your genital area? You may be having an allergic reaction to latex condoms or a lubricant you are using. It is estimated that 1-6 % of Americans have cases of allergies to latex (CDC, 2015). Symptoms of an allergic reaction in the vaginal area include (Healthline, 2019): Hives Inflammation and pain Swollen bumps on the skin Runny nose and congestion Watery eyes Itchy and scratchy throat Practitioners recommend switching to a water-based lubricant, birth control, or other alternatives to replace your latex condoms. Use a lubricant that works It is essential to find a lubricant that works for you. Medical professionals recommend water-based lubricants as they are higher in quality and you are less prone to an allergic reaction. Lubricants are integral to your sexual functioning, especially if you suffer from a dry vagina, which may occur from depleted estrogen levels, insufficient foreplay, medications, and psychological issues. A lubricant such as Slippery Stuff Gel moisturizes the vagina with its water-based, safe, and hygienic formula. Incorporate a lubricant in your sexual experience to make it as enjoyable and pain-free as possible. Stretch vaginal muscles with dilators A doctor often recommends vaginal dilators to stretch, strengthen, and relax the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles. These tube-shaped devices can increase the elasticity of the vaginal walls (MSK Cancer Center, 2021). By coming in different sizes, you can train the pelvic and vaginal muscles to be in your control again and alleviate your symptoms. The firmer the dilator is, the higher the quality and effectiveness. This is why dilators made of sturdy plastic, rather than soft silicone dilators, are more effective in treatment (MSK Cancer Center, 2020). VuVa Dilators are pictured below and made in the USA. The pelvic muscles lengthen and stretch around the dilators, increasing their flexibility, and decreasing the involuntary muscle spasms and constrictions (MSK Cancer Center, 2020). From this method of treatment, the hypersensitivity that is present in the vagina is reduced, which is integral in making your sexual experiences enjoyable. One example of a vaginal dilator that is recommended by physicians is the VuVa Magnetic Neodymium Magnetic Vaginal dilators, which incorporate Neodymium magnets. These magnets help counteract disease and acidity by bringing fresh oxygenated blood to the vaginal region. Try ice to ease the pain Do you feel burning in your vagina after sex? Is it sore and are you having vaginal pain? An effective treatment to relieve your vaginal pain and symptoms after sex is to put an ice pack on your vagina (WebMD, 2021). Place the ice pack for no more than 5-10 minutes at a time (Healthline, 2019). Keep your underwear on or place a washcloth between your vagina and the icepack. Do not place the icepack directly on the vulva, nor should you insert the icepack into your vagina (Healthline, 2019). It is always best to consult a medical practitioner when you are experiencing pain that lasts for more than a couple of hours. 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 References: Burcham, C. (2021, July 1). Here’s 7 Reasons Why You Might Be in Pain, After Sex. Women’s Health. https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/health/sexual-health/a29317722/sore-vagina-after-sex/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, July 22). Alert on Work-Related Latex Allergy Recommends Steps to Reduce Exposures | NIOSH | CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/latexpr.html Embry Women’s Health. (2018, October 31). Top 5 Common Causes of Painful Sex for Women. https://embrywomenshealth.com/top-5-common-causes-of-painful-sex-for-women/ Mayo Clinic. (2020a, July 23). Vulvodynia - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/vulvodynia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353423 Mayo Clinic. (2020b, February 7). Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/symptoms-causes/syc-20375967 Mayo Clinic. (2020c, October 14). Menopause - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397 MSK Cancer Center. (2021, February 23). How to Use a Vaginal Dilator. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/how-use-vaginal-dilator NHS. (2020, August 17). Vaginal dryness. NHS UK. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/ NHS website. (2020a, August 10). Bartholin’s cyst. Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bartholins-cyst/ NHS website. (2020b, August 17). Vulvodynia (vulval pain). Nhs.Uk. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vulvodynia/ North American Menopause Society. (2020). Vaginal Discomfort, Sexual Side Effects of Menopause. The North American Menopause Society. https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/causes-of-sexual-problems/vaginal-discomfort Osborn, C. O. (2019, March 8). Am I Allergic to Condoms? Symptoms and Treatment. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/allergic-to-condom Peninsula Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. (2020, July 22). PELVIC PAIN, PAINFUL SEX? TIGHT PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES EXPLAINED. https://ppfp.com.au/pelvic-pain-painful-sex-tight-pelvic-floor-muscles-explained/ WebMD. (2017, March 30). What Can I Do About Vulvodynia? https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/what-can-i-do-about-vulvodynia WebMD. (2012, May 30). Vaginismus. https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/vaginismus-causes-symptoms-treatments#2-6 Women’s Health Concern. (2020, December 15). Vaginal dryness. https://www.womens-health-concern.org/help-and-advice/factsheets/vaginal-dryness/
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Say Goodbye to Painful Intercourse After Menopause
Are you experiencing painful sex after menopause? If so, it can take a severe toll on sexual health. The dryness and pain from vaginal atrophy cause vaginal pain and lowers your sex drive while impacting your relationships. There's no reason you have to glide into your golden years, leaving sexual pleasure behind. In this article, we'll explain the connection between menopause and painful sex and explore treatment options. Hormonal Changes Postmenopausal women know a lot about hormone changes. In the 4-5 years before menopause, hormone levels fluctuate wildly resulting in a variety of menopausal symptoms, including: (1) night sweats or hot flashes weight gain vaginal dryness hot flashes low sex drive vaginal discharge dyspareunia or painful sex changed vaginal capacity The biggest culprit for all these symptoms of menopause is low estrogen levels. Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone key for many bodily functions, including regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility. While it's normal for estrogen to fluctuate during a woman's menstrual cycle, sustained low levels thrust a woman into menopause. Gynecologists and doctors consider a woman entering menopause after she hasn't had her period for 12 months. Some women undergo hormone therapy by using a topical estrogen cream to balance levels. Low estrogen levels and painful intercourse Low estrogen levels reduce the amount of vaginal moisturizer produced. Without natural lubrication, penetration can be painful, possibly tearing the sensitive vaginal tissue. Also, a lack of estrogen may change the shape and size of the vagina. Hormones are critical messengers in the body, and any change has a physical and mental health result. A woman may find sex painful after menopause, but there could be a lack of real sexual desire. Since estrogen, in conjunction with another essential female sex hormone progesterone, regulate fertility, optimal levels naturally result in a desire to have sex. Without the necessary vaginal estrogens, many women may find that physically it's painful but also undesirable. See Product See Product See Product Dyspareunia and menopause Dyspareunia is the medical term for painful sex. According to the Harvard Medical School, dyspareunia is pain before, during, or after sex. The cause may be known or unknown, and the sexual dysfunction intermittent or ongoing. (2) It’s also not common for women to go for a long time without chronic pain, and then experience a painful flare-up. When the cause of dyspareunia is menopause, the good news is that it’s treatable. Ways to stay sexually healthy If you’ve stopped sex after menopause, you’re not alone. But that doesn’t mean you can’t resume healthy sexual activity. The following treatments are available for overcoming painful sex and menopause. (3) Vaginal lubricants Most of the time, sex hurts because of inadequate vaginal lubrication. The most obvious choice is to implement a high-quality lubricant. It's recommended that you choose a water-based lubricant to ensure your body doesn't react to the ingredients. Lubricants ease the pain with penetration, leading to pleasurable intimacy. Slippery Stuff Brand Lubricants are the number one choice of pelvic floor physical therapists for women with pelvic pain and atrophy. Vaginal moisturizers Vaginal moisturizers are different from lubricants in that you use them when not engaging in sexual activity. They are vaginal inserts that infuse moisture into the tender tissue of the vulva and vagina. You put them in your vaginal cavity two or three times a week before bedtime. Vaginal Estrogen therapy ERT adds back the missing hormone naturally. The most common supplement form is applying a topical estrogen cream or taking an estrogen tablet. Although there is some controversy about ERT due to some evidence suggesting it puts older women at a higher risk for blood clots, cancer, and other health conditions. However, a further scientific review showed that the slightly increased risk for postmenopause women depended on their age. For some, ERT provides more benefits than risks. (4) Before beginning estrogen therapy, speak to your health care professional. Engage in extended foreplay Without penetration, you may feel as if you're aren't engaging in sex. Perhaps, it's time to reconsider sexual intimacy. Foreplay can be equally exciting and ending in bliss for both people. Sometimes we rush to the climax when taking the time to enjoy each other makes all the difference. As you age, a long kiss may be just what you need. Or work your way up to sex by cuddling first. The possibilities for sexual foreplay are endless. Commit to regular sex When you don't have regular sex, especially after menopause, your vagina can change shape. It may become smaller, making penetration painful even if you're aroused. One way effective treatment is regular sex. While this may not seem logical, you'll start to see that your vaginal lining has gained elasticity, and you're able to handle longer and deeper thrusting. If you are not in a sexual relationship, vaginal dilating can help to keep things relaxed. Try vaginal dilators One proven treatment to cure dyspareunia or painful sex is to use vaginal dilators. Healthcare professionals have long prescribed pelvic floor physical therapy to help women with overcoming painful sex. Vaginal dilators resemble sex toys, but are medical therapy devices that naturally stretch and strengthen pelvic muscles inside the vagina and in the vulvar region, which includes the outside genitals. Vaginal dilators are sometimes called vaginal trainers because you're using them to "train" your vaginal tissue back into excellent shape. Vaginal physical therapy increases blood flow into the tissues to rejuvenate and soften until they're supple and robust. Like any kind of treatment, it may take weeks or months before your vagina is ready for pain-free penetration. One of the frequently asked questions about dilators is, do they work? In a clinical trial, all participants reported an 80% reduction in pain after using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilators improve sexual functioning with minor to no side effects. Each set comes in graduated sizes, making it easy to begin treatment at your comfort level in the privacy of your own home. Enjoyable sex after menopause is possible for every woman. You can overcome painful intercourse and have a healthy and satisfying sex life. The first step is to speak to your doctor to discover if vaginal dilators are right for you. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/menopause/sex-and-menopause-treatment-symptoms https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/painful-sexual-intercourse-dyspareunia-a-to-z https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/mn-vaginal-dryness.pdf https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/womens-health-initiative-reaffirms-use-short-term-hormone-replacement-therapy-younger-women#:~:text=The%20Women's%20Health%20Initiative%20studied,the%20trial%20of%20estrogen%2Dalone. 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 See Product See Product See Product
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Why does it hurt when I have sex? Causes and Treatments
Having a healthy sex life is essential for anyone. But when you're having pain during sex, it can take a toll on mental health and relationships. It's estimated that 31% of men and 43% of women have sexual dysfunction, showing the prevalence of sexual pain. (1) Despite how common painful sex can be, most people don't talk about why sex hurts. Or perhaps live each day wondering what is causing the pain during sex and struggling to find the right treatment. This article will provide answers as to why does it hurt when I have sex? Cause of painful intercourse The causes of pain during sex are different for each person. It could be because of a pelvic pain condition or a vaginal infection. Another possible reason is going through menopause or experiencing erectile dysfunction. In some cases, pain with intercourse comes from sexual abuse. Pelvic pain conditions Sex pain can happen when you have a pelvic pain condition. (2) Some common pelvic pain conditions include: Vulvodynia: It’s stinging or burning pelvic pain around the opening of the vagina. The throbbing pain can be ongoing or comes and goes for no apparent cause. A simple touch or pressure from sexual intercourse can cause unbearable vaginal muscle pain. Dyspareunia: It's a pain during sexual intercourse that can come from psychological or medical reasons. Painful sexual penetration can come from deep thrusting or even occur on the surface of the genitalia or pelvic floor. Pelvic radiation therapy: When you have radiation therapy to your pelvis, it can cause the shortening or narrowing of the vagina or vaginal stenosis. Pelvic radiation can result in scar tissue in the vagina, making sexual intercourse painful. Vaginismus: It's the involuntary contraction or spasm of the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal wall. The deep pain can occur from inserting a tampon, having sex, or even undergoing a gynecological exam. Vaginal atrophy: This condition is extreme dryness in the vagina. There are different reasons for vaginal dryness, ranging from having pelvic radiation therapy to experiencing menopause. Vaginal Agenesis: This uncommon condition (1 out of 5,000) is a congenital disability that causes the vagina not to form completely. (3) Some women have a shorter vagina or don't have one at all. Vaginal agenesis can make sex extremely painful during penetration or not even possible. Vaginal infections Vaginal infections can cause it to hurt during sex. The most common vaginal infection is a yeast infection. Vaginal yeast infections usually affect women the most between the age of 20-40 and come from antibiotics, poor hygiene, or tissue damage from radiation therapy. (4) Another common vaginal infection is a urinary tract infection (UTI). When you have a UTI, you may have a burning or stinging sensation, have a persistent urge to urinate, and cloudy urine. (5) Sexually transmitted diseases According to Planned Parenthood, sexually transmitted diseases (STD) are common and can occur from oral, vaginal, or anal sex. (6) Without treatment, STDs can cause other serious health concerns, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The most common sexually transmitted infections are the following: Chlamydia Genital warts Gonorrhea Herpes Hepatitis B Scabies Some sexually transmitted diseases may come with no symptoms, but some can cause burning or stinging pain during sex. Interstitial cystitis Interstitial cystitis is a chronic problem that causes ongoing bladder pain, bladder pressure, and at times pelvic pain and inflammation. It's more common for women to have this condition and can cause frequent urination and pain during sexual intercourse. (7) Ovarian cysts Ovarian cysts are pockets of pus on your ovaries that may cause a pressure or bloating on your lower abdomen. (8) Each month, a woman's body produces an egg that's released from the ovaries. As the egg is generated, it puts pressure on the cysts, leading to possible pain and discomfort. Treatments for painful intercourse Finding health solutions for why it hurts when you have sex, depends on whether the pain comes from a medical condition that requires medication or one that may benefit from physical therapy. Vaginal Dilators Vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers are tube-shaped devices that help stretch and lengthen the vagina and pelvic muscles naturally. It's a kind of physical therapy that occurs in the privacy of your own home at your speed. Many conditions benefit from using vaginal dilators to ease pain and discomfort so you can have a healthy sex life. When you work with vaginal dilators, you'll discover that vaginismus or vulvodynia disappears. If you have scar tissue from radiation therapy, VuVa™ Dilators break apart the painful tissue to transform sexual intercourse. Medications If the problem has to do with lubrication or vaginal atrophy from radiation therapy or menopause, there are treatments available. During menopause, women's hormones fluctuate wildly, and estrogen levels may plummet. Postmenopausal women may develop dyspareunia due to these low levels of estrogen. Estrogen is an essential female sex hormone responsible for helping to balance menstruation and fertility. Low levels cause vaginal dryness, insomnia, and mood swings (among other symptoms). While controversial, one standard treatment is estrogen hormone replacement therapy (ERT). You add back the missing estrogen to alleviate the symptoms. (9) Counseling or sex therapy In combination with vaginal dilators or medication, you may also benefit from counseling. If your response to sex is harmful and triggers an emotional and physical response that makes the experience painful, sex therapy may help you. Experiencing pain during intercourse causes men and women to feel alone and ashamed. There’s no reason to suffer. Vaginal dilators and therapy have helped thousands of people have the sex lives they deserve. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11122954/ Webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-pelvic-pain-causes Urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/v/vaginal-abnormalities-vaginal-agenesis Merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/vaginal-infections-and-pelvic-inflammatory-disease/overview-of-vaginal-infections Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447 Plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/interstitial-cystitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354357 Womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/ovarian-cysts Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/painful-intercourse/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375973 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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Worried About Whether Vulvodynia is Contagious? Will I pass it to someone else?
When you first experience the burning, uncomfortable pain of vulvodynia, your mind is likely to start reeling with questions. Naturally you’ll want to get rid of that pain as soon as possible, and when you don’t know much about this difficult condition, you could be forgiven for wondering about whether vulvodynia is contagious or not. At Vuvatech we are all about putting your mind at ease, as well as helping you to find solutions for vulvodynia. We don’t stop there though; our expertise extends to many other gynecological problems that women experience every day. So if you are concerned about the possibility of catching vulvodynia, please read on… Is vulvodynia contagious or not? In a world where there are so many contagious conditions, it pays to be alert and aware of what you might contract. Having said that, obsessing about these things isn’t very healthy… but when you are experiencing unusual symptoms in your body, it’s sensible to try to understand them. So, can vulvodynia be passed on? It’s an interesting question, and definitely worth considering. Actually, the answer is no - it can’t. Vulvodynia is not contagious. You can rest assured that you won’t be able to catch vulvodynia from anybody else. Likewise, if you already have vulvodynia, you don’t need to worry about whether you can pass vulvodynia to another woman. If vulvodynia is not contagious, how do you get it? Now that you know it’s not possible to contract vulvodynia, you might be wondering how you get it (or got it). There is no straight answer to this one unfortunately, but we can give you some insight into the most probable cause. We can confirm that vulvodynia is thought to be a neurological condition that develops from within – in the brain, to be precise. Although nothing is definitively confirmed to date, researchers think that nerve damage is the most likely cause of vulvodynia. However, there is still a lot of speculation on the causes of vulvodynia. It has even been theorized that vulvodynia could be a diabetic neuropathic syndrome. That doesn’t mean that you’ll definitely get vulvodynia if you’re diabetic; nor does it mean you have to be diabetic to develop vulvodynia. It just lends more credibility to the theory that vulvodynia is a neurological problem, since diabetics frequently suffer from those. Can you get rid of vulvodynia at all? Finally, you’ll probably be wondering whether vulvodynia pain is going to stick around or not. Rather than try to explain it in a couple of paragraphs, we’ll direct you to our other article on the topic: Can Vulvodynia Pain Go Away on its Own? If you’ve already been worrying about whether vulvodynia is contagious, we don’t want you to add more weight to your load with major concerns about longevity. Stress and anxiety can worsen the problem, so staying calm and being solutions orientated will help you a lot. With a condition such as vulvodynia it’s important to take one day at a time, and one step at a time. It’s highly likely that there will be a combination of vulvodynia treatments that can bring you good results, so it may be just a matter of finding them. That’s what we’re here for… so do take a look around the site! 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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Will I Feel Pain Using Dilators?
Vaginal dilators are a godsend for women who suffer from gynecological issues of all kinds. Women commonly use them to help with cancer recovery, sexual disorders, vaginal tightness and even serious birth defects. Vaginal dilators (otherwise known as vaginal expanders) can help women to become accustomed to penetration (whether for sexual or medical reasons), as well as to return the vagina to a normal shape and size if necessary. We are often asked the question “are dilators painful?” so it seems that many women expect to feel pain using dilators. We want them to know that this isn’t the case, as if they’re expecting it, they may think it’s normal. Vaginal dilators stretch out the birth canal and restore normal function to your vagina. That may sound as if it could cause pain, but the truth is that using dilators shouldn’t be painful; if it hurts, something isn’t right. This article aims to help you understand what it should feel like to use dilators, and what to do if you’re feeling pain. Reasons you may feel pain using dilators If you’re feeling pain using dilators, it could be because of a gynecological disorder such as: Vaginismus Women with vaginismus feel pain through any kind of penetration, since the vaginal muscles constrict and spasm whenever penetration is attempted. However, this is a reason for using vaginal expanders, counterintuitive as that may sound. As the woman has control over this penetration, dilators can help to prepare her mentally and physically for sex, tampon use or examinations. However, at first use of dilators it may feel a little painful as she has to get past the initial fear causing the muscles to constrict. Over time, vaginal expanders can release tension in the pelvic floor in a safe and gentle way, making the prospect of penetration easier to accept and less painful. Vulvodynia If you have the painful condition called vulvodynia, you may experience some pain using dilators as vulvodynia can make it difficult to touch the vagina at all. Vulvodynia sufferers may feel burning or stinging pain in the vulva region, or a feeling of tenderness or rawness. If it hurts to touch the vaginal opening, initially you may feel some pain using dilators. However, when used to them women recover much more quickly. In a clinical trial conducted by Physician Care Clinical Research, 80% of participants said their vaginal pain had significantly lessened after dilation therapy. All participants reported decreased anxiety linked to the condition, plus noteworthy improvements in their sexual health. Neodymium dilators tend to help vulvodynia the most, as they increase blood flow to the area. How should it feel to use a vaginal dilator? If you feel that your vagina is too tight and want to try using vaginal dilators, know that they should simply feel snug after insertion. If you do feel pain using dilators, you should stop immediately and make sure that you are following the proper insertion techniques (as recommended in our link above). If you find that you are inserting them correctly, check whether you’re using one that’s too large. You can get dilators in various sizes, and the idea is that you start out with the smallest one and when that feels OK, you can move up to the next. You should feel some pressure when the dilator is inside you, and that’s an indication that you’re using the right size. Pain, on the other hand, may mean you need to reduce the size for the time being. Lastly, if you find that you bleed a little after using a dilator, don’t panic. Although pain using dilators in not usually a great sign, light bleeding can be normal when you first start out, since the birth canal is not yet used to it. If you’ve had cancer treatment, it may be even more likely; but once the vagina starts to stretch, it should stop. Spotting or light bleeding during or after first time use is not usually cause for alarm, but if it continues or the bleeding is heavy, you should stop and see a healthcare professional. 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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Words of Wisdom - Tara Langdale Schmidt Founder of VuVa Vaginal Dilators
January 31, 2020 by Tara Langdale Schmidt Brilliance Wisdom is only valuable to the minds that will accept it and make room to store it for future use. You can share wisdom with anyone, but if they do not have a thirsty mind or enough drive to strive for greatness, it might not sink in. This is okay, share your wisdom with everyone you can, I promise you are helping change lives. You must share your ideas with everyone you can. Finding creative ways to interject your ideas and desires into conversations that are irrelevant to your passions is an entertaining challenge. You never know who can help you, or who you can help. This world functions on humans helping each other so continually spread your word. Do not focus on monetary rewards. Show your true worth before you demand a paycheck and money will naturally flow your direction. Time and effort are worth far more than promises. Work with people who make you feel comfortable and have your main objectives in mind. People will try to steer you off course, keep your feet firmly planted in your desired direction and keep reminding yourself of your goals. Surround yourself with positive thinkers and people who inspire and share their wisdom with you in a creative environment with the common goal of progress in mind. Instinct is one of the most amazing gifts we have as humans. Yes it can sometimes be off, but more times it is correct than wrong. Keep an open mind and use your instincts to guide you down a path you choose to achieve your goals. Whatever your dream may be, this is your story. Don’t let anyone else write it for you. It might take a while to write, and that is okay. Be kind, be fair and generous and stay alert. These are my words of wisdom. Cherish life and don’t ever let anyone tell you it can’t be done. Tara Langdale Schmidt I am the 31 year old inventor of the VuVa magnetic vaginal dilator set for women who experince pelvic pain. I suffered with Vulvodynia for 4 years. After countless hours of searching for treatments, I found vaginal dilators a successful treatment for pelvic pain. From my previous positive experience using magnets to reduce back and neck nerve pain after a car accident, I had the idea to incorporate neodymium magnets into a dilator set for pelvic pain. Due to her reduction in pain and positive feedback from doctors, Tara created VuVatech, a company dedicated to helping women with pelvic pain. I am from Ferndale, WA but relocated to Sarasota, FL 15 years ago with my family to enjoy the sunshine. For more information, please visit vuvatech.com Original post from InspireMeToday.com Recent Releases VuVa Magnetic Vaginal Dilators are a new, nonsurgical approach to helping millions of women suffering from multiple pelvic pain conditions and sexual discomfort. With more than 6 million women suffering from vulvodynia in the United States alone, women are looking for safe and effective treatments. In a double-blind, placebo clinical trial, VuVa was shown to reduce 80% of subjects' vulvar pain with magnetic dilators. VuVa Magnetic Dilator therapy can also be incorporated into treatment plans for other conditions, such as vaginismus, vulvar vestibulitis, dyspareunia, menopause, vaginal stenosis, vaginal atrophy, and vaginal dryness. Many women suffering from these pelvic pain conditions have been placed on heavy pain medications, anti-depressants, or have been advised to have invasive surgeries with low success rates. VuVa Dilators offer a low-cost, safe, noninvasive treatment option to renew the sexual desire and comfort these women deserve. VuVa Dilators are made in the United States.
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Why is my vagina sore after sex? Vulvar Vestibulitis could be the problem…
Vulvar vestibulitis (also known as provoked vestibulodynia) is the most common reason for superficial pain in the vaginal opening (the vestibule) when penetration is attempted. Sexual intercourse can be painful, as can inserting tampons or gynecological examinations. You may have a sore vagina after sex too. The reason for the name ‘provoked vestibulodynia’ is that the pain signals are set off when pressure is felt in the vestibule. Usually pain is felt on entry, but subsides when there is no movement. As soon as movement resumes, more pain is felt. Vulvar vestibulitis is a chronic pain syndrome, meaning that the pain usually doesn’t go away of its own accord and can continue to be a problem for many years if treatment is not undertaken. Women with vulvar vestibulitis commonly have other types of chronic pain too, such as pain in the jaw or IBS. If you have either of these as well as pain in your vagina, it may be indicative of vulvar vestibulitis. Why is my vagina sore after sex? If you have vulvar vestibulitis you are likely to feel burning sensations in the area of the vaginal opening after intercourse. You may also experience the same kind of pain when urinating. It is thought that candida infections (thrush) can worsen the issue, or make it more likely to develop in the first place. It is generally accepted that the most likely cause of vulvar vestibulitis is the brain overreacting to signals from the nerves in the vaginal opening and interpreting them as pain. The result is what would usually be only mild sensations being translated as pain. In some cases the pelvic floor muscles can be excessively tight, which results in worse pain. How do I know if I have vulvar vestibulitis? Usually if you are experiencing pain in the vagina after sex, your Doctor will conduct some cotton swab tests to understand the location of the pain, and to assess the level of pain you feel when pressure is applied. They will lightly touch areas of the vagina with the swab and ask you questions about the sensations you feel. From here it is quite easy to diagnose vulvar vestibulitis. Your Doctor may want to test for candida infection to see if this is making the problem worse. What can I do about vulvar vestibulitis? There are lots of options for treating vulvar vestibulitis. Here are some of the most common: Stress management techniques Psychological therapies (counseling, mindfulness based cognitive therapy) Pelvic floor physical therapy (in the case of tight pelvic floor muscles) Pelvic floor stretches and yoga Anti-inflammatory or anesthetic creams Avoiding irritants (changing soaps and moisturizers to chemical free, gentle varieties) Treatment for yeast infections (e.g. boric acid capsules, thrush creams) Vaginal dilators (to help you become accustomed to penetration on your terms) In worse case scenarios your Doctor may recommend surgery to the vaginal opening. This is only recommended when all other treatments have failed. It involves removing the part of the vaginal opening including the nerve endings that are sending pain signals to the brain. However, sometimes the nerves can regrow and the problem can come back, so it is not always successful and should be treated as a last resort. If your vagina is sore after sex, it is a good idea to speak to your Doctor about testing for vulvar vestibulitis. Since the problem isn’t likely to go away on its own, you can try out some different treatments to find out what works best for you. With patience and perseverance you are likely to regain a normal sex life eventually. 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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Why Does Sex Hurt After a Baby and What Can You Do?
There are many things pregnant women anticipate as being problematic after childbirth. Sleepless nights, hormonal fluctuations and major changes to physique are the usual. However, there is one potential issue that is commonly overlooked: painful sex (dyspareunia). Does sex hurt after a baby? Unfortunately it often does… in fact it’s pretty common. Of course painful sex after childbirth isn’t guaranteed, but statistics from a study of 1000 women showed that it happens to 85% of women the first time they have sex, and 45% are still battling with it 3 months later. 23% may still have dyspareunia 18 months later. Let’s take a look at the reasons sex can hurt after childbirth and what you can do to overcome this problem… Why does sex hurt after a baby? Below are the most common causes of painful sex after a baby: Trauma to the perineum or pelvic floor It’s common knowledge that a large number of women end up with tearing when they give birth naturally. Some women are given episiotomies, although there is mounting evidence that these are unhelpful. Tears to the perineum tend to heal naturally, but some women find that this is one of the main reasons sex hurts after childbirth. Depending on how bad the tear is you may experience dyspareunia later. For example, if you suffer with tears that reach the anus area, it could mean that you’ll have painful sex even a year later. Your pelvic floor muscles can also be traumatized by childbirth. This is true even if you have a Caesarian section, since this muscle group is intrinsically connected. A weakened or injured pelvic floor is a common cause of painful sex after childbirth. Fluctuating hormones and exhaustion Hormones go crazy after a baby, as many partners will attest to! Postpartum hormonal changes can play havoc with women’s bodies and emotions in equal measures. Not fun! On a physical level, moms who are breastfeeding may find that estrogen levels in the vagina decline, which results in thinner tissues, as well as less lubrication and libido. None of those factors make for the greatest sex; on the contrary, they can actually make the experience painful. Breastfeeding a baby is great for its development, so this may just be something you’ll need to ride out. Besides, stopping breastfeeding doesn’t necessarily make any difference as you’re still producing milk. All being well, if this is the reason sex hurts after a baby, you should return to normal within 6 months. Let’s not forget that physical exhaustion can have similar effects on your libido. Who would feel like sex when they’re suffering from constantly interrupted sleep and full time focus on a tiny human? No libido equals no lubrication, and no lubrication can lead to dyspareunia. What to do when sex hurts after childbirth Most importantly, don’t just ignore the problem. You may be suffering unnecessarily, and the same could apply to your partner. First things first, you’ll need to check in with your OB/GYN to make sure there are no serious medical problems behind your dyspareunia. If there is an infection present you may need to seek treatment for this before things can return to normal. If you’re struggling with vaginal dryness, try a personal lubricant or moisturizer and see if that makes any difference. Otherwise you may find relief with an estrogen cream from your Doctor. It’s also worth having an honest and open chat with your partner about how you feel, as well as what it working and not working for you. Maybe a little extra support, romance or TLC will make all the difference. Painful sex after a baby could mean you need to check in with a pelvic floor physical therapist. Your pelvic floor muscles may be weakened, or you may have sensitive perineal scarring. A good PFPT will be able to identify where the issue originates. This is the case whether you gave birth naturally or had a C-section. What can you expect from your first visit? Your therapist will use a range of techniques to help you deal with your dyspareunia, as well as giving you exercises to do at home. Vaginal dilators could be a part of this protocol. Finally, don’t worry too much – anxiety tends to make things worse. Sex may hurt after a baby but it’s unlikely to be a permanent problem and with a little assistance and/or persistence, you should see improvements over 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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Why Don’t ALL Doctors Tell Women About Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Pelvic floor issues are becoming increasingly common in modern times. According to a national survey, nearly a quarter of American women have a pelvic floor disorder these days, so you would think that Doctors would be quick to mention pelvic floor therapy… however, it doesn’t seem to be the case. As a result many women suffer in silence or feel that they’ve hit a brick wall when it comes to finding out how to treat their issues. The pelvic floor consists of a network of muscles, ligaments, nerves and connective tissues. In women, this crucial network supports the bladder, womb, vagina and rectum and ensures proper function of all. When things go wrong, a woman can suffer from issues such as incontinence and vaginal prolapse. These are worst-case scenarios that can be triggered by childbirth and other traumas in this area. However, the pelvic floor can become dysfunctional through stress, over-exercising, or not exercising at all, resulting in pelvic floor muscle tightness or weakened muscles. Below we will look into the reasons why Doctors don’t tell women about pelvic floor therapy as often as they should: Why Doctors don’t tell women about pelvic floor therapy There are a few reasons for this. Some healthcare professionals aren’t quite up to speed with the statistics that are available on the prevalence of this problem. This is exacerbated by the fact that women don’t always report some of the symptoms because they’re shy or embarrassed, so recorded statistics may not be as high as they should be. Some Doctors are under the impression that women don’t often get pelvic floor disorders, and because those can be pretty minor at times, they may not be given as much attention as they deserve. The issue isn’t always vocalized even when Doctors are aware of it, perhaps because they are inclined to avoid putting ideas in women’s heads and causing worry about something that may not be at the root of their problems at all. There is one bigger reason that Doctors don’t always tell women about pelvic floor therapy though: despite the importance of this muscle group, many Doctors (and even gynecology experts) don’t fully understand how it works. Even obstetrics and gynecology professors have been known to admit that the physiology is considered as complex as the human brain, heart or gut. The main difference is that the latter body parts function involuntarily. Many of these experts consider this part of the body to be mysterious and are aware that there is a lot more anatomical knowledge yet to be uncovered. The reasons for avoidance get increasingly complex For one thing, as the pelvic floor system is buried beneath the pelvis, it is not possible to access the area. Add to this the fact that it is intertwined with connective tissues and nerves, and GPs may have a bit of a puzzle on their hands. With this and the above problems in mind, it’s not hard to work out why Doctors might prefer to avoid the topic of pelvic floor physical therapy. What’s more, historically more attention was given to issues within the male anatomy, and female anatomy was viewed as a kind of variation of this. This may not be how things are these days, but in some areas of study there is clearly still a bit of a delay in catching up. This seems to be the case when it comes to the pelvic floor. Finally, due to the lack of public discussion on women’s pelvic floor issues, funding hasn’t been prioritized for research into this area. It would also take more effort to get Congress to grant such a thing when there are many more pressing medical issues (perception-wise, at least) to resolve. Having said all of this, the tides may be turning, albeit gradually. There are now plenty of specialists in pelvic floor therapy waiting to help. Therefore, if you suspect you may have some pelvic floor muscle problems, you can ask your Doctor to refer you to one, and you’ll be much more likely to get a definitive answer as to what your problem is. We have written several articles on the pelvic floor and pelvic floor physical therapy, so you’ll simply need to search ‘pelvic floor’ via our search bar and you’ll find a wealth of informative articles. 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.
