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“Have you ever thought about just not having sex?” The Dairy of my Broken Vagina by Fran Bushe
Written by Fran Bushe “Have you ever thought about just not having sex?” These words were said to me by a doctor a few weeks before I turned 30. I’d been sexually active for 14 years and the truth is that I just didn’t ‘get’ sex. I wanted to want sex, but for the most part, I participated (giving appropriate “ooh” and “aah” noises at what felt like reasonable intervals) and hoped that the next time would be better. Mostly, it hurt. It had been this way since I was 16, and it was impossible to know if it hurt because I wasn’t turned on enough, or I wasn’t turned on enough because I was always worrying it was going to hurt. This became a vicious cycle and the thought of actually enjoying sex became a distant dream. At 30 I’d decided that enough was enough. I was tired of feeling underwhelmed and wanted to become a multi-orgasmic-tantric-come-with-ease-never-painful-sexual-goddess. Or, at least, learn to enjoy — a bit — the sex I was having. That year Viagra had been made available over the counter without prescription (in the UK), and I felt angry that sexual problems for people with vaginas were not being treated with the same attention, care or empathy. I had endured too much sitting in front of Doctors, who didn't meet my eye as they embarrassedly shuffled their papers. They made me feel like asking to enjoy sex was self indulgent, unreasonable and greedy. Feeling unheard and isolated I ended up writing about my experiences instead. . I didn’t think anyone would be interested in hearing about my vagina. All I could picture was people rolling their eyes thinking, “oh my goodness, it’s going to be a woman on stage shouting at me about her vagina for 55 minutes”. I was wrong, turns out people are very invested in my vagina. Let's hear it for my vagina! First I wrote my stage show Ad Libido, which had sell out runs across the United Kingdom. Now I am writing a book and have just released a tv pilot based on my own diaries The Diary of my Broken Vagina. For me talking about it is scary, as it means admitting openly I feel intimately broken at my very core, but it has also encouraged me to communicate and not feel like this is something I have to deal with on my own. Fran Bushe @franbushe 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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What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition affecting women’s hormone levels, in that their bodies will produce more male hormones than is normal, and cysts will grow inside their ovaries. The word “polycystic” actually means “many cysts.” Polycystic ovary syndrome affects the ovaries and reproductive organs that produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. The ovaries also normally produce a small amount of androgens (the male hormones), but with PCOS, estrogen and progesterone levels will be lower than normal, while androgens will be higher. Due to the abnormal hormone levels, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) start to grow inside the ovaries. These cysts are actually follicles containing immature eggs, but the eggs don’t mature enough to start the ovulation process. When women don’t ovulate regularly, fewer eggs are released for fertilization. PCOS was first discovered by Italian physician Antonio Vallisneri back in 1721, and today it affects up to 27% of women of childbearing age (from 15 to 44). However, it may go undiagnosed in up to 70% of that group. What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome? It is common for women with polycystic ovary syndrome to have ovarian cysts, high male hormone levels, and a disrupted menstrual cycle (irregular or missed periods). Symptoms are likely to appear around the start of the first period, but for some, they don’t find out they have PCOS until they can’t get pregnant, or start to put on weight. Irregular/fewer periods: not ovulating means less reliable shedding of the womb lining Heavy menstruation: due to a delayed build up of uterine lining Excessive body hair (hirsutism): facial and body hair can develop because of the androgens Headaches Acne: androgens cause oily skin and pimple breakouts on the face, chest, and back Thinning of hair: unfortunately, women with PCOS can suffer from male pattern baldness Skin darkening in creased areas of skin (e.g. neck, groin, beneath the breasts) Infertility: it can be difficult to get pregnant due to lack of ovulation Obesity/metabolic syndrome: up to 80% of PCOS sufferers will put on weight or become obese, with high blood sugar, high blood pressure and imbalanced cholesterol levels. This leads to risk of stroke, diabetes and heart disease. Sleep apnea: difficulty breathing normally at night, which disrupts sleep Endometrial cancer: due to thickened, unreleased uterine lining Depression: due to imbalanced hormones and dealing with other symptoms What causes polycystic ovary syndrome? As yet there is no known cause of PCOS. All Doctors know is that high male hormone levels stop the ovaries from producing the necessary female hormones needed for a healthy cycle. There may be a genetic factor, but insulin resistance is a more likely factor given that up to 70% of women with PCOS also have this. If your cells aren’t properly using insulin your body will demand more of it, triggering the pancreas to create it in a bid to compensate for the lack. However, the extra insulin created causes the ovaries to produce more androgens. Inflammation is another possible cause of polycystic ovary syndrome, since it tends to run concurrently with PCOS. It may be possible to reduce inflammation through diet, which also helps with obesity. Obesity may actually be the cause of the inflammation that led to PCOS in the first place, however. Treating PCOS The treatments for polycystic ovary syndrome are usually birth control pills and diabetes drugs. These are prescribed because they can restore hormone levels, resulting in fewer challenging PCOS symptoms. Many women benefit from low carbohydrate or low GI diets, as well as at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3 times per week. If overweight, losing as little as 5% of your bodyweight is likely to have a positive impact on PCOS. In severe cases, laser surgery to restore ovulation may be the answer. If you think that polycystic ovary syndrome may be causing your symptoms, you should contact your Doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is better to tackle the problem sooner rather than later, in order to prevent the condition progressing or leading to secondary diseases. Don’t forget to follow the VuvaTech blog for insights and advice on various women’s health problems… we’re here to help!
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What is Provoked Vestibulodynia and Could You Have it?
You may by now have heard of dyspareunia, which is the name for painful sex. On our website we post a lot of information and advice about this troublesome condition. Yet there is another related term that you may not yet have come across, which is ‘provoked vestibulodynia’. This condition is one of the major reasons for painful intercourse, but that’s not all there is to it. So, what exactly is provoked vestibulodynia? In this article we’ll explore the details, from the symptoms to the causes and how it can be treated. What is Provoked Vestibulodynia? Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is defined as ‘provoked vestibular pain’ that lasts for a minimum of three months, but without an obvious cause. It may help to know what the term ‘vestibule’ means: this is the part of the vulva where the openings can be found (the urethra, vagina, hymenal tags), as well as the inner areas and surfaces from the labia minora to the Hart’s line (the edge of the vulval vestibule). Provoked vestibulodynia is classed as a chronic pain condition, which may also have associated factors, some of which could be related to a patient’s personal history. What is most frustrating about this problem is that it presents with no visible signs – pain is the only obvious sign that something is wrong. This pain is referred to as allodynia – the pain experienced from normal stimuli (such as touch or pressure), relating to the outer edge of the vestibule. What’s more, the location of the pain can be difficult to pinpoint, and is sometimes present even inside the birth canal. What are the symptoms of provoked vestibulodynia (PVD)? Painful intercourse or penetration (dyspareunia) is the main symptom of provoked vestibulodynia, and is most often caused by it. There are actually two types of PVD: the first has always been present in the patient, and the second is acquired. In the former case, the patient will always have experienced painful sex or penetration of any kind. In the latter case, she may have been through extensive periods of time where sex or touch was not painful. The other main symptoms of PVD are: Burning, cutting or stinging pain at the vaginal opening Increased pain during examination or intercourse Pain upon contact with seminal fluid Burning feelings after sex has finished, sometimes lasting hours or days Post-coital dysuria (difficulty in urinating), sometimes lasting hours or days Pain inserting tampons or speculums What causes Provoked Vestibulodynia? Stress is considered to be a contributor, since it is known to lower pain thresholds. There is evidence that provoked vestibulodynia is associated with central sensitization of the pain circuits within the brain and spinal cord. PVD patients generally have low pain thresholds, and often present with other chronic pain conditions, so there may be a comorbidity factor there. Unfortunately, since the condition is so difficult to live with, stress is increased by it and consequently (in a vicious cycle) so is the pain. There may also be genetic factors, psychosocial factors (such as anxiety or PTSD), sleep deprivation, hormonal factors, and pelvic floor muscle over-activity, according to this PVD study. How can you treat Provoked Vestibulodynia? Interestingly, psycho-education, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as mindfulness practices and therapy have yielded positive results in some women with PVD. This probably indicates that stress reduction helps, or that some factors of the condition may be psychosomatic. Since some patients in medical trials have responded well to placebos, this seems to further confirm this. The belief that a woman can influence her own pain levels has also yielded good results. In some cases, physiotherapy helps, as does pelvic floor physical therapy. Avoiding irritants, harsh chemicals, and improving moisture levels can also help. In particularly troublesome cases, medication such as Lidocaine may be prescribed, although this is merely a sticking plaster. In other cases, vaginal dilators are used in the treatment of provoked vestibulodynia, particularly when pelvic floor muscle over-activity is behind it. It is best to consult your healthcare providers for a proper diagnosis before embarking on any course of treatment; it may also be the case that a combination of approaches works best. Here are Instructions on How to Use Vaginal Dilators
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When Do You Use Vaginal Dilators? 10 Times You Should Use Dilators
A vaginal dilator (also known as a vaginal trainer or vaginal expander) is an instrument that women (and therapists) use to gently stretch the vagina. Vaginal dilators are used as an effective treatment for many different gynecological disorders and conditions. Aside from the pain that many gynecological problems cause, women often report that their sex lives have deteriorated, which is undoubtedly challenging - on many levels. Vaginal dilators can help restore or expand your pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues. These tube-shaped tools come in various sizes, ranging from small (around the size of your finger) to large. They are made from medical grade materials, such as silicone and plastic. The VuVa vaginal dilator sets also include patented dilators containing neodymium magnets, which bring extra healing benefits. When do you use vaginal dilators? There are many issues that vaginal dilators can help you to overcome. We have listed ten of the most common problems helped by vaginal dilator treatment, along with the benefits of vaginal dilator therapy for each condition… Vaginal stenosis Vaginal stenosis refers to the shortening and/or narrowing of the birth canal, and the formation of scar tissue forms in the vagina. Other vaginal stenosis symptoms are dryness, and loss of flexibility and elasticity. It often develops after a case of radiation treatment to the pelvic area, but can also be caused by genital surgery, an episiotomy (incision to the perineum) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. With narrowing or shortening of the vagina, vaginal dilators can return it to a functional shape and capacity by stretching out any scar tissue (fibrosis) in the vagina and relaxing the muscles and ligaments. Vaginal atrophy Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) refers to the thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues, as well as inflammation. These issues are caused by a lack of estrogen, so it happens most often to post-menopausal women. Vaginal atrophy can make sex painful, and in some cases it causes urinary issues too. Vaginal dilators treat vaginal atrophy by increasing blood flow to the area, thus increasing natural lubrication and alleviating painful symptoms. Neodymium magnetic dilators do the best job, since the magnets maximize blood flow. Vaginismus Vaginismus causes vaginal pain due to the involuntary contraction of your pelvic floor muscles (specifically the pubococcygeus muscle group), usually when intercourse or examinations are attempted. These muscle contractions and spasms can make sex very difficult or painful. Vaginal dilators are one of the best vaginismus treatments in existence. That’s because women with vaginismus can train themselves to be comfortable with penetration gradually - in their own time and privacy. Dyspareunia (painful sex) Painful sex happens for a myriad of reasons; sometimes it starts in the psyche, and other times it has a physical cause. Since it doesn’t always go away on its own, it is important to seek professional assistance in diagnosing your dyspareunia. However, as is the case with vaginismus, women can use vaginal dilators to either desensitize the vagina or become accustomed to the feeling of penetration. Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is considered chronic vulvar pain not associated with infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic or hormonal disorders. The pain often lasts for over 3 to 6 months, but can continue for years. It is estimated that vulvodynia affects 4 to 8% of women at any one time, and 10 to 20% in their lifetime. This complex condition can have many underlying causes, which has made it notoriously difficult to treat. However, vast numbers of patients have had success using vaginal dilators for vulvodynia pain. In a clinical trial by Physician Care Clinical Research, 80% of participants had decreased vaginal pain when using neodymium magnetic dilators. All study participants also reported reduced anxiety linked to vulvodynia, plus significant improvements in their sexual health. Pudendal neuralgia Pudendal neuralgia is the name for chronic pain around the pudendal nerve, which runs from the lower back, along the muscles of the pelvic floor and into the perineum. It is possible to stretch, squash or traumatize nerves, so the same goes for this nerve. Commonly this results in burning, aching, or shooting pains. It can also present as itching or oversensitivity. Vaginal dilators have a high success rate for desensitizing the vulva, which makes them a useful tool for treating pudendal neuralgia symptoms. After pelvic chemotherapy or radiotherapy When a woman has chemotherapy, radiotherapy or brachytherapy treatment to the pelvic area, scar tissue can form in the vagina, leading to dryness and less elasticity in the tissues. The vagina and vaginal opening may also shrink or form scar tissue (adhesions), which could seal the walls of the vaginal together. Once treatment is complete, vaginal dilators (or also called vaginal trainers) are used to stretch the vaginal scar tissue in order to make sex and examinations more comfortable, and of course to retain the normal vaginal capacity. If you have had any of the above treatments, you should use vaginal dilators for the rest of your life to prevent scarring from forming at any time in the future. After breast cancer treatment Breast cancer treatment can unfortunately lead to other troublesome side effects, since it can cause the deterioration of estrogen levels circulating in the blood. It may also cause ovarian failure. Many breast cancer survivors find themselves dealing with vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) as a result. As mentioned above, vaginal dilators are a very effective vaginal atrophy treatment. If you have lichen sclerosus Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin condition affecting the skin of genitalia. It often affects post-menopausal women and has no known cause, although experts suspect an overactive immune system causes it. LS causes white patches around the vulva and inflammation. If left untreated it may cause scar tissue, tightened skin and shrinkage of the vaginal entrance. Vaginal dilators ease the associated pain during intercourse by stretching out the tissue and relaxing muscles. Vaginal dilators can also prevent shrinkage and help to keep the vagina at its normal capacity. When your pelvic floor is tight A tight (hypertonic) pelvic floor is a very common problem in women, and can happen due to excessive exercise, stress, anxiety, holding onto stools or urine, or as a result of another pelvic condition. A tight pelvic floor can lead to discomfort and dysfunction in the pelvic area, but you use vaginal dilators to help relax it and restore usual function. Dilators can reverse pelvic floor hypertonicity, hence they are a ‘go-to’ tool for pelvic floor physical therapists. We hope that our article has shed some light on the occasions when you need to use vaginal dilators. Don’t forget to look around our site for a wealth of information on women’s sexual health issues, as well as our range of products designed to help you overcome them. If you have any questions, you know where to find us! References: NCBI: Differentiating overlapping symptoms of vulvodynia and pudendal neuralgia Racgp.org.au/afp/2015/july/localised-provoked-vestibulodynia-(vulvodynia)-assessment-and-management/ NCBI: Atrophic Vaginitis in Breast Cancer Survivors: Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4493485/ Dilator therapy helps improve pelvic health and female sexuality. They are used to help a wide variety of female health concerns. Speak to your doctor today about how dilator therapy can help you. 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 Dilator Company 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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What You Need To Know About What Causes Endometriosis
How to treat it? If you're living with endometriosis, you may be suffering from severe pain and want to know why. Endometriosis is when the endometrial tissues that usually line the inside of the uterus grow outside. The extra tissue is sometimes referred to as endometrial implants and can grow in the following: Ovaries Fallopian tubes Muscles that support the uterus Bladder Outer surface of the uterus The misplaced endometrial tissue functions similarly to normal endometrial cells. During each menstrual cycle, the tissue thickens, breaks down, and bleeds. It can become provoked and develop into scar tissue. The endometrial tissue can also form dark-colored ovarian cysts on the ovaries. All of which can lead to mild to severe abdominal pain and menstrual cramping. What Causes Endometriosis? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the exact cause of endometriosis isn't known. It's one of the most confusing hormonal and immune diseases. However, the causes of endometriosis are thought to be connected to one or more of the following theories. Retrograde Menstrual Flow Retrograde menstruation or transtubal migration theory is by far the most commonly cited reason for causing endometriosis by healthcare providers. The Endometriosis Association describes retrograde menstruation is when blood backs up through the fallopian tubes and into the pelvis. Doctors say that retrograde menstruation isn't unusual and happens to some degree for all women with monthly menses. Yet, endometriosis researchers believe that women with heavy retrograde flow may have an increased risk for the condition. The backward blood flow can accumulate endometrial cells in the abdomen. If they grow, the cells can cause pelvic pain and infertility. However, not all research supports retrograde menstrual flow with increased risk for endometriosis. It may only be one of the other factors that cause endometriosis. Female Sex Hormone — Estrogen According to the Mayo Clinic, high levels of estrogen may increase the risk of endometriosis. High levels of estrogen is referred to as estrogen dominance. This occurs when estrogen is high compared to progesterone, resulting in a hormonal imbalance. Common signs of estrogen dominance are weight gain, menstrual cramps, hot flashes, and endometriosis. Treatments for a hormonal imbalance usually include progesterone supplementation and dietary and lifestyle changes. Genetic Factors Research indicates that the cause of endometriosis may be hereditary. While determining how true hasn't been defined, some studies show that endometriosis occurs in familial patterns. A large study in Iceland looking at family members going back 11 centuries found an increased risk for endometriosis if a sister or a cousin had the condition as well. However, it may be one of the different factors causing endometriosis. Surgical Transplantation One theory that may result in endometriosis is surgical transplantation. This is when endometrial cells are transplanted into the uterus after surgery, such as a cesarean or c-section. When this happens, the endometrial implants may continue to grow, resulting in pain and developing endometriosis. Environmental Factors Another theory for what causes endometriosis is the use and production of environmental toxins, such as herbicides and pesticides. PCBs and Dioxins fall into this category, and when absorbed by the body, they may damage the immune system. The chemicals can contaminate the food chain and then build up in the human body after exposure. Once this happens, the theory suggests that the immune system has a hard time breaking down endometrial implants, resulting in scar tissue and severe pain. Endometriosis Risk factors Women with endometriosis may not be able to determine the exact cause, but certain risk factors may boost chances, including: Short or irregular menstrual period Heavy menstrual period Age Never getting pregnant Runs in families Low body weight Recurrent urinary tract infection If you have endometriosis symptoms and any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about possible treatments. Treatment for Endometriosis The National Institutes of Health outlines that endometriosis treatment usually includes pain medication, surgery, or hormone therapy. However, other natural methods, such as vaginal dilators and homeopathic solutions, can help manage the pain. Conservative Surgery The surgical procedure uses laparoscopy to remove endometrial implants without removing the sexual organs. It's the most common minimally invasive surgery, according to medical advice. However, it may not always work, and women may need additional surgeries. Medications Managing endometriosis can be done with different medications. For example, hormonal imbalances can be treated with estrogen and progesterone supplementation or birth control pills. Women may take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage the pain as well. Using medication is a standard treatment, but it can come with some side effects. Vaginal Dilators Many women who suffer from Endo also have other pelvic pain conditions that cause painful intercourse such as Vaginismus or Vulvodynia. Vaginal dilators are proven to help ease pelvic pain from scar tissue buildup in the pelvic cavity. This natural solution is one of the best treatment options for pelvic floor therapy at home. Vaginal dilators don't have any side effects, other than some minimal pain as you learn to use them for treatments. Vaginal dilators are inserted slowly into the vagina to stretch and lengthen ligaments and dissolve scar tissue. As the scar tissue breaks down, fresh oxygenated blood revives vaginal tissue and naturally eases endometriosis pain. The medical devices come in graduated sizes, making insertion easy and pain-free. Diagnosing Endometriosis If you have symptoms of endometriosis, you may need to request an appointment with your gynecologist or doctor. During the meeting, you may need to undergo a pelvic exam, an ultrasound, or even have an endometrial biopsy to determine whether you have endometriosis and the possible cause. There are different stages of endometriosis, and depending on what stage you're in will determine the next steps. It's essential for your mental and reproductive health that you begin the healing process before experiencing any complication of endometriosis. Endometriosis symptoms are painful and affect women's health. What causes endometriosis exactly isn't known, but many theories exist that may help direct your treatment. Vaginal dilators are a non-invasive solution for many women with endometriosis. 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? 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Where Are Your Vaginal Dilators Made? It’s Surprisingly Important…
Not everyone checks on the origins of the products they purchase as standard, but there are times when this is necessary. In particular, when sexual health is at stake. Did you ever wonder where vaginal dilators for physical therapy are made? You could be forgiven for overlooking this detail, but it’s actually a more important one than it may seem. Since you’re going to be coming into close personal contact with your dilator, you should be careful to check that it is made from the highest quality materials, under the correct conditions. We’ll start by pointing out that not all vaginal dilators are made here in the US. Surprisingly few are, in fact. What if we told you that 95% of all dilator companies have their products made overseas? The problem with this is that it’s very difficult for you to confirm what type of material they are using. For instance, if the dilator company is outsourcing to China, it’s safe to say that they are definitely are not paying the premium prices necessary to obtain the highest quality materials. Since your health is of primary importance to us, we decided to give you the lowdown on where our vaginal dilators are made, what they are made from, and why this is important… Where are VuvaTech vaginal dilators made? First and foremost, women's health and safety is the number one priority for VuVatech. That’s why we like to keep a close eye on the manufacturing of our products, and we are keen to enable efficient communication with our suppliers. For both of these reasons, our magnetic vaginal dilators are made right here in the United States. Our magnetic dilators (which are our bestsellers for good reason!) are made right here at a high-end facility in Sarasota, Florida. We use medical grade plastic to ensure that our dilators are hypoallergenic and totally safe for you to use. Our silicone dilators are made in North America, for the same reasons. Women find that our Neodymium Vaginal Dilator therapy is more effective than regular dilators for their medical conditions such as vaginal atrophy, vaginismus, vulvodynia and other pelvic floor dysfunction conditions. It can take your fear of penetration away to clear the path to resume normal sexual activity. We chose to have our products made and shipped right from within our own community for another reason too: to create and secure local jobs for people. So with a locally manufactured product line we not only help our own people; we can also oversee the production and quality of everything easily. What are our vaginal dilators made from? VuVa silicone dilators are made from Medical Grade 6 Silicone, and they are free from latex. Our magnetic dilators are made from FDA approved, medical device grade polycarbonate. This means they are latex-free, waterproof and most importantly, non-toxic. This range of dilators contains neodymium magnets. Although these aren’t cheap, they are a major component of our dilators and these magnets set them apart from the rest due to their amazing health benefits. Neodymium magnets are rare-earth magnets frequently used in medical applications. The consist of an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron to form the Nd2Fe14B tetragonal crystalline structure that makes the fundamental base of the magnet. The magnets are all put strategically in place by hand according to a patented pattern that ensures maximum efficacy. Each of our magnetic dilators contains more than sixty neodymium magnets, which will retain their strength for at least ten years. What else is worth knowing about our vaginal dilators? You may find it helpful to know that we ran a small double blind placebo clinical trial, which was conducted at Sarasota Memorial Hospital IRB. In this trial our magnetic vaginal dilators were clinically proven to be more effective than non-magnetic dilators. In fact, 80% of our study participants said they experienced a decrease in their overall pain levels after using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. We hope that this article has given you some insight into the importance of where vaginal dilators are made, as well as the faith that at VuVatech we are doing everything we can to bring you the safest and most effective products on the market. If you have any questions about our product range, please drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help! 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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What is a Therawand? What are the types and how can it help me?
The Therawand is a clinically proven therapeutic internal massage and trigger point release wands. The TheraWand’s brilliant curves and dual release-ends make it perfect for pelvic massage, trigger point release and sexual wellness. The proven and patented designs are recommended by medical professionals worldwide. Being in the pelvic health business, I have learned the that one product may not have all the proper functions you need for your home pelvic floor therapy. While you can do slight trigger point therapy with our VuVa Dilators, you really need a Therawand pelvic wand to reach trigger points successfully. This company aligns themselves with the same values as ours, made in America, exemplary manufacturing and strict quality control. I talk to many PT's every week that have been using the Therawand for years with their patients, so I decided to write a blog to tell you about my two favorite Therawands and the difference between the two. What are the two most popular types of Therawands? LA-Wand: Tapered end is 5/8 inches thick Bobbled end is 7/8 inches thick Overall length is 9 inches Elliptical tapered end 4 Bobbles end The LA TheraWand is a highly regarded therapeutic manual massage device designed with direct input by leading pelvic floor therapists. The brilliant curves and design make the LA-Wand perfect for gentle intrapelvic massage. This wand allows you to massage irritable, tight or sore trigger points in the pelvic floor musculature to relieve pelvic discomfort and pain. As a sexual wellness product, the TheraWand is also excellent for addressing anorgasmia. The LA-Wand has two Release-Ends that consist of a finger-tip like tapered end for easy insertion and a 'bobble' end offering greater surface area. The bobbled end can also be used as a handle. The LA-Wand measures 9″ in length and can aid reachability for larger individuals or for those with limited mobility. The overall diameter is 5/8" and the bobbles are 7/8" wide. This wand can be used both rectally and vaginally. The LA-Wand is the preferred wand for anal use due to its thinner width. V-Wand: Overall thickness is 7/8 inches Overall length is 8 inches Finger-tip like end Opposable thumb shape end The brilliant curves and design make the V-Wand perfect for gentle intrapelvic massage. This Wand allows you to massage irritable, tight or sore trigger points in the pelvic floor musculature to relieve pelvic discomfort and pain. As a sexual wellness product, the TheraWand is also excellent for addressing anorgasmia. The V-Wand has two Release-Ends, that include an opposable-thumb shape for when greater surface area is needed and a finger-tip like tapered end for more precise contact. The V-Wand has a diameter of 7/8" and measures 8" long. This wand can be used both rectally and vaginally. How can Therawand's help me? The TheraWand enables you to control the exact location and amount of pressure applied. In addition to the internal operator muscles this wand can reach the transverse perineal, pubo, vaginalis, and all three components of the levator ani muscle. If you suffer from pelvic pain conditions such as, Therawands can help by helping with trigger point therapy: Vulvodynia Vulvar Vestibulitis Vaginismus Dyspareunia Pelvic Radiation Therapy Menopause Vaginal Stenosis Vaginal Atrophy Pudendal Neuralgia Vaginal Agenesis Both wands are frequently bought by all genders. However, the LA-Wand is purchased for rectal insertion due to the thinner diameter of it’s tapered end. The LA-Wand is also slightly longer which aids reachability. Either end can be used for insertion or as a handle. The different release ends are effective for internal massage and trigger point release and simply offer preference for the user. The V-Wand and LA-Wand come sealed in plastic and with a beautiful carrying pouch. Included with each is a pamphlet that contains general instructions and a product insert sheet. Therawand's patented wands are made from high quality acrylic that is BPA free. Each wand is sealed in plastic and inspected for defect-free craftsmanship. Also included are general instructions and a beautiful carrying pouch. Made in the USA. Shipped discreetly. If you would like a Therawand, please visit www.therawand.com Please consult with a healthcare professional for individualized instructions. 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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What is the Best Treatment for Vulvodynia?
Best ways to treat? The Vuvatech site is full of information about the troublesome condition known as vulvodynia, and many others of its kind. We won’t tell you too much about the condition in this article, since we have many other articles on vulvodynia already. However, we are often asked what the best treatment for vulvodynia is, so we decided to address that separately. Vulvodynia does not discriminate; it affects women of all ages and all ethnicities, and can even starts during the teenage years. When you consider that there are an estimated six million vulvodynia sufferers around the world, It will probably come as no surprise that we’re asked about vulvodynia treatment so often! So without further ado, we’ll get straight to our recommendations on the best treatments for vulvodynia: Home treatments for vulvodynia These options are more about behaviors and product choices, but they can prevent vulvodynia flare-ups too, so they’re worth incorporating into your self-care protocol: Choose chemical-free, plant-based oils for moisturizing the vulva area Take sitz baths (but at a lukewarm temperature – too much heat can aggravate!) Exchange tampons for sanitary pads or Mediterranean sea sponges Clean the whole area with gentle, chemical-free soap after sex, and even after peeing Use water-based lubricant during sex to prevent friction, and a cool gel pack afterwards if necessary CBD oil is a great natural treatment for vulvodynia thanks to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities We know that these treatments alone may not be enough to totally free you from vulvodynia pain, but they should certainly ease things for you. The best treatment for vulvodynia In our opinion – as well as the opinion of many clinical researchers – the best vulvodynia treatment is vaginal dilators. Obviously you will be looking to reduce the pain, and a lot of women find that pain diminishes or disappears when they can relax their pelvic floor muscles. Vaginal dilators (also known as vaginal expanders) are a very safe and effective treatment for vulvodynia. Our Neodymium magnetic dilators help blood to flow to the area while stretching the tissues and muscles to promote relaxation. Rest assured there are studies to back these findings! Women who took part in the trials noticed significant pain reduction after dilator use, as well as improved sexual confidence and mental health. Using dilators just once or twice per day for around twenty or thirty minutes should be enough to help relieve your vulvodynia pain. You can start out with small dilators and work your way up to the bigger sizes as you feel comfortable. Do you need a stronger treatment for vulvodynia? If self-care strategies and dilators are not bringing you enough relief, it may be time to think about a more serious treatment for vulvodynia. If so, the following options could be helpful – but be warned, there could be side effects with some: Sign up for a course of pelvic floor physical therapy (which may include pain-relieving biofeedback therapy as well as dilator therapy) Speak to your Doctor about appropriate medicines like steroids or tricyclic antidepressants (but proceed with caution, as some medicines can exacerbate the problem). Trial and error may be required. If things are really not improving, you could speak to a vulvar specialist about surgery. However, bear in mind that the odds of success are not very high, so it really is a last resort. Surgical options exist, but success rates are not so high. We hope that you find the solution you’re looking for. Treatment for vulvodynia is the first step, and even if it takes a bit of trial and error, you should be able to find a solution that works for you. Other VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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What is Urge Urinary Incontinence (AKA Overactive Bladder)? by Dr. Lauren Peterson
Urge urinary incontinence or simply “urge incontinence” is that horrible, sudden feeling you get of having to go to the bathroom and having to go right now. Following the feeling of urgency, the bladder leaks are the component that we formally call urge urinary incontinence. If you are just urinating too frequently, this is the component we call overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). Because the outcome of needing to go and ultimately bladder leaks are so similar, I typically lump overactivebladder syndrome in with what qualifies as urge urinary incontinence. Normal frequency of urination is every two to three hours. So, if you are going more frequently than that, for example, every hour or every 30 minutes, that is not normal. Your bladder probably isn't as strong as it needs to be and that is a symptom of overactive bladder. When you have urine leaks because you have the urgency and cannot make it to the bathroom that is what urge urinary incontinence is. Both OAB and urge urinary incontinence can be treated with PelvicFloor Physical Therapy. If you have any other questions about urge urinary incontinence, don'thesitate to ask (OKC@FYZICAL.com). I am Dr. Lauren Peterson Clinical Director and Doctor of Physical Therapy here at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers of Oklahoma City. 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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