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How do Estrogen and Dilators Help with Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy (also known as vulvovaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis) is a condition that commonly occurs during or after menopause, or after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Symptoms of vaginal atrophy include thinning of the skin (sometimes leading to tearing), lack of lubrication, pain and inflammation. It usually develops once estrogen levels are lower, and as they get lower still, symptoms can worsen. Vaginal atrophy symptoms can cause women another set of problems in the form of painful sex (dyspareunia), as well as burning or stinging when urinating, urgency, increased frequency and leaking. During the early stages of vaginal atrophy you may find relief using vaginal moisturizers and water-based lubricants, but as and when symptoms worsen, other solutions may be necessary. Estrogen and dilators are two of the most common vaginal atrophy treatments, and we’re here to tell you why that is…. Estrogen products for vaginal atrophy If vaginal moisturizers like Replens are no longer working for you or you think you need more than water-based personal lubricant, you may wish to look into the below estrogen therapy options for atrophic vaginitis. Estrogen products can help to replace the diminished estrogen in your body, thus reducing uncomfortable symptoms. Note that these will need to be prescribed by a Doctor, but they may not be suitable for women with a history of deep vein thrombosis or stroke. Vaginal estrogen tablets One option is to insert a pessary into the vagina using an applicator. It will gradually dissolve and the estrogen will be absorbed into the vaginal tissues. At first you will need to use them every second night for a few weeks, later reducing application as needed. Your Doctor will advise according to progress. Topical estrogen creams Vaginal estrogen creams can be topically applied to the vaginal area, effectively raising your estrogen levels and slowing or halting those testing symptoms. For the first two weeks (or up to a month) it’s a good idea to apply it on a nightly basis. After this time, you should be able to drop it down to every second or third night. Estrogen rings Vaginal estrogen rings are flexible rubber rings that gradually release estrogen into the vagina once inserted. These can be quite convenient as they only need replacing after 3 months, but of course will need to be removed when you are engaging in sexual intercourse. Estrogen pills, patches or gels In some instances a Doctor might prescribe estrogen pills, patches or gels. It’s also possible they will recommend a progestin supplement also (but only for those who have not had a hysterectomy). Dilators for vaginal atrophy Vaginal dilators help vaginal atrophy in a big way. Dilators can widen your vagina, making it easier and more comfortable to have sex once again. Depending on the severity of your atrophy, you may need to start with the narrowest dilator and work upward to the larger sizes. Once your vagina has the capacity for pain-free sexual intercourse, you can reduce your dilator use. However, you may need to continue with dilator use ongoing if you wish to retain the capacity required for comfortable sex. Many of our customers find that our Neodymium magnetic dilator range is perfect for atrophic vaginitis since they not only expand the vaginal walls, but also add elasticity to the tissues. The magnets are strategically placed inside the dilators to encourage blood flow to the vaginal tissues, which has a regenerative effect and relieves pain at the same time. We have a vaginal atrophy FAQ page, which should answer any questions you have, but of course you are welcome to drop us a line if you don’t find the answers you’re looking for. Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain.
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Foods to Avoid with Vulvodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain condition affecting the vulva area in females. What causes it hasn’t been definitively confirmed, but experts think the causes are among vulvar cells responding abnormally to trauma or infection, genetics, hormonal changes or imbalances, nerve feedback abnormalities, allergic reactions, yeast infections, pelvic prolapses and more. It can be a challenging condition as it’s often difficult to treat, although relief from vulvodynia symptoms is certainly possible. Certain natural treatments and protocols can help vulvodynia, as can medications, but what if we told you there were dietary changes you could make that could lessen or completely relieve your symptoms? It’s true… some common foods might be exacerbating your vulvodynia pain, so knowing which foods to cut out could be a valuable key to your healing. Read on to find out which foods to avoid with vulvodynia… Which foods to avoid with vulvodynia There are organic compounds known as oxalates, found in some plant and animal foods. These are not really a requirement for human nutrition, but while most people can excrete oxalates through passing stools and urinating, some have sensitivity or intolerance to them. In fact, oxalates have been linked to vulvodynia. It should be noted that they don’t cause it, but they may play a part in worsening symptoms. Reducing oxalate intake is therefore recommended. One study of 59 women with vulvodynia demonstrated that there was a possibility that a low oxalate diet could relieve symptoms somewhat. It isn’t guaranteed, but it may be worth a try! Nearly a quarter of the subject showed some improvements when they stopped eating high oxalate foods. Below are the foods to avoid if you have vulvodynia: Fruits and vegetables These fruits and veggies can be problematic since they’re high in oxalate with over 50mg of oxalate per serving. Note that oxalate content in foods can vary greatly, but the below is a general guide to high oxalate foods: Swiss chard Spinach Okra Leeks Green beans Beet greens and beetroot Collard greens, dandelion greens, mustard greens Wax beans Eggplant Escarole, parsley, and rutabagas Tomato paste Dried apricots Red currants, elderberries, blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries, blueberries Star fruit Figs Rhubarb Kiwi fruit Nuts, seeds and beans and grains Lots of nuts and beans also have varying but relatively high oxalate content: Peanuts Almonds Hazelnuts Pistachios Pecans Sesame seeds (and tahini) Poppy seeds Refried beans Baked beans Kidney beans Dried beans Lentils Wheat bran, wheat germ, and barley Grits and bran cereal White corn flour and buckwheat flour Whole wheat bread Drinks Depending on how strong you make your drink, it could be high in oxalates. The drinks to avoid with vulvodynia are: Brewed or instant coffee Tea Cocoa Dark draft beer Soy milk The best drink you can choose if you have vulvodynia is good old purified water! If you can’t go without the above beverages, dilute them or find a low oxalate substitute where possible. Other foods to avoid with vulvodynia We also recommend leaving out soy burgers and other soy products (for example, tofu and miso) and desserts such as fruitcake, chocolate (we know!), carob and marmalade. If you find that cutting the above foods out isn’t making any difference, you may not need to deprive yourself. It could help to make a food diary of what you ate when, and when you felt better or worse after specific food intakes. This way you can figure out which foods you personally need to avoid if you have vulvodynia. You may be interested in our article on natural ways to treat vulvodynia, since this condition often requires various approaches to find that magic key that leads to pain relief! We wish you the best of luck! 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
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Can Vulvodynia Go away?
Women who live with pain in the vulva often ask, can Vulvodynia ever go away? The quick answer is treating Vulvodynia is possible, regardless of whether the problem is chronic or a vulvodynia flare-up. In this article, we'll explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments of Vulvodynia. So that you can live without vulvar pain and have a healthy sex life. In essence, we will show you how to eliminate the pain and suffering from Vulvodynia. What is Vulvodynia? The National Vulvodynia Association defines Vulvodynia as unexplained vulva pain that lasts longer than three months. The vulva is the area of a woman's anatomy that includes the external genitals, including the clitoris, vaginal lips and opening, and urethra. It's above the perineum (space between the vagina and anus) and anus. The female genitals are sensitive without being inflicted with chronic pain due to vulvodynia. In the vulva are nerve endings that respond to touch or pressure. If the pudendal nerve is compressed or spasmodic, it may cause weakened pelvic floor muscles, further aggravating the vulva. Women with vulvodynia experience severe emotional impact and have difficulty remaining sexually active because vaginal pain may be severe. Types of Vulvodynia Obstetricians and gynecologists break down vulvodynia into two main pain conditions during diagnosis and treatment. Generalized Vulvodynia Generalized vulvodynia is chronic pelvic pain that encompasses the entire vulva. It may be ongoing or intermittent, but the pain seems to afflict the whole area, not one specific focal point. The condition can be aggravated by wearing tight clothing, horseback riding, sitting for long periods, or pressure. It may feel as if your entire female genitals are on fire. Localized Vulvodynia Localized vulvodynia is still in the same area as generalized, except it's one or two distinct points in the vulva that burn or sting. The vaginal muscles supporting the vulva may have become sore or stretched, resulting in feeling like you've torn a muscle. Pressing one spot makes the pain worse or produces burning pains in that area, while the other parts of the vulva feel fine. Conditions Connected to Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is a multifaceted condition, which means other vulval conditions may be present as well. Some of these subsets include the following: provoked vestibulodynia (caused by pressure or touch in the vaginal lips and opening) vulvodynia vestibulitis (pain around the vaginal opening) cyclic vulvovaginitis (flare-ups around menstruation or before intercourse) essential vulvodynia (usually appears postmenopausal) vulvar dermatoses (presents as excessive itching) According to a study published in the American Family Physician Journal, vulvodynia and subsets are often misdiagnosed; however, these conditions' commonality may be as high as 15% of American women. (1) Symptoms of Vulvodynia The kind and strength of vulvodynia symptoms vary from woman to woman. For some, chronic pain comes from painful sex or weak pelvic muscles. However, women can experience one or more of the following symptoms at one time. Stinging Itching Burning Throbbing Pulsating Inflaming Spasms Vulvodynia symptoms may stop or start without warning. You may go months without a vulvodynia flare-up and suddenly fall into chronic pain. Some women suffer for years in pain without much relief. Causes of Vulvodynia The most common definition of vulvodynia usually entails not knowing the exact cause of the vulval pain. This is one of the biggest reasons vulvodynia can be hard to treat. Also, vulvodynia may have specific factors working together, so you have to diagnose multiple causes at once for effective treatment. However, according to the American Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, diagnosis usually looks at the following reasons. (2) Compressed nerve damage in the vulva Vulva inflammation causes (skin irritation, reaction to birth control or hormone creams) Result of long-term vaginal infections (yeast infections, urinary tract infections) Food sensitivities that cause pain and inflammation Bacterial vaginosis (inflamed vulva and vaginal muscles) Pelvic floor dysfunction or muscle weakness There is also evidence that anxiety and depression may lead to vulvodynia. Or that vulvodynia may lead to depression and anxiety. Indirectly, vulvodynia also can cause infertility because it results in fear of sex. There is no strong link between sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and vulvodynia. Also, sexual abuse or trauma can result in vulvodynia. Yet women who’ve never been sexually active or undergone trauma can still experience the pelvic pain. Treatments for Vulvodynia Treating vulvodynia isn't easy due to its complexity, lack of research, and sensitive nature. Yet vulvodynia can go away. It's possible to find medical and home remedies to relieve pain. Remember, you're not alone and help is possible. Invasive treatments options include everything from surgery to taking tricyclic antidepressants. Noninvasive therapies include the following: Biofeedback (strengthen and relax pelvic floor muscles) Cognitive-behavioral therapy Gel packs to each pain and inflammation Dilation therapy with vaginal dilators Vaginal Dilators One of the best home remedies for vulvodynia is dilation therapy. The pelvic floor physical therapy uses a medical device to stretch and strengthen vaginal tissue inside and outside the vaginal opening. You can order them online without a prescription. VuVa Dilators are available at www.vuvatech.com Physical therapists trained in dilation therapy can help you relax your muscle spasms to overcome vulvodynia. It's important to note that you don't actually have to see a physiotherapist to receive the same benefit. You can use a vaginal dilator at home at a pace right for your body and schedule. After applying a vaginal lubricant, the dilator is slowly inserted into the vagina. For more detailed instructions, check out how to use dilators. In a clinical trial by the Physician Care Clinical Research, women using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators reported an 80% reduction of overall pain. This is significant in showing that vaginal wands can make vulvodynia pain go away. If you've received a vulvodynia diagnosis, you may be heartbroken and looking for a solution to your physical and emotional well-being. You may want to experience sexual intercourse without pain. All of which is understandable. If you suspect you have vulvodynia, make an appointment with your family health provider. In either case, know that overcoming vulvodynia is possible, and you're not alone. https://www.aafp.org/afp/1999/0315/p1547.html#:~:text=Vulvar%20vestibulitis%20syndrome%20is%20also,FIGURE%201 https://www.acog.org/en/Patient%20Resources/FAQs/Gynecologic%20Problems/Vulvodynia Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain.
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Can Vulvodynia Cause Infertility?
Women suffering from female infertility may wonder if the cause is vulvodynia. Both have profound emotional and physical effects on women's mental wellbeing. While both conditions affect reproductive health, there's no strong evidence that vulvodynia directly causes infertility. However, chronic vulvar pain may indirectly cause infertility because one of the necessities for conception is sexual intercourse. This article will explore vulvodynia and infertility and the possible connections and reasons for both conditions. Vulvodynia and Infertility Infertility is the inability to conceive after trying for 12 months or more if you're over 35. Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain that affects female genitals and the area around the vaginal opening. Both can have detrimental effects on a couple's sex life for the following reasons. Pain During Sex If a woman suffers from searing pain before, during, or after sexual encounters, engaging in intimacy becomes unbearable. Pain conditions associated with vulvodynia cause burning and stinging pain, making the vulvar and pelvic muscles inflame and throb. All of which may make getting pregnant extremely difficult or impossible. While conception may happen after being intimate one time, it usually takes regular sexual intercourse. The pain syndrome from vulvodynia may make even the thought of sexual penetration too much to consider. Unable to Discuss Painful Sex Women with vulvodynia find it extremely difficult to talk about their vulvar pain. The reasons for this vary, but common ones are an embarrassment, shame, and fear and we need to feel comfortable talking about this to get the right treatment. Since chronic pain affects the vaginal opening, clitoris, and region between the vagina and anus, it can be hard to discuss private parts. The sexual pain may also extend inside the vaginal cavity due to weak pelvic muscles, and having to describe this to a medical professional can be overwhelming. In some cases, pain during sexual intercourse started after a pregnancy loss or cesarean section, making it hard for women to talk about a past traumatic event and ongoing pain. Not being able to discuss painful sex may make overcoming the problem difficult, resulting in infertility. Symptoms of an Underlying Medical Condition Vaginal pain in the genitals or pelvic floor may be due to an underlying medical condition. Some existing health concerns can cause pain in the vulvar skin or throughout a woman’s reproductive system, including: yeast infections urinary tract infections ovarian cysts blocked Fallopian tubes endometriosis polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Sexually transmitted diseases (STD), such as human papillomavirus, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, can cause infertility. However, there's no evidence that vulvodynia is due to sexually transmitted diseases. Women who have a pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) like chlamydia may experience similar symptoms to vulvodynia, but may not have the painful medical condition at all. Or could have the PID and vulvodynia. If you believe you have an STD, speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Causes of Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is a painful condition with no known cause in the majority of cases, according to the Vulvar Pain Foundation. (1) It generally affects women between the ages of 20-40, but women at any age can have vulvodynia symptoms. (2) The burning and stinging pain penetrates the vaginal tissue from any touch or becomes chronic pain without pressure. Unfortunately, vulvodynia results in psychological impairments, sexual dysfunction, limitation of everyday activities, and physical disabilities. Causes of Infertility The inability to conceive may have roots in various conditions and may be difficult to diagnose. The most common reason is not ovulating or low ovarian reserve. (3) Conception relies on the ovaries, releasing an egg each month for fertilization and implantation in the uterus. If the eggs' quality is low or the ovulation cycle is too short or too long, the egg may not implant at all or properly. Besides ovulation issues, the increased risk for infertility can be linked to the following conditions: (4) poor diet athletic training celiac disease certain medications diabetes exposure to certain chemicals PID hormonal changes In the United States, 10% of women have difficulty conceiving. It can bring about deep sadness and heartache. (4) It may also be the cause of painful sex. Treatments for Vulvodynia and Infertility If the pain from vulvodynia is preventing you from being sexually active and resulting in infertility, you do have options. The National Vulvodynia Association recommends different methods for treating vulvodynia, including: low-dose tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) biofeedback massaging tight muscles with vaginal dilators cognitive-behavioral therapy The exact pain management treatment you choose will depend on your body, doctor’s recommendation, and cause. However, vaginal dilators are a natural choice that come with no side effects. Treating Vulvodynia with Vaginal Dilators Vaginal dilator treatment is a kind of physical therapy that uses a tube-shaped device to massage and stretch vaginal muscles gently. Vulvodynia pain may come from tight, constricted pelvic floor muscles located in the vagina and around the vaginal opening or vulva. Dilators made in the USA available at www.vuvatech.com Vaginal dilators help promote healthy vaginal tissue by bringing fresh oxygenated blood to ease tightness and restriction. Through consistent dilator therapy, persistent vulvar pain eases and allows women to have healthy sex lives. Regular sex boosts conception outcomes. The vulvodynia treatment can be used in the privacy of your own home and at the pace you're comfortable with following. Vulvodynia and Infertility Diagnosis Women with vulvar pain should make an appointment with their doctor to give a full medical history. A cotton swab test may be performed to indent the vaginal flesh to check for pain points. Also, complete blood work may be drawn to check different hormone levels and rule out STDs, infections, and other medical conditions. (5) The concern of whether or not vulvodynia causes infertility is a natural one. Vulvodynia is a severe and painful condition that makes it difficult to remain sexually active. However, there's no direct link between vulvodynia and infertility. Yet easing the pain of vulvodynia may make sexual intercourse pleasurable, but if you have other underlying conditions that affect your ability to conceive, becoming pregnant may still be difficult. Vulvalpainsociety.org/about-vulval-pain/vulval-pain-conditions/vulvodynia/ Nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/causes/causes-female Mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354308 Womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/infertility Aafp.org/afp/2006/0401/p1231.html#:~:text=A%20cotton%20swab%20is%20used,common%20sites%20of%20increased%20sensitivity. Other VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain.
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Can You Reverse Vaginal Atrophy?
By their forties, many women have heard about the trials and tribulations of other women approaching their fifties and beyond. The hormonal changes we are all apt to experience (to varying degrees) can be foreboding. The menopause threatens to bring about various changes, many of which also constitute challenges. One common problem affecting over half of all menopausal women is atrophic vaginitis (otherwise known as vaginal atrophy). Once this condition sets in, it’s inevitable that women ask, can you reverse vaginal atrophy? Dryness, itching, burning sensations, tightness and painful sex; these are all unpleasant symptoms of vaginal atrophy, a genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Until the peri-menopause, we may be very much accustomed to our reproductive organs functioning reliably. Yet after this time, things get less reliable - even downright troublesome. If you’re looking for ways to reverse vaginal atrophy, we are here to help. We get asked about this condition a lot, but one of the most common inquiries is about how to reverse atrophic vaginitis symptoms. Our article will shed light on this common condition, as well your options, which also include atrophic vaginitis natural treatment (for those who don’t want to use pharmaceuticals). Do I have vaginal atrophy? If you have gone through the menopause and have noticed uncomfortable vaginal changes, you could be suffering from vaginal atrophy. Even if you’re not of menopausal age, if you have had breast cancer treatment, this could bring on the menopause and all of the hormonal changes that cause atrophic vaginitis. The condition can take hold once your estrogen levels drop below a certain level, and the symptoms usually include: Vaginal dryness Irritation of the vulva and surrounding skin Pruritus (itchy skin) Burning and soreness caused by inflammation Vaginal discharge Thinning of the vaginal skin, tissues and walls Vaginal stenosis (shortening and tightening of the birth canal) Urinary incontinence Painful when urinating Urinary tract infections (UTIs) Painful sex (dyspareunia) Spotting or bleeding after sex Although some of these symptoms can be caused by other genitourinary conditions, if you’re menopausal or had radiotherapy and recognize more than one or two of these symptoms, it is most likely to be vaginal atrophy. Can vaginal atrophy be reversed? If you think you have atrophic vaginitis, you will surely want to an answer to this important question: Can you reverse vaginal atrophy? Is there really a light at the end of the tunnel for this one? Well, although technically it can’t be completely reversed, it is certainly possibly to get long-term relief from atrophic vaginitis symptoms and prevent the problem from worsening. How can I reverse vaginal atrophy symptoms? There are several ways to reverse vaginal atrophy symptoms so that your vaginal functionality returns to a more comfortable place. Will you be able to get rid of all vaginal atrophy symptoms completely? Probably not, but you are likely to see a marked improvement with the right treatment protocols. One of the most common vaginal atrophy treatments is estrogen replacement, although it is not for everyone and can pose some risks. It is possible to use bioidentical estrogen products, which are formulated from natural products. They are generally considered less risky than standard prescribed HRT. Another extremely popular atrophic vaginitis natural treatment is the vaginal dilator, which helps to restore capacity and functionality. If I do not want to take estrogen, what else can I take or use? Many of our customers, as well as myself love the company Neueve. NeuEve suppositories and cream help ease menopausal discomforts: vaginal odor, dryness, atrophy, itching, burning, painful sex and bacterial vaginosis. They use 100% all-natural food grade ingredients. What are the best atrophic vaginitis treatments? Hormone replacement products Estrogen products can bring about positive changes in the vaginal pH and the skin thickness. However, they don’t always reduce other vaginal atrophy symptoms significantly. Estrogen replacement may come in the form of tablets, vaginal creams and inserts. In 2013, a pill called Osphena was developed to combat severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness. As an estrogen agonist/antagonist, it acts similarly to estrogen in the body, and its effectiveness was confirmed by a 2019 study. Another commonly prescribed vaginal atrophy treatment is Prasterone vaginal inserts, which contain the hormone DHEA. DHEA can encourage the production of estrogen. Like the Osphena oral pill, these inserts may help with dyspareunia and raise moisture levels in the vaginal moisture. However, synthetic estrogen therapies have been linked to occurrences of breast cancer in post-menopausal women, so estrogen therapy should be carefully supervised by a qualified practitioner. Bioidentical hormone replacement products Among the natural treatments for atrophic vaginitis are bioidentical hormone replacement products, which can help with everything from vaginal dryness to dyspareunia and UTIs. There is debate around whether bioidentical hormones are more effective than synthetic, and many advocates in the field of natural medicine. According to one Pubmed study of papers on this topic: “Patients report greater satisfaction with HRTs that contain progesterone compared with those that contain a synthetic progestin. Bioidentical hormones have some distinctly different, potentially opposite, physiological effects compared with their synthetic counterparts, which have different chemical structures. Both physiological and clinical data have indicated that progesterone is associated with a diminished risk for breast cancer, compared with the increased risk associated with synthetic progestins. Estriol has some unique physiological effects, which differentiate it from estradiol, estrone, and CEE. Estriol would be expected to carry less risk for breast cancer, although no randomized controlled trials have been documented.” Bioidentical estradiol, which is often recommended to treat vaginal atrophy, is available at pharmacies in the form of vaginal cream (Estrace), vaginal tablets (Vagifem), or insertable vaginal rings (Estring). Estriol is seen as one of the most beneficial estrogens for the cervix, vulvar tissues and lining of the vagina. Estriol vaginal creams and gels can only be found in compounding pharmacies. There are also many brands of bioidentical estrogen creams available without prescription, but you should always research new products carefully before use. Vaginal Moisturizers One way of restoring diminished vaginal moisture levels is to apply vaginal moisturizers regularly. Among the best options are our natural and water-based lubricants, and clinically proven vaginal moisturizer Replens. Both can bring relief from vaginal dryness, and although they won’t reverse atrophic vaginitis, they really help make sex more comfortable. We highly recommend using lubricant with vaginal dilators if you have vaginal atrophy, to prevent irritation and tearing of the delicate skin. Vaginal Dilators One of the best vaginal atrophy treatments is vaginal dilators, which can widen your vaginal capacity again when it shrinks through vaginal stenosis. They also encourage bloodflow to the tissues, revitalising them and creating more elasticity and flexibility. Although dilators don’t reverse vaginal atrophy, with continual use they can help to restore functional capacity. Women suffering from dyspareunia tend to benefit from using vaginal dilators. They are often able to resume a normal sex life. Our Neodymium magnetic dilators are by far the best dilators for vaginal atrophy, since the many magnets within them pulls more blood in the direction of the delicate vaginal tissues, with many regenerative benefits. Likewise, having sex as regularly as you can, if it’s an option for you (and not painful), can help to retain vaginal capacity and functionality. Laser therapy Laser therapy is another new natural vaginal atrophy treatment. Just as it can with facial skin, laser therapy treats the vaginal area by removing old skin and collagen. This allows new skin to grow. However, the true efficacy will only be fully determined once more clinical studies have been conducted, so this treatment cannot be touted as a way to reverse vaginal atrophy. To conclude, although it isn’t possible to reverse vaginal atrophy, there are plenty of options to help you maintain quality of life through symptom management. There are lots of options you can try, including many atrophic vaginitis natural treatments that won’t bring other risks for you to worry about. Resources Vuvatech.com/blogs/vuvagirlblog/atrophic-vaginitis-is-a-reality-for-breast-cancer-survivors Womenshealthnetwork.com/hrt/bio-hrt-for-vaginal-dryness/ Vaginal estrogen therapy for the treatment of atrophic vaginitis: Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19788364/ Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/using-vaginal-dilators-for-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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4 Reasons Doing Kegels Could be Bad
Kegels are pelvic floor exercises aimed at tightening up weakened pelvic floor muscles. Lots of people are under the impression that doing kegels is a good idea, as they think it will help to improve their sex lives or prevent incontinence. However, it’s not quite as simple as that. Pelvic floor exercises are often recommended for people with pelvic floor disorders including incontinence, prolapse, pelvic pain, painful intercourse (dyspareunia). That’s because a strong pelvic floor is sometimes a preventative measure for some of the above, but the kind of exercises you do is important. Getting it wrong could actually have the opposite effect. When is doing kegels bad for you? 1. You might be doing kegels too often Lots of people do kegel exercises all the time. They are so keen to tighten the pelvic floor muscles that they forget something important: no exercises should be done constantly. If you continually flexed your biceps all day you would expect them to become sore and tired, and the same goes for pelvic floor muscles. If you are doing kegels constantly you run the risk of developing a hypertonic (overly tight) pelvic floor. This in itself is a pelvic floor dysfunction and it can result in painful sex, urinary urgency, constipation… and for some, urinary incontinence. This is the very thing a lot of people who do kegels are trying to avoid. 2. You could be doing kegels the wrong way Lots of women are doing kegel exercises the wrong way. This means they may be using too much force, resulting in pelvic floor muscle tightness. The thing is that it is quite difficult to know if you’re doing kegels the right way in the first place. This muscle group is hard to feel and you can’t see it. Women with a weak pelvic floor are even more likely to get kegels wrong, and even with the help of a pelvic floor physical therapist it is still possible to do them wrong and cause yourself problems. 3. Kegels should not be done while urinating Although it is alright to do kegels now and then while urinating, this should be kept to a minimum. Doing kegels while peeing more than a couple of times per month can lead to a weakened pelvic floor rather than a tightened one. You could disrupt the pathways between the bladder and brain, resulting in damage to the bladder and kidneys. You might also develop incontinence problems, hesitancy or problems emptying the bladder. 4. Kegels may be the opposite of what you need to do It is surprisingly easy to mistake a tight pelvic floor for a weak pelvic floor. It may be that your pelvic floor is already overactive, so if you start doing kegels regularly you’re going to end up with a hypertonic pelvic floor. Although pelvic floor dysfunction can come about through childbirth, injury or muscular weakness, it’s not always the case. It is really important to understand the reason for your dysfunction before you start doing kegels, otherwise you may end up with even worse dysfunction. When is doing kegels a good thing? If you have been officially diagnosed with a weak pelvic floor, you will benefit from strengthening it. You should see a pelvic floor physical therapist to make sure that your pelvic floor dysfunction is actually down to weakness (hypotonicity) rather than over-activity and tightness (hypertonicity). Most of the time, a weakened pelvic floor is still working - albeit less effectively. It may not need intensive strengthening, so doing kegels constantly is not helpful. We recommend consulting a pelvic floor physical therapist. They will be qualified to tell you what the problem is, what will work best for you and exactly how to go about it. You may find that it was actually pelvic floor stretches you needed to be doing all along! 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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Sex After Birth: Tips for Having Sex After Pregnancy
In the days after giving birth, resuming sex may be the furthest thing from your sleep-deprived mind. The thought of postpartum sex with your partner may not be a top priority on your to-do list (between breastfeeding to sleeping). Plus, there's a lot of changes physically and emotionally after you have a baby. It's common for women to have a perineal tear or feel sore for weeks. Understandably, your body and mind need time to heal before you resume a healthy sex life. Yet, at one point, you'll take the plunge into sex after pregnancy and may desire a few tips to make the transition a little easier. Understand the beautiful trauma of giving birth Before you had your baby, you may have felt it would be the most magical day of your life. And it was, but not at all how you imagined giving birth. Most people don't realize that regardless if you had a vaginal delivery or a c section, your body underwent a pretty significant trauma. Some women labor for hours, only to have a cesarean delivery. Other women experience labor so fast and furious that the pushing causes a tear or episiotomy. Perhaps, you thought your child was in danger. By the time you hold your newborn baby, you've survived a magical event that leaves you ecstatic, transformed, and exhausted. Be aware that postpartum depression can happen There’s a reason your gynecologist asked you a zillion questions about “how you’re feeling” during a postpartum care visit. According to the American Psychology Association, postpartum depression (PPD) affects 1 in 7 women. (1) While feeling sad, emotional, and scared may only last a few days, the sensations may stretch for weeks or months if left untreated. PPD is bigger than the "baby blues" and can have severe effects on your wellbeing and sex life. If you suspect you have PPD, speak to your health care provider. Set your own sex timeline The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stress there’s no exact timeline for sex after childbirth. (2) The “waiting time” depends on different factors— the main one being you. In as little as two weeks, your body may have healed enough to make time for sex. However, you may not be ready emotionally. You may have also had a cesarean birth. The recommendations for c section recovery are to wait at least six weeks before resuming sexual activity. Or it may take six months before your sex drive returns. It all depends on your body, so take all the time you need. Allow yourself time to heal As with setting your own timeline, allow your body to recover. It's common to experience pain during sex after you've given birth. Your vaginal walls and pelvic floor have been stretched in ways you can't even imagine. Give yourself all the time it takes to heal to avoid the possibility of painful sex. Understand your body may be different The body changes you may experience after childbirth varies, but can be very real. Your breasts look and feel different. You may have a lower body image. Or you may have a sense of pride that you brought your baby into this world. Childbirth can make sex feel new and exciting or scary and painful. Understanding that you've changed allows you to understand that your sex life may have changed too. Connect with your partner In the days and weeks after giving birth, finding the time to connect with your partner is hard. If it's your first child, you're learning to accept the lifestyle change. If you have other children, your attention becomes split between the non-stop needs of newborn care and the demands of older children. Taking a moment for intimacy or sexual activity can be difficult. Yet if you take a few minutes to connect, you may fall naturally into having sex. Make foreplay the main event There’s this idea that sex is only penetration. But we all know that’s not true. In the weeks after delivery, resume sexual activities that entail delicious foreplay. Take the time to rub and kiss each other before moving on to the big event. Foreplay jump starts your sex drive and helps you enjoy sex more. Use a lubricant Vaginal dryness can happen for different reasons, but one thing is for sure, it makes sexual intercourse painful. After giving birth, you may be breastfeeding, which lowers your estrogen levels. Lower amounts of the female sex hormone reduce vaginal lubrication. Adding a high-quality lubricant into your arsenal of sex toys gives you the slippery boost you need. Stop if it’s too painful It’s natural for sex to feel painful for weeks after having a baby. You may experience some slight pain and bleeding the first time you have sex after birth, but if it’s a searing or tearing pain, then stop. Remember to take precautions During the postpartum period, it's more important than ever to use a birth control method. You may be breastfeeding and think you can't become pregnant. Or becoming pregnant was hard the first time, so you think it will take months before it happens again. The March of Dimes recommends waiting 18 months before becoming pregnant again to heal the body. (3) Postpartum dyspareunia Dyspareunia is painful intercourse for known and unknown reasons that goes on for an extended period. It can cause pelvic floor dysfunction (muscles are weak or tight) and causes serious problems with sexual health. Postpartum dyspareunia comes from weak pelvic floor muscles after giving birth. You can strengthen and stretch your vaginal muscles naturally with pelvic floor exercises using a vaginal dilator. VuVatech vaginal stretchers have helped thousands of women to enjoy healthy sex lives by alleviating postpartum dyspareunia. Having sex after a baby is born depends on your physical and emotional well being. It's important to talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns. But when you're ready to have sex, know that it can be healthy and fulfilling. VuVatech understands women's health and is here to help you lead enjoyable sex lives. https://www.apa.org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-depressionhttps://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/a-partners-guide-to-pregnancyhttps://www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/how-long-should-you-wait-before-getting-pregnant-again.aspx VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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How long should I keep a dilator in?
How often should I use a dilator? What happens after I use it? And for how long should you use a vaginal dilator? Learning about dilator therapy can be confusing, so VuVa Dilator company wants to help with teaching you how to properly. How long should I use a dilator? When you order dilators, or you see your physical therapist, they usually give you instructions for dilator therapy. Our instructions state to use dilators 20-30 minutes 1-2 times a day, but just because it states this, doesn't mean you have to dilate that long right off the bat. Dilating can be painful in the beginning. If you can only do a few minutes during your dilating sessions that is fine. You can work your way up to 20-30 minutes. If this takes weeks or months, that is fine. The simple fact that you are dilating is great so do not get discouraged. You should always take with your doctor or therapist before starting dilator therapy. How do I use vaginal dilators? These are instructions that we created with the help of Dr. Robert Echenberg. Dr. Echenberg is the founder of the Echenberg Institute for Pelvic and Sexual Pain in Allentown, PA. For the best sexual health results use VuVa™ vaginal dilators 1-2 times a day. Directions Before Use: Wash dilators with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let the dilators air dry. Start by testing the smaller size VuVa™ Vaginal Dilators to see which vagina dilator size you are comfortable inserting. You may find that when you are first starting to use dilators, you can only tolerate the tip and that is normal. Increase dilator size only after you can insert current size dilator with ease. When you insert the dilator, do not go over a 3-4 pain level. Using vaginal dilators will be uncomfortable at first, but you will feel the pain subside as the muscles relax around the vaginal canal. To get started: Lubricate the VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator and vagina canal opening generously with a lubricant your choice. IMPORTANT: Do not use petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline) In a private place, preferably a bed, lie on your back or in the fetal position. Bend both knees and spread your legs apart. Taking calm breaths, relax your body. Using gentle pressure, insert the smaller round end of the dilator into your vagina canal. Make sure that the dilator shaft is inserted as deeply as is comfortable for you. Do not insert entire dilator: leave larger, round flat end outside of vaginal opening. IMPORTANT - WOMEN: Do not walk around with dilator inserted. Do not use dilators during sexual intercourse. Remain lying on your back while the VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator is in place. Leave it in for 20-30 minutes (the longer the better) before taking it out. You may have to hold dilator in place, as your vaginal muscles may try to push it out. When you can insert smaller dilator with ease, you may progress up to the next size within the same session. Your muscles should be relaxed. Moving to the next size dilator should then be easier. Note: progressing up in size may take days or weeks to complete comfortably before engaging in sexual activity again. Wash the vaginal dilators after use with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let them air dry. Important Tips: If you cannot use your dilators for 20 minutes the first time, do not get discouraged. When you are using dilators for a pelvic pain condition, everyone will progress at a different rate depending on the severity of your condition. If you can only do one minute a day for the first week or two, that is fine. During vaginal dilator therapy, you should not go over a 3-4 pain level out of 10 when you are dilating. If you are having trouble progressing up to the next size, ask your pelvic floor physical therapist to check your muscles to pinpoint what could be causing the pelvic pain issue. Pelvic floor physical therapists can be very helpful with your vaginal dilator set. You can also rotate your dilator slightly to help loosen pelvic muscles a bit more. *You may also benefit from sex therapy. Will I bleed after using my dilator? There can be a small amount of bleeding while using the dilator or after you’re finished using it. This is normal, so do not be alarmed or scared . Wearing a panty liner after therapy can be helpful. If you continue to bleed and it becomes heavy, contact your healthcare provider asap. Should I pee after using a dilator? Yes, it is always good practice to pee after dilator therapy. Especially if you are prone to urinary tract infections. If you have any questions or problems, talk with your healthcare provider at your next appointment. Increasing Your Dilator Size When you can insert a smaller dilator with ease, you may progress up to the next size within the same session. Your muscles should be relaxed. Moving to the next size dilator should then be easier. Note: progressing up in size may take days or weeks to complete comfortably before engaging in sexual activity again. You never want to go over a 3-4 pain level when progressing in sizes or dilating in general. Do you need dilators? Visit the VuVa Dilator Company store here. 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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5 Women’s Experiences Using Vuva Vaginal Dilators
Women use vaginal dilators for so many reasons, and VuvaTech have been supplying women with these life saving products for a long time now. We understand how apprehensive ladies can be before using a vaginal dilator for the first time, so we do everything we can to educate on the everything from the conditions dilators are used for to tips and advice for usage. We realize that it helps to get the lowdown on other women’s experiences, and fortunately we have many happy customers that let us know how they are getting on with our products. We decided to put together a collection of experiences with Vuva vaginal dilators so that you can get an idea what to expect from your own. 1. Vuva vaginal dilators for vaginismus JKS (June 2018) told us about how our vaginal dilators had eased her vaginismus after many years of suffering – and without a proper diagnosis. Since her teen years, she had been unable to even insert a tampon, and said that losing her virginity was traumatic. Annual exams would be a nightmare for her, and sexual intercourse was a huge challenge. Once she discovered that she had the condition vaginismus, she came to Vuvatech for a solution. Since that time, she has told us that she and her husband are incredibly grateful for receiving the assistance they’ve been so desperate for… now they’re having great success with Vuva vaginal dilators. 2. Magnetic dilators for lichen schlerosis An anonymous customer who is 60 years old wrote to us in March 2018, telling us that it was a long time since she had been sexually active. She then met her husband-to-be but disappointingly, the pair had difficulties consummating their marriage. Our customer had been diagnosed with the painful condition lichen sclerosus, so it wasn’t an age-related problem. Vuva magnetic dilators (in combination with a topical medical prescription) came to the rescue, and she can now use the largest dilator in the collection with ease. She told us that our dilators had made a massive difference to her life, and is even recommending them to friends in need. 3. Wedding night bliss thanks to vaginal dilators In May 2018, a customer of ours called Angela wrote to let us know how grateful she is that our dilators helped turn her wedding night into something unimaginably special. As a teenager she had struggled to use tampons, and gynecological exams were challenging. Later in life, her GYN recommended she try Vuva vaginal dilators in time for her wedding night. After using sizes 1 and 2 for three months before her wedding, her wedding night was better than she could ever have expected. 4. Painful sex is a thing of the past thanks to dilators In April 2019, another customer, S.A, told us how our dilators had changed her life. At the young age of 18, she was unable to insert even a finger into her vagina without pain. After using Vuva dilators for some time, her sex life with her boyfriend has been transformed. She tells us that she can now comfortably use all 5 dilators in the set, and sex is not only possible but also enjoyable for her. 5. Fear of penetration is overcome with Vuva dilators JP is a 24-year-old customer who wrote to us in June 2019 to thank us for helping her overcome a fear of penetration via our magnetic dilators. After 6 months of therapy to deal with this issue, she still had big fears and couldn’t bring herself to insert anything into her vagina. After a midwife suggested she use vaginal dilators, she tried ours. Once she got over the initial fear of using one, she found that she could easily insert them – and more easily than a finger. She thinks our products are amazing and is very grateful to Vuvatech for offering the solution she had been looking for. Feel free to read more experiences with vaginal dilators and get in touch with us if you have any questions about the right dilator for you.
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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.
