Care
Vulvar Pain: How Do You Diagnose Vulvodynia?
Vulvodynia is the vulvar pain condition characterized by feelings of chronic pain and discomfort in the vulvar, introitus or hymenal areas. Pain can manifest mildly or severely and it can vary in intensity at different times. To diagnose vulvodynia it is necessary to move through a process of different assessments and tests. The condition is notoriously difficult to diagnose, so some patience may be required. Many vulvodynia sufferers experience tenderness after any degree of pressure, even from something as gentle as a cotton swab. Understandably, pressure from activities like exercise or sexual intercourse are likely to aggravate the condition considerably. If you wish to diagnose vulvodynia, you will need to be prepared for an examination of your personal history be sure that your pain is not rooted in any potential infectious or dermatologic causes. How your practitioner will diagnose vulvodynia When your healthcare practitioner is trying to diagnose vulvodynia, they will assess your medical history carefully, as well as your sexual and surgical history. Once all other pain-causing abnormalities are ruled out, it may be possible to pinpoint nerve damage or misinterpretations of pressure by the nervous system, which are the most probable causes of vulvodynia. They are likely to look at aspects such as: Pain characteristics Related bowel, bladder, and sexual issues Blood results to determine hormone levels (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) At an appointment to diagnose vulvodynia, you will be asked to take part in a cotton swab test. This involves exertion of light pressure via indention of around 5mm with a swab, which is likely to cause some degree of pain if you do have vulvodynia. This pressure will be applied to various areas of your vulva, while your pain response is measured through your verbal feedback. Your practitioner may ask you to rate the pain sensations on a scale. Vulvodynia sufferers are likely to experience the most sensitivity in the following areas: The posterior introitus The posterior hymenal remnants It is possible for you to feel spontaneous pain even without pressure from a swab. It is also likely that you will experience sensitivity in any or all of these areas if you have provoked vulvodynia. Other things to note about diagnosing vulvodynia To diagnose vulvodynia your Doctor may also perform a pelvic exam, which consists of visually examining your external genital region to pinpoint symptoms and causes. Although there may not be visible signs, a cell sample may be taken to rule out infections. Similarly, if your healthcare provider finds any cause for concern in the form of unusual skin appearance, they may wish take a tissue sample for lab analysis. At the very least they are likely to carefully examine the area with a magnifying device. Redness and rashes in the vulvar area generally do not indicate vulvodynia, although it is possible that such symptoms could also be present. In this instance, a biopsy may be necessary. First and foremost, diagnosing vulvodynia is a process of elimination. It may not be possible to diagnose vulvodynia instantly, so it helps to accept that you may need to attend follow up appointments or wait a while for test results to come back. However, with patience and persistence you should be able to diagnose vulvodynia - if it really is the cause of your pain. If so, know that there are many vulvodynia treatments available to you, but finding the right ones for you could also be a process of trial and error. We wish you the best of luck in getting your diagnosis! 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 Using Dilators is Important After Gender Confirmation Surgery
Today, more people than ever are unhappy with their gender and choose to opt for gender confirmation surgery. Although this is not a decision to be taken lightly, it’s becoming increasingly common. You might also have heard gender confirmation surgery referred to as sex reassignment surgery or genital reassignment surgery; when a man changes to female gender (MtF), the operation is called vaginoplasty. As you might imagine, vaginoplasty is an incredibly complex operation that requires a great deal of aftercare to ensure long-term success. Anyone who is considering gender confirmation surgery should be aware of the aftercare implications, and we’re here to help with that. One of the most important aspects is the use of vaginal dilators, which we’ll also cover in this article. Post-operative care for gender confirmation surgery After MtF gender confirmation surgery (vaginoplasty), each person takes a variable amount of time to recover. It is normal to experience some soreness and swelling, and believe it or not, a ‘neo vagina’ is also susceptible to yeast infections and urinary tract infections… so consistent care is needed to prevent these. After gender confirmation surgery, it is normal for either gauze packing or a stenting device to be placed inside the neo vagina, to be kept in place for up to a week afterward. After this is removed, it is time to start using vaginal dilators. Vaginal dilation is incredibly important after vaginoplasty, but different surgeons will recommend different protocols. Below we’ll offer a common guideline for transgender dilation. Why are dilators important after gender confirmation surgery? Post gender confirmation surgery, your body is likely to register your vagina as a wound, and therefore try to heal it. This would result in some shrinkage at the very least – if not total closure and/or development of scar tissue. For this reason, transgender dilation therapy is crucial; it can prevent all of these possibilities from happening. You will want to maintain the depth and width of your new vagina, so your surgeon is likely to recommend using dilators a few days after surgery is complete. From this point, you will need to keep using the vaginal dilators ongoing - but less often as time goes on, of course. Guidelines for using a dilator after vaginoplasty Your surgeon should have the final say on this, so do check with them before starting dilation therapy. Also ensure that you are using the right sized dilators, according to your surgeon’s recommendation. Clean your dilator with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry it (the same goes after each use!) Use a water-based lubricant to coat the dilator before insertion Gently insert your dilator at a 45 degree angle; when it is under the pubic bone, continue insertion in a straight direction Once you have inserted it fully and are experiencing some resistance, leave the dilator in place for ten minutes Dilate three times each day for a period of three months, as soon as the gauze has been removed After three months, stat using a larger dilator for a further three months At between three and six months, use the dilator once per day for ten minutes After six months, use it two or three times per week for ten minutes After nine months, use it once or twice per week Note that if your neo vagina seems tight at any point, you can increase the frequency of dilation. It’s also important to stop dilator therapy if you are experiencing excessive resistance, pain or tenderness – a little is normal, a lot is not. A final word on genital reassignment surgery We thought you might be interested in this helpful tip for resuming sexual intercourse: you may find the Ohnut ring useful, since this intimate wearable helps your partner to control the depth of penetration. Using an Ohnut ring means you’re less likely to feel any pain, and your partner will barely notice it. The bottom line is that gender confirmation surgery requires regular self-care, so you’ll need to be disciplined with your dilator use. VuvaTech stock a range of vaginal dilators and we’re always happy to help, so feel free to ask if you have any questions! 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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Pain Down Below: 4 Less-Known Causes and Treatments for Pelvic Pain
Pain down below is something that most women will endure at some point over the course of their lifetime. Perhaps you’re one of the women who are wondering, is it normal to have pain down there? We would have to say that although common, pains in the pelvic area and backside should not be considered ‘normal’. They indicate an underlying issue to be resolved, and sometimes ignoring pelvic pain can lead to more tenacious problems later. Pain in the nether regions is often worrying, and the cause may not always be easy to pinpoint. So, if you are feeling pain in the pelvis, rectum or buttocks, what should you do? This article will answer the important questions some of the less-known causes of pelvic pain. We have written much on vaginal pain conditions, which you can research through our article library. For pain in the nether regions that you can’t quite pinpoint, we are happy to give you some insights into possible reasons for that pain down below and what you can do about it. How do you get rid of pain down below? This depends on the underlying reason for pain in your pelvic area. First it would be prudent to establish a few details, such as: what is the location of your pelvic pain? If you see a healthcare provider, they will first want to establish exactly where your pain is coming from. With issues like pelvic nerve pain, your issue could be radiating pain outwards, making it more difficult for you to pinpoint. It is always a good idea to see your physician, because they may need to refer you to a pelvic pain specialist. Read on for insights into some of the less-known causes of pelvic pain in women. Perhaps one of these surprising complications is causing your pain down below… What causes pelvic pain in females? Below are some reasons for pain down below that you might not have heard of. Still, some of them are actually quite common. Proctalgia Characterized by shooting pains up the bottom and lower abdomen, proctalgia fugax is classified as anal pain with no specific cause. Proctalgia pain comes from intense muscle spasms in or around the anal canal, and it can be pretty severe. It can happen to anyone, but usually not before they start puberty. Proctalgia is more common in women than men, as published in a review done in 2017. You may experience severe pain down below if the pelvic floor muscles, anal sphincter or rectum begin to spasm. It can cause a stabbing pain, which some report as “feeling like a knife is sticking into my rectum”. Often the pain comes on strong without warning, but duration may vary. How do you get rid of proctalgia pain? When pain down below doesn’t have a known cause, it’s often a case of management. Treatment of proctalgia fugax includes: Deep breathing and other forms of relaxation Pain medication Warm baths Sitz baths Prescription ointments (such as glyceryl trinitrate or topical diltiazem) Proctalgia shouldn’t be mistaken for anal fissures, which also cause sharp pains in the rectum. These are due to tears in the rectum when defecating and will only be experienced when going to the toilet. It’s likely that fissures will lead to bleeding (fresh, bright red blood). Pudendal neuralgia Can you have nerve pain in your pelvic area? You certainly can, and like most kinds of nerve pain, it is sudden, sharp and anxiety-inducing… but what causes nerve pain down below? One of the most common causes of pelvic nerve pain is pudendal neuralgia. In women, reasons for pudendal nerve entrapment might be: Surgical injury Scar tissue from surgery Pelvic trauma Childbirth Pelvic or perineal injury or trauma Straining due to constipation Poor posture Too much exercise (e.g. cycling or horse riding) Stress Viral infection Immunologic processes How do you know if you have pudendal neuralgia? Your pudendal nerve starts at your lower back, runs along your pelvic floor muscles and terminates in your perineum. Pain in these areas (and when you’re having sex) may indicate pudendal neuralgia. This nerve can get entrapped when pelvic floor muscles spasm - specifically the levator ani or obturator internus muscles. It can also occur due to pressure from the surrounding sacrospinous or sacrotuberous ligaments. If you have pudendal neuralgia, you most likely have muscle spasm and muscle shortening throughout your pelvic girdle. How do you treat pudendal neuralgia? Women often reach out to an osteopath for this type of pain down below. Physician and pudendal nerve expert Dr Gilles Mondoloni says that osteopaths are able to relax many muscles of the pelvis and perineum that can trap the pudendal nerve. They may free trapped joints of the lower back, sacrum and the hinge between the sacrum and coccyx. They knead the tissues surrounding the pudendal nerve to encourage flexibility and less adherence to the nerve. An osteopath will release muscle spasms and correct imbalances and tissue restriction. They typically use techniques such as palpation and manual manipulation to stretch and lengthen affected muscles, and to correct posture and range of motion. They will determine the strength of your pelvis, back, and hips, and give you exercises, stretches, and helpful information on the subject. They may use myofascial release techniques, trigger point therapy and encourage mobilization of the connective tissues. Pelvic floor physical therapists use similar strategies, so you may wish to consult yours if you have one. Pain in the pelvic floor Chronically tight muscles are called ‘hypertonic’, and various muscles can be affected. The pelvic floor is trickier to deal with as you can’t easily reach it, or pinpoint where pain is coming from in this area. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that resembles a hammock. It connects the lower part of the pelvis and sacrum, and in women supports the bladder, rectum and womb too. It wraps around the vagina, urethra and rectum, and when it constricts, it can lead to pain and various forms of dysfunction. Pain down below due to a hypertonic pelvic floor often looks like this: Pelvic Muscle spasms and contractions Urinary urgency, pain when urinating or difficulty in starting and/or maintaining flow of urine Feelings of urgency to pass stools, or pain when passing, straining and constipation Pain in the lower back, genitals, rectum or hips Painful sex Pain during gynecological examinations Tightness in the hips, glutes, lower back, groin and abdomen How do you relax a tight pelvic floor? The best treatments for a hypertonic pelvic floor are pelvic floor stretches and vaginal dilators (to stretch out tight vaginal muscles). Depending on the severity of your muscle tightness, it may be necessary for a therapist to do some manual manipulation, trigger point therapy, myofascial release or biofeedback techniques. Pelvic floor physical therapists are the experts on releasing pelvic floor muscles, and they usually recommend using vaginal dilators and doing pelvic floor stretches as ‘homework’ too. Piriformis syndrome Another type of pain down below is pain in the buttocks. A pear-shaped muscle called the piriformis is found deep within the buttocks. This muscle controls various functions of the hips and pelvis, and it sits close to the sciatic nerve. When it tightens, it can irritate the sciatic nerve, leading to pains down the leg – some of which can be excruciating and severely debilitating. Piriformis syndrome can occur due to an imbalance in the muscle groups, because one muscles has become weak and forces another to work harder. How do you treat buttock pain from piriformis syndrome? This type of pain down below may be diagnosed by a physiotherapist, who can differentiate between this and lower back issues. They will check for the underlying cause of your piriformis dysfunction and use manual manipulation techniques to alleviate symptoms. Your physiotherapist may also give you exercises that stretch the piriformis, or strengthen the dysfunctional muscles that are forcing the other muscles in the group to work overtime. We hope this article has shone a light on your pain down below and given you a starting point in your healing journey. If not, we have plenty of information on other pelvic pain conditions in our blog, so it may be time for some education, which is always the first step to freedom from pain. Good luck! Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/pudendal-neuralgia-symptoms-and-causes Webmd.com/pain-management/guide/piriformis-syndrome-causes-symptoms-treatments Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/what-is-pelvic-floor-physical-therapy-by-dr-peterson Vuvatech.com/pages/pelvic-pain-resource-guide If you’d like to know more, you can read about using vaginal dilators for vulvar pain here, as well as some success stories to give you confidence and help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. What’s more, our extensive blog covers all vulvar pain conditions in great detail, so take a look around! If you don’t find what you’re looking for, get in touch as we’ll be happy to 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! 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The Importance of Vaginal Dilators after Chemotherapy
Vaginal dilators can be an important tool for cancer survivors who have undergone chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan. Chemotherapy has a number of adverse effects on physical health, and it can cause vaginal dryness, vaginal tenderness and tightness. This can be due to scarring/and or lack of estrogen, that can make sexual intercourse painful or impossible. Vaginal dilators are used to gradually dilate, or stretch, the walls of the vagina to reduce these symptoms and help women regain control over their sexual health. VuVa Dilator Company offers a number dilators for cancer survivors post-chemo. Made in America since 2014, VuVa dilators are made with medical-grade BPA-free plastic that is body safe and hypoallergenic. This ensures that users won’t experience any irritation or discomfort while dilating their vagina. The dilators come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match the specific needs of each woman, plus they come with instructions and a travel pouch. VuVa dilators are available in full sets, combo set and single dilators, so women can start with a smaller dilator and gradually increase the size as their comfort level increases. Dilating regularly with VuVa dilators helps to reduce nerve pain and promote increased blood flow to the vagina, allowing for more natural lubrication during intercourse. It also helps relax the pelvic muscles that can be tighter due to being scared intercourse might hurt. Cancer survivors who use VuVa dilators regularly report feeling more confident about their bodies and their sexual health. If you’re a cancer survivor struggling with the effects of chemotherapy, consider using VuVa dilators to help you regain control of your sexual health and feel more confident in your body. Vaginal dilators are an important tool for cancer survivors post-chemotherapy as they can help reduce pain, promote blood flow, and relax the pelvic muscles. VuVa dilators in particular offer a variety of advantages such as being made with body safe and hypoallergenic material, coming in different shapes and sizes to match each woman’s needs. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 in Sarasota, FL. Vuva 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. In a clinical trial conducted by Chief Investigator and Pelvic Pain Specialist Dr. Michael Swor in Sarasota, FL, it was shown that VuVa Neodymium Magnetic Dilators reduced pain in 80% of study subjects with no side effects reported. Neodymium Magnets are within each dilator that increase blood flow and relieve sexual discomfort while soft tissue lengthens, relaxing muscles and ligaments. As the tissue relaxes, the Neodymium magnets increase blood flow to the painful area calming nerves. VuVa™ Dilators are the only patented dilators available with Neodymium magnets. Medical conditions that may warrant the use of vaginal dilators include, vulvodynia, vaginismus, vaginal agenesis, menopause, vaginal atrophy, vulvar vestibulitis, and vaginal stenosis. Vaginal dilators are also needed after pelvic radiation therapy. Visit our directions page to learn more about at home therapy. VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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The Most Popular Magnetic Medical Grade Plastic Dilators in 2023
Vaginal dilators (also called vaginal trainers, intimate dilators and pelvic floor trainers) are an extremely useful tool for relieving the symptoms of a wide range of troublesome gynecological problems. Pelvic floor physical therapists often use dilators as part of their treatments, in order to restore pelvic floor function while relieving pain and muscular tension. Magnetic medical grade dilators are relatively new to the dilator world, having first come to market around 2014, but they are by far the most beneficial type of dilator available. You may now be wondering which is the most popular magnetic dilator; if so, we will answer this and many other questions about magnetic dilators in the following article. What are dilators used for? Dilators have a tubular or cylindrical shape, with the end being either rounded or conical. They are made in different sizes so that you can dilate according to your current capacity. There are many sexual health conditions that dilators can treat, including: Vulvodynia Vaginismus Vaginal Atrophy Vaginal Stenosis Dyspareunia (painful sex) Painful or restricted scar tissue Issues from radiation or chemotherapy Pelvic floor muscle tension Post gender reassignment surgery Dilators help to lengthen and stretch the soft tissues of the vaginal walls so that users can become accustomed to penetration, as well as develop greater tolerance and a larger vaginal capacity. They are a wonderful aid for women who experience painful sex or vaginal discomfort, since they retrain the nervous system through repetition and enhance flexibility in the tissues. What are the best dilators made from? You can usually buy dilators in either plastic or silicone. The majority are plastic but some women prefer the softness and flexibility of silicone rubber. What are the best vaginal dilators made from? Medical grade materials, always. This is entirely necessary because you are inserting something into a very sensitive and intimate area that is prone to infection and imbalance. Our silicone dilators are made from 100% medical grade 6 silicone rubber, and our plastic dilators from medical grade plastic. Our magnetic dilators are also made from medical grade plastic, but there is a big difference, as we will explain below. Why do the most popular vaginal dilators contain magnets? Tara Langdale-Schmidt, the inventor of the VuVa neodymium vaginal dilator set, came up with the idea for Neodymium magnetic dilators after successfully treating nerve pain in her back and neck with magnet therapy after a car accident. Magnetic therapy is based on the premise that we exist within a magnetic field, and that the human body also generates its own magnetic field. When electromagnetic energy is in balance, the body is able to heal itself. Tara understood the power of magnetic therapy, and having suffered with the debilitating condition vulvodynia and persistent pelvic pain for several years prior, she was keen to find an effective and lasting solution. She did just that, with the invention of her own magnetic dilator set. Her brainwave led to better results than she could have imagined. Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Wanting to upgrade the standard dilator to something with even more benefits, Tara designed a set of five dilators containing an inner sleeve of more than 60 Neodymium magnets. VuVa has recently introduced several new sizes of magnetic dilator too. She chose some of the world’s most powerful magnets: rare earth Neodymium magnets. As they contain Neodymium, Iron and Boron, they are sometimes called NIB magnets. In fact, these VuVa™ dilators are the only patented dilators with Neodymium magnets, as well as the most popular magnetic medical grade vaginal dilators. Tara’s story has been featured around the world in publications such as Glamour Magazine, SELF, BBC and Huffington Post, and as a result many more women discovered magnetic dilators, with excellent results. What is the difference between magnetic dilators and non-magnetic dilators? While plastic and silicone dilators can benefit the vaginal capacity and help the central nervous system to become accustomed to penetration and different sizes, magnetic dilators take it a few steps further. Magnetic vaginal trainers can lengthen the soft tissues as plastic dilators can, but the benefits are dramatically enhanced by the magnets. The Neodymium magnets attract more blood flow to the area, which assists in calming nerves and diminishing pain levels. Tissues relax more easily in the presence of soothing Neodymium magnets, which have been positioned carefully in our dilators for maximum benefits to the internal tissues. It is the role of every ion in our cells to carry oxygen and produce and electrical impulse: two elements that create the body’s electrical field. When the negative side of the magnet (considered to be the ‘healing side’) comes into contact with a painful area, it immediately starts to draw freshly oxygenated blood to it, soothing the local nerves, tissues and muscles. This creates a positive energetic field, which is able to remove acidity in the body (a major cause of inflammation, and consequently, pain). Healing is therefore accelerated in the presence of these rare earth magnets, while plastic dilators yield slower, more basic results. Why are VuvaTech dilators the most popular medical grade dilators? Don’t get us wrong: we love plastic and silicone dilators too, and they may be all some women need. That’s why we make and stock medical grade plastic and silicone dilators too. However, we are absolute proponents of dilators in combination with magnet therapy, and the benefits of neodymium magnets are undeniable. Furthermore, our clinical trial has proven the efficacy of our magnetic dilators, and our customers vote with their choices. This is how we know that our magnetics are the best dilator range. We also have plenty of testimonials from grateful women who had amazing results with our Neodymium magnets. Ours are also the only dilators on the market to undergo a clinical trial conducted by Dr. Micheal Swor M.D, a Pelvic Pain Specialist Gynecologist. The findings were as follows: Eighty percent (80%) of study subjects reported a decrease in overall pain after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average thirty percent (30%) decrease in pain levels on a standardized tampon test, which is a way to clinically measure pain associated with sexual intercourse. The cotton swab test evaluates eleven (11) different locations of the vulvar vestibule for pain. Eighty percent (80%) of the study subjects reported a decrease in the total number of locations after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Subjects using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average twenty eight percent (28%) decrease in pain levels using a standardized cotton swab test, which is a non-invasive measure of vaginal pain. Overall anxiety associated with vaginal penetration is significantly decreased in all subjects For further information, you can read the full details of the VuVa clinical trials. Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Thinking of buying medical grade dilators? You can’t go wrong with VuVa magnetic dilator sets. To summarize, they can regenerate your vaginal capacity, create gradual expansion and elasticity in the vaginal tissues, and lead to comfortable and even enjoyable sexual intercourse when you feel ready. We think it’s important to mention that we make and ship our dilators from Sarasota, FL, as we believe in manufacturing locally and assisting the local job market and economy. It also means that we have total control over the product line and manufacturing processes, so that quality always stays the same. Your health and safety is always our number one priority, and that’s just one more reason why ours are the most popular magnetic dilators. Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/healing-with-magnetic-therapy-could-magnets-help-you Vuvatech.com/pages/magnetic-vaginal-dilators-vs-non-magnetic Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/atrophic-vaginitis-treatment-with-magnetic-vaginal-dilators Vuvatech.com/pages/how-vuva-vaginal-dilators-work Vuvatech.com/pages/how-do-i-know-what-size-vaginal-dilator-i-need 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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Sex After Cancer for Women Over 60: How Dilators Can Help
Studies have shown that more than half of men and women in their 60s still have sex regularly. Interestingly, older women also report more sexual satisfaction after their mid-60s, probably because they have more experience, free time, familiarity and comfort with their partner, and fewer worries. Whatever the reason, if you have a good sex life, it’s something you may well want to hold onto. So what happens when cancer treatment comes into the equation? What is sex like after cancer for women in their 60s? It’s a common circumstance, so if you’re in this situation, you probably have various questions about how cancer treatment will affect your sex life if you’re over 60. Your body has already been through the menopause, but what other issues could chemotherapy or radiotherapy bring? We aim to answer these questions in the paragraphs below. How does cancer treatment affect your sex life? Cancer and cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy are likely to affect your sex life (at least for a time) at any age. Cancer treatments cause physical, emotional and practical changes. For example: Certain bodily functions may be impaired The way your body looks and feels may change You can feel sick or exhausted You may be stressed, distracted or worried about treatment outcomes Your daily routine may change Oftentimes a change in one area of life influences other areas, and this combination can really put a dampener on desire levels, for a time at least. Usually this doesn’t long, but your sex life after 60 is likely different than when you were younger, and you probably don’t have sex as often as you did 20 years ago. Therefore, it might take longer for you to feel ‘in the mood’ after cancer treatment. On top of this, your body will take longer to recover at this age, so it is important to take your time. Equally, you may need to mentally and emotionally prepare to adjust to changes that might even be permanent. Is it safe for older women to have sex after cancer treatment? If you have recovered enough from your cancer treatment to feel like having sex, you might be wondering if sex is safe for older women with cancer (or post-cancer). The good news is that sex and physical intimacy doesn’t exacerbate cancer, or pass it on to your partner. Nor will it make cancer come back if it is in remission. Therefore, if you feel up to sex, you should be fine to have it. In fact, it is probably a good idea to try and return to your usual sexual habits sooner rather than later. The only times it may not be safe to have sex after cancer in your 60s is: You had surgery or radiotherapy in the pelvic region and need time to properly heal You had a strong chemo dose or stem cell therapy (making you more prone to infection) You had radioisotope therapy, in which case physical intimacy should be avoided temporarily (your partner may be affected by the radiation) You may find it helpful to read our recent article, ‘How soon after chemo can you have sex?’. However, this is not specifically aimed at women over 60, and it may also be wise to consult your Doctor if you’re unsure if it’s safe to have sex after cancer treatment. How will cancer treatment affect your sex life if you’re an older woman? After the age of around 45, sexual hormones might be in shorter supply, resulting in a lower sex drive. From then onward, women typically progress toward the menopause. During this time, estrogen levels lower even more and the body starts to go through physical changes too. Namely: Thinning vaginal tissues and skin Less lubrication Less blood flow to the area If you’re over 60, you will already be familiar with menopause symptoms. Sex is often more difficult after the menopause, until a woman settles into the changes and develops a different approach to sex. If an older woman has radiotherapy or chemotherapy, she need not worry about it bringing on the menopause, as it can often do for younger women. Radiotherapy in the pelvic region can stop the womb and ovaries from functioning normally, leading to menopause and infertility. So, what might happen to your sex life if you’re over 60 and have had pelvic radiation treatment? The treatment may either cause or worsen issues such as: Lack of elasticity in the tissues Fibrosis (development of fibrous connective tissue, which narrows and tightens the vagina) Vaginal atrophy As you get older (and particularly after the menopause) the vagina gets shorter and narrower, which is known as vaginal stenosis. Fibrosis after cancer treatment may cause or worsen stenosis. Vaginal atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis, also commonly occurs after menopause. Vaginal atrophy symptoms include: Vaginal dryness Vaginal burning Vaginal discharge Genital itching Burning or urgency when urinating UTIs Urinary incontinence Light bleeding or discomfort during or after sex The good news is that there is way to improve your sex life after cancer treatment: vaginal dilators, which come recommended by most Doctors and women’s health practitioners. How dilators can restore sex life for older women Dilators are smooth, tube-shaped devices made from medical grade plastic or silicone. They come in different sizes to suit your capacity, and to allow you to slowly and gently expand the vagina to restore normal function. A vaginal dilator is the ideal tool for stretching out any scar tissue that has formed in the vagina. If you have vaginal atrophy or stenosis after cancer treatment, vaginal dilators can really help. The key is to start with smaller dilators until you can tolerate the larger sizes, at which point sex should be much more comfortable. We have a neodymium magnetic dilator range that especially helps atrophic vaginitis, vaginal stenosis and vaginal pain. Dilators are designed to expand the vaginal walls, which all of our dilators do. However, our magnetic dilators can also encourage elasticity to return to the tissues more quickly, as the strategically placed magnets encourage even more blood flow to the area. This regenerates cells, soothes nerves and relieves pain at the same time. Women over 60 who had cancer treatment may benefit from using dilators for the rest of their lives, since scarring can occur at any time – even after treatment has ended. However, for the first 6 months you should use your vaginal dilators regularly, with a water-soluble lubricant. Between 6 and 12 months you may only need to use the dilators once a week, and if after 12 months your capacity is restored and sex is not uncomfortable, you may only wish to use them occasionally. Rest assured that your sex life can and almost certainly will return to ‘normal’, or at the very least, a place you are comfortable and happy with. It may take some time and effort if you are over 60 and had cancer, but you will be able to enjoy sex again. Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/atrophic-vaginitis-is-a-reality-for-breast-cancer-survivors Edition.cnn.com/2020/09/28/health/sexual-desire-older-women-study-wellness/index.html Psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/201908/sex-in-the-senior-years Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/how-do-estrogen-and-dilators-help-with-vaginal-atrophy 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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Looking to Buy Silicone Vaginal Dilators?
VuVaTech Can Help! As is clear from a quick glance at the VuvaTech website, we are avid promoters of women’s sexual health and well being. Since we are always looking to improve on our products and services, we have extended our range to give you even more options. If you want to buy silicone vaginal dilators, VuvaTech are pleased to say that we can now help you out. Currently we supply a range of vaginal dilators in materials from plastic to magnetic (with Neodymium magnets), but we are aware that some women want to buy silicone vaginal dilators too. In case you don’t know about the benefits of silicone dilators, here’s a little more info: Why buy silicone vaginal dilators? VuVa™ Silicone dilators are made from soft, flexible 100% medical grade 6 silicone rubber. They have excellent heat retention properties, so they can hold body heat, which makes them more comfortable to use. You may warm them before use (in hot water), but if you prefer to chill them instead, you can be sure they’ll retain a cooler temperature too. Be careful not to chill them too much, mind – overly cold dilators might cause reflex muscle spasms. Our silicone vaginal dilators have a soft, satin-like texture not unlike your own body tissues, making them easy to handle and insert. When it comes to ergonomics, they are designed perfectly. The soft tip has been sloped so that the dilator is easy to insert, and each has a convenient contoured handle. In other words, you will have total control when using your dilator! Other benefits of buying a silicone dilator As well as the above, your silicone dilator is: Flexible yet resilient – the silicone is robust and won’t break Water-resistant Silicone warms up with body heat Easy to clean and look after using normal fragrance-free soap Safe to use – the silicone is non toxic Soft and flexible to the touch One of the best things about VuVa™ silicone dilators is that they have a vibe hole in the base (if you buy number 4 or 5 in the range, that is). This means you can insert your favourite vibe for a more interesting experience! The hole is 11/16" inches so will accommodate most standard vibes. What to consider when buying silicone vaginal dilators Our silicone dilators come in 5 different sizes, so you will need to decide on which size(s) you need. Check the list below to help you figure it out: Size 1: Width: .5 Inches Length 3.25 Inches Circumference 1.57 Inches Size 2: Width: .75 Inches Length 4 Inches Circumference 2.36 Inches Size 3: Width: 1 Inches Length 5.25 Inches Circumference 3.14 Inches Size 4: Width: 1.25 Inches Length 5.5 Inches Circumference 3.93 Inches Size 5: Width: 1.5 Inches Length 5.75 Inches Circumference 4.71 Inches You can buy each silicone dilator individually if you wish; alternatively, you might prefer to buy our pre-packaged silicone dilator set, which contains all five dilators, as well as a 4 oz Slippery Lubricant, instructions and a travel pouch. Before purchasing a silicone dilator, also consider that: Silicone dilators don’t work so well on trigger points because of their flexibility Silicone dilators don’t break down scar tissue as easily as plastic or magnetic dilators You can’t use oil-based or silicone lubricants, which might damage them You’ll need to be sure you know how to use your dilator, so do read up on that before first use. If buying a silicone dilator doesn’t seem right for your needs, check out our range of magnetic vaginal dilators, and our medical grade polycarbonate plastic dilators too. If you’re having problems with any of this, we’re here to help – get in touch!
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Lichen Sclerosus (LS): What it is and How to Manage Symptoms
What is it? Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin condition affecting the skin of genitalia, although it can also affect skin on other parts of the body, such as the breasts, shoulders, upper arms and back. LS causes white patches to appear on the skin, but these only tend to itch in the genital area. It can be made worse (or even triggered by) friction or skin damage, which is known as a ‘Koebner response'. Lichen sclerosus commonly affects post-menopausal women, but does sometimes affects children and men too. Unfortunately there is no known cause of lichen sclerosus, but an overactive immune system is considered to be the most likely cause. LS often affects people for a number of years, but the symptoms may come and go during that period. Since it isn’t an infection, you can’t catch it or spread it through sexual intercourse. Lichen sclerosus is rarely hereditary, but there are instances in which it has afflicted relatives. Let’s take a look at the symptoms and treatment of LS: Symptoms of lichen sclerosus in the genital area Lichen sclerosus usually affects the vulva and skin around the anus. Small white patches (which may increase in size and join together) The white patches becoming cracked, sore and itchy Fragile and thinned skin Wrinkling or thickening of the skin Blood blisters Scar tissue or tightened skin around the vulva (if treatment is not undertaken) Shrinking of the vulva and entrance to the vagina (if treatment is not undertaken) Painful sex (dyspareunia) Pain when defecating or constipation Problems urinating (or worsening symptoms from urine leakage) Disturbed sleep (since the symptoms tend to worsen at night) Best ways to manage lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus tends to be quite uncomfortable, and can undoubtedly cause frustration, worry and distress. However, there are some relatively simple treatment options that can greatly ease or control the symptoms, so there is no need to panic if you think you have it. Although there is no cure at this time, here are the best ways to treat the symptoms of lichen sclerosus: Topical steroid medication (prescribed by your Doctor) Using vaginal dilators to help with painful sex Using a non-irritating lubricant (especially during sex or with dilator use) Application of barrier cream (e.g. petroleum jelly) before and after urinating Application of barrier cream after washing Wearing loose, unrestrictive clothing Wear underwear made from natural materials like bamboo, cotton or silk Worst-case scenario (e.g. with tightening and scarring), surgery can divide adhesions or reopen the entrance to the vagina. However, as a preventative measure, vaginal dilators can also help to keep it at its normal capacity. Some things to avoid if you have LS: Soap and bubble bath - use emollient wash or simple water instead Wearing tights or nylon materials Using incontinence pads or liners if possible Scratching or rubbing the affected areas If you find that your symptoms are not responding to the above solutions, or getting much worse, you should consult your healthcare provider. It is possible (although highly unlikely) that lichen sclerosus can turn into skin cancer - so if steroid creams don’t work, or you develop thickened skin or ulceration that won’t shift after a couple of weeks, it is important to get this checked out. Vaginal Dilators can assist with the penetration pain during intercourse associated with lichen sclerosis by stretching out the tissue relaxing muscles. If you are thinking of using vaginal dilators for lichen sclerosus and need any assistance, feel free to get in touch with us or take a look around the site, as we have so much information designed to inform and assist you in handling your sexual health conditions. We are here to 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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Dilators for Dyspareunia: Home Treatment for Painful Sex
Dyspareunia is the name for painful sex, whether the pain occurs before, during or after intercourse. As you might imagine, dyspareunia can have a wide range of causes, some of which are physiological and some psychological. It is important to try and discover the reason for painful sex, because the problem can become a vicious cycle that damages self-esteem and relationships, as well as taking away your enjoyment of a vital component of life. Of the various home treatments for painful sex, many women use dilators for dyspareunia, and with great success. If you are suffering from dyspareunia and want to find some relief, we are here to help you understand the potential causes of dyspareunia and what you can do to relieve it. It is absolutely possible to re-establish a healthy sex life, free from pain and worry. Read on to learn more about home treatment for painful sex and treating dyspareunia with dilators… Why is sex painful? The causes of dyspareunia Although it isn’t always easy to pinpoint the reasons sex hurts, rest assured that it is always possible. Dyspareunia might get better without treatment, and in some instances it does; however, it isn’t wise to count on this, in case there is an underlying condition that needs treatment. During sexual activity, women produce lubrication via small glands near the opening of the birth canal (the Bartholin glands). If you are not sufficiently turned on and relaxed, these glands may not secrete enough fluid, so friction is more likely to occur during penetration. Friction can lead to rubbing, chafing and burning sensations, and sometimes even negative associations with sex. Other physical reasons for dyspareunia include: Vulvodynia (pain/inflammation in or around the vaginal opening) An underlying infection (such as a yeast infection, STD or lichen sclerosis) Pudendal neuralgia (nerve damage in the pelvic region) Vaginal atrophy (most likely after menopause or radiation treatment) After effects of pelvic surgery (such as a hysterectomy) Post-partum dyspareunia Vaginismus (muscles are contracting) Vaginal Stenosis (vaginal scar tissue) Lichen Sclerosis (autoimmune disease that causes white, flaky patches on Vulva) There may also be psychological reasons for painful sex, including: Vaginismus is a common condition that most often has psychological roots, and leads to negative anticipation around sexual intercourse. The woman becomes afraid of penetration, and as a result the vaginal muscles will contract involuntarily or go into spasm. This feels very uncomfortable – sometimes even painful – and any attempts to have sex are either painful, impossible, or both. For these reasons, vaginismus is a common cause of dyspareunia. Loss of libido, diminished attraction to your partner, or performance anxiety can all lead to painful sex because the Bartholin glands won’t produce enough fluids. The same goes for historic sexual or psychological trauma or mood disorders. When you are able to pinpoint the reason for dyspareunia, it will be a lot easier to treat. Some women require extensive treatment such as psychological therapy, while others may need to deal with an underlying physical condition. Many women find relief through simple lubrication products and using vaginal dilators for painful sex. Who gets dyspareunia? Dyspareunia can affect women of all ages, and all walks of life. There is no straight answer to this question. Statistics vary somewhat, but indicate that it may be more likely to affect younger women, and peri-menopausal or post-menopausal women. Worldwide, dyspareunia affects between 3 and 18% of women; it can affect between 10 and 28% of the population in a lifetime. According to the BMJ (British Medical Journal) dyspareunia affects around 7.5% of sexually active women aged between 16 and 74. Are there different types of dyspareunia? Yes, there are actually two types of dyspareunia: superficial dyspareunia and deep dyspareunia. In order to treat painful sex effectively, it is a good idea to determining whether the pain is superficial or deep. In other words, where are you feeling pain during sexual intercourse? A pelvic floor physical therapist can help you determine which type you may be dealing with. Superficial dyspareunia Superficial dyspareunia is the name for the pain you might feel during the initial stages of penetration. Pain can occur for any of the following reasons: Your partner’s penis is too large for your vaginal opening Your hymen is not broken, or is particularly thick You have vaginismus, vulvodynia or an underlying infection You have not produced sufficient lubrication Deep dyspareunia Deep dyspareunia refers to pain in the upper region of the vagina (the cervix, womb or ovaries). This pain is often triggered by thrusting action, and can be characterized by an ache, or a burning or tearing feeling. Women who have a history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), endometriosis or ovarian cysts may experience deep dyspareunia. Home treatments for dyspareunia We are huge advocates of vaginal dilators for dyspareunia, because we have seen positive results in so many of our customers, who happily verify their dilator success stories with testimonials! Our clinical trials also yielded extremely positive results, so we are very happy to share this information in support of your healing journey. Since dyspareunia pain is generally obvious to anyone who has it, it is often self-diagnosed. Although in some instances it is necessary to have this confirmed (and perhaps treated) by a qualified healthcare provider, there are many dyspareunia treatments you can try at home. A first port of call would be a water-based personal lubricant, which you can use right before you have sex to make penetration easier and more comfortable. If you have had recurring issues with vaginal dryness (as many women with vaginal atrophy do) you may want to try a vaginal moisturizer like Replens, which hydrates the tissues and improves elasticity and thickness. You can also use Replens with vaginal dilators. Can you use vaginal dilators for dyspareunia? Yes, absolutely. In fact, women all around the world use vaginal dilators for painful sex. If you are suffering from spasms or tightness in the vagina, or you tend to avoid sex because you fear pain, dilators are a great option for you. The Imperial College Healthcare in London advocates dilator use for women suffering from superficial dyspareunia or vaginismus, because dilators can ease anticipatory anxiety by reconditioning the brain-body reconnection and training the muscles to relax. VuVa magnetic vaginal dilators are particularly helpful since the Neodymium magnets help to calm irritated nerves and increase blood flow to minimize inflammation. Dilator therapy is recognized as one of the best home pelvic therapy treatments for dyspareunia. Pelvic floor physical therapists all around the world recommend them as part of their treatment programs, often with great success – particularly when carried out in conjunction with relaxation exercises and pelvic floor stretches. What are vaginal dilators? Dilators are plastic or silicone tubes specifically designed to gently and gradually stretch out the vagina to increase its capacity or condition it for comfortable penetration. Dilators come in various sizes, so you can work your way up from the smallest to the largest according to your comfort levels. It is a good idea to use a lubricating gel with your dilators, especially if you have dyspareunia. Note that it is normal to experience some level of discomfort until you become accustomed to the size of dilator you’re using. However, you should not be in extreme pain – if you are, you should seek the assistance of a medical professional. Once your dilator feels completely comfortable you can move up to the next size. The length of time you use dilators for will depend on your personal circumstances and the condition you are working to treat. Generally speaking, dilator therapy timeframes range from a few weeks to a few months. Some people may need to use them permanently. Other tips for dealing with dyspareunia The following tactics might ease the symptoms of dyspareunia: Trying different sexual positions when you feel pain, so you control the depth and intensity of penetration or thrusting Talk to your partner. It may be that he is not fully aware of all the signs you’re in pain, especially if you’ve been accustomed to masking it. Let him know when something feels good, and when it doesn’t Try perineal massage (especially helpful for vaginismus and vulvodynia pain) Ensure you have plenty of foreplay before penetrative sex Read the labels on your meds, in case there are side effects like dryness or loss of libido We hope that you are now ready to try some of our recommendations for home dyspareunia treatment, and that you have all the resources you need if trying dilators for dyspareunia. If anything is unclear, we will do our best to help – just drop us a line and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Resources Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562159/ Bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k2341 Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/natural-dyspareunia-treatment? Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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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.
