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The Psychological Aspect: How Vaginal Dilator Sizes Affect Emotional Well-being
Dealing with vaginismus or dyspareunia (painful sex) is a complex and often emotionally taxing experience for many women. It’s a condition that can not only affect sexual intimacy and physical health but also the very core of an individual's emotional well-being. To treat vaginismus or other pelvic floor disorders, a safe and patient-centered approach often includes the use of vaginal dilators, a process which demands not only physical adjustment but also significant psychological fortitude. In this post, we'll explore how the size of vaginal dilators goes beyond mere physical mechanics, significantly impacting the mental health and progress of women undergoing this treatment. Understanding and addressing the emotional element is crucial to developing an effective and compassionate approach to dyspareunia treatment. As we'll explore, the selection of the right vaginal dilator sizes is not just a medical necessity but a psychological one that can contribute to the comfort, confidence, and eventual recovery of women battling this condition. Understanding Emotional Impact The use of vaginal dilators is often a critical component in the treatment of conditions like vaginismus, where a woman’s vaginal muscles involuntarily contract, making penetration painful or impossible. The emotional barriers posed by such conditions are often as daunting as the physical ones. When it comes to dilator therapy, the psychological implications of size selection are significant. Women can develop anxieties, fears, and even body image issues associated with the process. Reflecting on the importance of comfort and confidence, it is clear that starting with the right size dilator can make a substantial difference. It’s not just about what physically fits, but what emotionally empowers the individual. For some, the fear of inadequacy or "not being normal" can be a significant hurdle. Tailoring Dilator Sizes Matchmaking dilator sizes to individual needs and progress is an easy task to figure out. Overlooking this personalized approach can result in setbacks that go beyond temporary discomfort. Too large a dilator can be a physical source of pain, but it’s the emotional toll that is often more enduring. Conversely, a dilator that is too small can feel like regression or that you wasted money, leading to a loss of motivation in the treatment. It's also important to address the emotional responses to size variations. A change in size can mean a step forward in treatment, and learning to celebrate these milestones is crucial. Impact on Psychological Well-being The impact of dilator therapy on psychological well-being goes beyond the immediate discomfort or success in usage. It is about gradually building a platform for long-term body positivity and self-esteem. Women navigating this therapy are also managing anxiety and stress, often stemming from deeply-embedded fears and past painful experiences. Learning to control these emotions in the context of vaginal dilator therapy is a significant milestone. Building Self-esteem and Body Positivity The use of progressively larger dilators symbolizes the progress in overcoming your pelvic floor pain. This step-by-step approach educates the subconscious mind to accept gradual change and, in parallel, helps to rebuild self-esteem. It's crucial to focus on the successes, no matter how small, and to update the milestones for emotional acceptance. Managing Anxiety and Stress During Treatment The right support systems and coping mechanisms for anxiety can make all the difference. Mindfulness practices and techniques to develop a positive body image can act as powerful complements to the physical treatment. Education about the process and its emotional complexities can help prepare women for this part of their healing journey. Audience Engagement For women undergoing vaginal dilator therapy, effective communication with a pelvic floor therapist can be beneficial. Understanding the role of dilators in treatment and being an active part of decisions concerning their use is empowering. This partnership approach ensures that emotional as well as physical health is taken into account. Connecting with support groups and communities centered around vaginal health can provide invaluable insight and encouragement. Sharing experiences and learning from others can be a catalyst for emotional progress and a reminder that one is not alone. Encouraging Support Networks and Community Engagement Whether online or in-person, support networks can provide a forum for sharing both successes and struggles. These communities foster understanding, support, and often serve as a source of dignity and empowerment. It's important that both individuals affected by pelvic pain and those supporting them recognize the importance of mental health in the context of treatment. Strategies for dealing with fear, anxiety, and past traumatic experiences can be as important as the physical treatment itself. Conclusion In the broad spectrum of healthcare and women's well-being, the psychological nuances of vaginal dilator therapy are often overlooked. Yet, for those fighting dyspareunia, the emotional toll can be as significant as the physical challenge. By recognizing the impact of dilator sizes on emotional well-being, we can foster a more holistic and empathetic approach to vaginismus treatment. Encouraging women to advocate for their mental health during dilator therapy, and equipping them with the tools to manage their emotional states, is essential. As a community, we can work towards not only physical recovery but also the emotional growth and healing that are central to a woman’s sense of self. Combining medical expertise with a compassionate understanding of the emotional side of vaginismus will lead to better outcomes. Only when we address the whole individual—body and mind—can we truly help women to overcome the challenges of vaginismus and reclaim their emotional completeness.
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Vaginismus Exercises at Home - How to Treat and Overcome Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a common condition among women that causes the muscles around the vagina to contract involuntarily, making it painful or even impossible to have sex. This condition can have physical and emotional effects on a person's life. However, there are several ways to treat and overcome vaginismus, including exercises that can be done at home. In this blog post, we'll discuss vaginismus exercises and how they can help you manage and overcome this condition. Using Dilators One effective way to treat vaginismus is through the use of VuVa vaginal dilators. These are tools that are used to gradually increase the size of the vagina to alleviate pain and make penetration easier. It's essential to note that these dilators can be purchased in different sizes and VuVa Dilator Company has one about as thin as a pencil to start. It's advisable to purchase a set of dilators that gradually increase in diameter. This will help your body adapt to the size of the dilators, preventing discomfort. Dilators can be used under the guidance of a pelvic floor physical therapist. However, if you choose to use the dilators by yourself, start with a smaller size and gradually work your way up to the larger sizes. It's essential to use them frequently, at least five times a week in the early stages, to ensure that your vagina adapts to the process. In addition, it can be useful to use VuVa dilators before sexual activity to make penetration easier. The Benefits of Dilators Using dilators offers several benefits compared to others items found in the home, like using your fingers or other toys as alternatives. Dilators are specifically designed for the vagina and are hence more comfortable and safe to use. They also come in various sizes, allowing you to progressively increase their size, making it easy for your body to adapt. Medical Grade plastic dilators are the easiest to clean and keep clean.If you're considering purchasing dilators, VuVa has a wide range of affordable options. They are highly recommended by health professionals and have a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your unique needs. How are VuVa Magnetic Dilators better than regular dilators for exercises at home? When the negative north side of a magnet is placed next to a painful area, it draws fresh oxygenated blood to the nerves and surrounding muscles. This, in contrast, is a positive energy field. The positive energy field creates two results: as magnets are alkaline, it counteracts any acidity in the body caused by disease and fresh blood helps to remove any acidity from the body which, in turn, accelerates healing while reducing pain. Five Vaginismus Stretches to loosen up Pelvic Floor before Dilating by Dee Hartmann, DPTAnother at-home exercise that can help manage vaginismus is vaginismus stretches. These involve stretching the muscles around the vagina with dilators in the privacy of your own home. These can be helpful in the early stages of vaginismus, allowing you to manage the pain and work on strengthening the muscles. BREATHE 1. Deep diaphragmatic breathinga. With your hands on each side of your lower ribcage, take a deep breath and focus on bringing air all the way down to your hands. Feel your ribs expand as you breathe in.b. Don’t focus on guiding the breath to the upper ribcage or abdomen. Only your ribs should expand—not your chest or belly.c. As you breathe deeply, you will begin to relax which will encourage your pelvic floor muscles to re-lax. Feel your breath all the way down into your pelvis.d. After you breathe in, hold the breath for a count of 5 then breathe all the air out. Repeat 5 times. STRETCH 2. Stretch your lower abdomen (Use caution if you have IUD)a. Place the palms of both hands in the middle of your abdomen, just below your belly button.b. Scoop in and lift up on your belly with your fingers, like you are trying to pull your belly button up and out. It should not hurt! If you have an IUD, be gentle.c. You are stretching tissues all the way down into your pelvis, encouraging the urethra (carries the urine out), the bladder (holds the urine), and the pelvic floor muscles to let go.d. Scoop in and hold for a count of 10. Repeat 3 times. 3. Stretch both hipsa. Pull your right knee up toward your left shoulder. Hold it there for a count of 20.b. Repeat with your left knee to your right shoulder and hold for a count of 20.c. As you do this, you stretch hip muscles that lie very close to the muscles on the inside of the pelvis. This stretching encourages all the pelvic floor muscles to relax.d. Repeat each knee stretch 3 times, alternating sides after each stretch. MOBILIZE 4. Active bridgingWhile lying on your back, lift your knees up toward the ceiling while placing both feet flat on the bed. Let your knees and feet be apart.Squeeze your buttocks while lifting your hips up toward the ceiling, making your body straight fromyour knees to your shoulders. Your weight is balanced between your shoulders and your feet.To make the bridge, you are using muscles in your hips and low back. When you let yourself go back down, the hip and low back muscles relax. The muscles inside the pelvis tend to squeeze and relax as well.Lift and hold 3-4 times for a count of 10 with each hold. CONTRACT AND RELAX 5. Pelvic Floor Muscle Contract and Relaxa. Tighten and hold inside like you are trying to hold back urine or gas. Let go all the way. You should feel both the squeeze and the release. Do this several times until you feel the movement inside.b. Pelvic floor exercises (doing the 5-count hold and the quick squeezes = 1 set) 1) 5-count hold: Once you can feel the muscles move, squeeze and hold for a count of 5. Re-lease all the way and feel the inside relax. 2) Quick squeezes: Then, perform 5 quick squeezes, starting small and getting larger, like climbing a ladder. Release and again feel the inside relax. c. Repeat each set 3 times, feeling the muscles squeeze and relax more each time. ***If you are having trouble or pain while performing this exercise, go back and repeat the first 4 activities before trying again. Do these exercises before you use your VuVa Vaginal Dilators. Women who experience chronic vulvar pain often hold tension throughout their bodies. In addition, they often have anxiety about being touched, causing even more stress, which can create a vicious cycle of pain and holding. The activities described are meant to help you to decease overall tension, to reduce anxiety, and to help you begin to lessen pain before any type of vaginal penetration. The activities can be performed before and after vaginal penetration (like inserting tampon, during a gynecological exam, or having sex). Try to perform all 5 of these activities as soon as you wake up and before you go to sleep. It is common for women who experience pain and anxiety to breathe in their upper chest. Try to use the deep breathing pattern throughout your day. Make this your new way of breathing. These activities in and of themselves do not constitute a complete physical therapy program and are not designed to be the only thing you do to help your problem. Hopefully, you can also begin an active physical therapy treatment program with a women’s health physical therapist to help you continue to make progress. Is Vaginismus Curable? While vaginismus can be challenging, it's crucial to understand that it's curable. By practicing exercises and seeking guidance from your doctor or health professional, you can successfully overcome vaginismus. Early diagnosis and treatment can make it easier to manage, and exercises like those mentioned above can make it possible to enjoy sexual intercourse fully. How to Fix Vaginismus In conclusion, if you're experiencing vaginismus, it's essential to understand that it's a treatable condition. Through exercises and guidance from your healthcare professional, you can work on gradually overcoming it. Using VuVa dilators and vaginismus stretches are effective ways of loosening up down there and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. By following a routine of vaginismus exercises and incorporating other forms of treatment, you can overcome vaginismus and experience full sexual pleasure.Vaginismus can have a significant impact on a woman's life, but it's essential to understand that it's treatable. Dilators are an effective way of managing pain and easing penetration, and vaginismus stretches can help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It's encouraging to know that with time, patience, and the appropriate care, it's possible to overcome vaginismus completely. Seek guidance from your healthcare professional and consider purchasing magnetic dilators from a trusted source like VuVa Dilator Company to help you in your journey to recovery.
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Vulvodynia Diagnosis: What is the Q-TIP test?
Any woman who has suffered from vulvodynia pain will confirm that it is absolutely debilitating and profoundly impacts many aspects of life. Women with vulvodynia must also suffer the loss of pleasure from sex, difficulty exercising, walking or sitting, and the fear of unexpected flare-ups with no discernable cause. Needless to say, social life and working life can become difficult to manage. Do you have vulvodynia? The answer may not be clear, but we are here to help with a Q&A on vulvodynia. This article aims to answer the most pertinent questions about vulvodynia, focusing mainly on vulvodynia diagnosis methods such as the Q-tip test. We will also cover the causes of vulvodynia and the most telling vulvodynia symptoms… What is the Q-tip test? The Q-tip test, also known as the cotton swab test, is one of the go-to vulvodynia tests performed by women’s health clinicians. They consider Q-tip testing to be one of the most accurate and necessary tools in the assessment of sexual pain; in particular, pain caused by vulvodynia and provoked vestibulodynia. Q-tip testing involves a cotton swab or Q-tip to apply pressure to various (carefully mapped-out) areas within the vulvar and vestibular regions. This is done randomly, rather than in a specific order, so that the specialist can determine pain and sensitization levels. How do I know if I have vulvodynia? You may come to assume that your problem is vulvodynia through the symptoms alone, although they can vary a lot. Some women experience chronic and constant pain, while others can experience a range of symptoms, sporadically or intermittently. Some of the main vulvodynia symptoms are: Stinging pain Itching Burning pain Throbbing sensations Pulsating sensations Inflammation Muscle spasms Vulvodynia pain can start or stop suddenly, making it unpredictable and thus difficult to manage. It could be that you go for months with no pain, and then symptoms reappear without warning and become chronic. There is often no real pattern to it. It is important to remember that vulvar pain can have many origins, and many conditions share similar symptoms to vulvodynia. Furthermore, vulvodynia is a complex condition with no definitive underlying cause, and various possibilities (we’ll get into that later in the article). For this reason, it is important to get a proper vulvodynia diagnosis, which will likely involve the Q-tip test. How is vulvodynia diagnosed? To find out if you have vulvodynia, two checks are usually required. The first is an interview with a mental health professional. This interview is essentially a psychological assessment to gather information on what might be causing your pain, the affect it has on you, how long you have experienced it and what prompted you to seek treatment for it. They will endeavor to find out whether any comorbid disorders are present, what you have tried in terms of pain management and what the results were. The next is a biological assessment with an appropriately trained health care professional; perhaps a pelvic floor physical therapist or gynecologist. Sometimes this professional will also do the psychological assessment. There are two types of vulvodynia, so they will be trying to determine which you have so that it can be treated accordingly. Generalized vulvodynia Generalized vulvodynia refers to the kind of chronic pelvic pain that affects the whole vulvar area. It can come and go, or be constant, and is easily aggravated by activities and behaviors such as: Wearing tight clothes Sitting for extended periods of time Riding a horse Pressure on the area (e.g. from a bike saddle or hard chair) Some describe it as a burning pain – the sensation of the vulva being on fire. Localized vulvodynia Localized vulvodynia differs in that the pain is usually only felt in one or two specific areas in the vulva, with the pain also presenting as burning or stinging. It can sometimes feel as if a muscle is torn, or that the vagina is stretched. Pressure on one of these painful spots brings on, or exacerbates the pain. How is the Q-tip test done? Once the psychological interview is complete, your health care professional will begin the physical examination by doing a Q-tip test. Here’s what that may look like: You are placed in the lithotomy position with your legs in stirrups You will be encouraged to relax your muscles, if you can You will be informed of each step in advance so there aren’t any surprises A gauze pad will hold the labia minora in place so your vulval vestibule can be accessed The vestibule is divided into sections according to a clock face (don’t worry, this is not a physical division, but a mental map for your practitioner) A cotton swab (or Q-tip) is used to apply pressure to each section at random and you will be asked to rate the pain level on a scale of 1-10 Your pain levels will be documented in order to confirm a diagnosis This is a typical assessment for vulvodynia, but practitioners may use slight variations of this process according to their preferred methodology. How reliable is the Q-tip test? The Q-tip test is considered clinically reliable, although it is possible for some extent of human error to occur, given that the Q-tip test requires the pressure on each section to be consistent. It is possible that a practitioner might use what is known as a vulvalgesiometer instead of a cotton swab or Q-tip test. A vulvalgesiometer is a device that exerts a set level of pressure on each section of the vulva. What is the cause of vulvodynia? Although it is not definitively proven, experts think that vulvodynia could be a form of neuropathic pain. This means that the vulval nerve fibers respond as if they were pain fibers, interpreting even very delicate touch as pain. Burning and stinging sensations often characterize neuropathic pain, which lends credibility to this theory. There are three types of neuropathic pain that may cause vulvodynia: Allodynia: Pain sensations in areas that don’t normally hurt when pressure is applied Hyperalgesia: Excessive pain response to pressure that might usually cause a smaller degree of pain Dysesthesia: unusual levels of discomfort when the pressure is minimal Although you might experience all three, experts usually consider vulvodynia to fall under the category of allodynia. Other possible causes of vulvodynia are: Inflammation of the vulva Damage or irritation of the nerves of the vulva A response to long-term infection Food sensitivities Muscle dysfunction in the pelvic floor Genetic disorders Conditions impacting muscles or bones close to the pain site Autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia and systemic lupus erythematosus. What can trigger vulvodynia pain? If you already have vulvodynia, you might experience a flare-up because of any of the following: Nerve injury or irritation Abnormal vulvar cell reaction to trauma, infection or chronic inflammation Pelvic floor muscle spasms Hormonal fluctuations or changes Pressure on the bowel or bladder (when full) Hypersensitivity to vaginal yeast infections (candida) Excessive antibiotic use (also causes yeast infection) Sexual trauma or abuse Allergic reactions (e.g. irritants in personal care products and laundry detergents) Stress If you are searching for further information, this article gives some insight into the possible reasons for vulvodynia flare-ups, and some tips for managing vulvar pain. We often hear the question, “Will my vulvodynia pain go away?” and we are always pleased to answer with something positive: yes, it can and with persistence probably will, but not on its own. So it is necessary to seek treatment from an expert. Many experts recommend using vaginal dilators for vulvodynia – in particular magnetic dilators, which increase blood flow to the area to soothe nerves – and many of our customers and clinic trial participants report great results with them. Resources Sandiegosexualmedicine.com/female-diagnostic-tests/cotton-swab-test Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/is-vulvodynia-a-chronic-illness Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/foods-to-avoid-with-vulvodynia Vuvatech.com/blogs/care/vulvodynia-exercises-besides-dilators Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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Vaginal Dilators: Important facts you need to know
When it comes to vaginal dilators, they have two main purposes - one is they help the vagina get used to having something inside of it, and the other is they help erase the muscle memory that keeps your pelvic floor in a protection mode. Even if the size of your vagina is normal, you need to know that painful sex starts a pain cycle, which can cause a fear of penetration that results in contracting the vagina when trying to have intercourse. The dilators are a safe option to help eliminate the initial cause of pain, but bear in mind to use the smaller one and then increase up slowly. You want to end up using a dilator close to the penis size of your partner if you are sexually active. The vaginal tissues and the pelvic floor muscles start learning to hold something inside without leading to the surplus pain responses. It is a great way to make your deeper pelvic muscles relax as well, and when you have sex with an actual person, your pelvic muscles will relax as well. A vaginal dilator is also a way you can use to gently and gradually stretch tissues that are tighter and not elastic enough - it is often the case when a woman has vaginal dryness and thinning due to hormonal changes (post menopause or chemotherapy). This can arise due to skin conditions or when a vagina tissues have been affected by radiation or surgery as well. The reduction in size of the vaginal opening can always reversible, and an essential advantage of using a dilator is that you will know if you are prepared for intercourse. 10 ways VuVa Magnetic Dilators can help: When used appropriately, potential benefits of VuVa Magnetic Vaginal Dilator therapy can include: Improved physical comfort with sexual intercourse after pelvic floor surgery with scarring and narrowing and/or shortening of the vagina. Allowing pain free sexual penetration by training pelvic floor muscle relaxation. Reducing pelvic floor muscle tension or spasm with vaginismus Overcoming fear of vaginal penetration buy using dilators on a regular basis. Prevention of adhesions/fibrosis from forming during and after pelvic radiotherapy Allowing for easier use of tampons. Facilitating ease of gynecological examination. Creating natural energy to the painful area for nerve pain reduction. Helping with natural lubrication and vaginal dryness by creating blood flow to the area. Relaxing muscles immediately before intercourse to allow easy penetration by your partner. Vaginismus And Depression: The Real Deal When you notice the symptoms of vaginal muscle tightening, penetration restrictions, or vaginismus, it may leave you a little bit confused regarding your body. It can make you question yourself why it is so hard for you, and it can maker you worry and feel uncomfortable when people talk about sex around you. Doubt - When it is certain that there is something wrong - due to the patterns of being unable to have continued sex, they start doubting themselves. It is not just in the context of their physical health, but it also greatly impacts their overall mental health. Fear - In the case of vaginismus, fear is multi-pronged, and while it all starts with the fear of intercourse, the other fear also arises for failure. It further leads to the fear of relationships going down the drain and being unable to do anything about the pain - the fear only compounds with time while making the problem even more complex. Guide - The prospect of not being a "sexually adequate partner" consumes many women when they have vaginismus, especially when it is happening continuously. As a result, women start to take responsibility for everything going wrong in their relationships, and inside their minds, they start thinking that maybe it is due to the lack of sex that is causing relationship issues. When sex hurts, you can find a way out. We know that many of our readers benefit from using vaginal dilators, since they can help you to work with physical causes and prepare you for sex when the cause is psychological. Our site has so much information designed to help you, but you should also feel free to contact us if you think we can help with anything. This article was posted by VuVatech. VuVatech has their own line of Magnetic and Vaginal Dilators for Pelvic Pain. Learn more here: Vuvatech.com/pages/how-vuva-vaginal-dilators-work Do you need to order vaginal dilators so you can start your pelvic floor therapy process? Made in the USA. Visit www.vuvatech.com VuVa Helpful Links: How do Neodymium Vaginal Dilators work? 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators Tara Langdale Schmidt is the inventor of the VuVa Dilator Company. She has pelvic floor dysfunction herself and wanted to create a dilator set that is made in America that women can trust. VuVatech has been in business since 2014 and has helped over 50,000 women all over the globe. She patented the Neodymium Vaginal Dilator, that is clinically proven to help with blood flow and nerve pain. Podcast Episode 22: Tara Langdale-Schmidt What’s on Your Vagenda? Click here
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Vaginal Dilators are Essential, Doc Says.
Written by Dr. Elizabeth Prusak Dilators are “Essential” Vaginal dilators are an essential and beneficial medical treatment for patients who experience pelvic pain and anxiety in response to vaginal penetration. Vaginal dilators, also known as vaginal trainers or spacers are designed to gently and gradually restore and expand the tissue and muscles of the vaginal opening. Combined with the use of pelvic floor physical therapy, behavioral health therapy, correction of underlying medical issues, and some dedication and persistence on the patient’s and provider’s part, this simple tool can increase a patient's quality of life in the area of sexual intercourse and during the routine gynecological office speculum exam. Vaginal dilators are also part of the postoperative care of male to female transgender patients after their surgery to maintain a neovagina. What is a Dilator? Vaginal dilators are non sterile cylindrical medical devices that sequentially increase in diameter and/or length. They are placed inside the vagina in a gentle manner by a trained medical professional and then, after some training, by the patient to help expand the vaginal tissues that may be contracted and tight. Dilators are prescribed to patients by a wide array of medical professionals including OB/GYN physicians, physical therapists, counselors, and pain specialists. They have been in use for over 75 years in the medical field and have a long track record of success if used properly. Vaginal dilators are very unique in that they have the ability to treat the patient both psychologically and physically. How Do They Help? Dedicated usage reconditions and facilitates an adaptive body/brain connection to stop anticipatory anxiety and pelvic discomfort and pain that is often experienced by patients from a psychological standpoint. Dilator introduction and progression also treats the physical vulvar region and retrains pelvic floor muscles. Over time the muscles are stretched gently by the dilators. What Conditions Can Dilators Treat? Patients who suffer from several categories of medical conditions greatly benefit from the use of vaginal dilators. Three categories of patients encompass the clinical scenarios where vaginal dilator usage would be valuable. It is important to address underlying medical issues and be sure they are being treated first before attempting vaginal dilator usage. 1. Change in Pelvic Floor Anatomy The first category encompasses patients with conditions that have created a change in the normal pelvic anatomy. This includes postoperative patients after a hysterectomy, gender reassignment surgery, or a prolapse repair. Another type would be an alteration due to a cancer therapy, such as radiation. Also included in this group are genetic conditions where either no vagina or a rudimentary vagina is present at birth such as Mullerian agenesis or Mayer Rokitansky Kuster Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome. This group is amongst the more straightforward to treat, because the cause of the vaginal penetration is usually a purely anatomical issue, with less of an emphasis on the psychological area. 2. Problems with Penetration The second category are patients who have never been able to insert anything into the vagina- a tampon, a speculum, nor any sexual activity with penetration. These patients can have the desire to allow penetration, but even after multiple attempts they cannot. These also can include patients with a strong negative psychological history associated with vaginal penetration, such as those who have been raped or abused in the past. This condition is known as vaginismus and is best treated with vaginal dilators combined with regular behavioral health sessions. This group of patients is very difficult to treat and usually requires a longer time period of dilator usage and training before they achieve success. Frequent behavioral therapy sessions are key to treating these patients. 3. Pelvic Pain Conditions The third category of patients are ones who have a medical condition that causes painful or restricted vaginal penetration. This encompasses vaginal atrophy during menopause, vulvodynia, vulvar vestibulitis, interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, endometriosis, pelvic pain after childbirth from episiotomy or perineal tears, lichen sclerosus, chronic vaginal infections, and tumors that create a mass effect such as ovarian cysts, colon tumors and bladder cysts. Ensuring that these patient’s medical conditions are optimized and treated is very beneficial in the success for these patients. How to Talk About Dilator Use Approaching the topic of starting to use vaginal dilators with a patient is never easy, but it is usually up to the provider to initiate this discussion, because typically a patient's fear or embarrassment about the subject of unsuccessful vaginal penetration or pain is heightened even more during the office visit. 1. Creating a comfortable environment Reassuring the patient that their problem is very common and trying to put them at ease is the first step. Patients will encounter a wide array of emotions during this visit and it might take a few visits before even attempting to use dilators in the office. Showing patients the dilators and how to use them in the office is a key step, followed by co management with a pelvic floor physical therapist, behavioral health therapy, and treatment of any underlying medical conditions. 2. Longer appointment times and frequency Ensuring that the visit is allotted proper time for this type of patient is very important, so neither the provider nor the patient feels rushed. Many healthcare providers do not address vaginal dilator use at the office visit and barriers such as lack of knowledge, reimbursement issues, physician and patient embarrassment, poor communication, and lack of time are ranked as the top reasons for such problems going unaddressed. Even with a motivated patient and provider, vaginal dilator compliance remains low, so making subsequent visits at close time intervals is helpful and education is key. 3. Seek out a NAMS certified Physical Therapist Typically providers receive special training and have a special interest in treating patients with vaginal penetration issues and training with vaginal dilators, and these would be the providers most sought out by and recommended to patients with these issues. The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) offers a certification for providers with this special interest, and their website has a list of certified providers. This is a good starting point for patients to look for a provider, although choosing a provider for this type of treatment is a very personal decision, and many patients have to see multiple providers before committing to one for treatment. How Do Medical Vaginal Dilator Sessions Work? A first session with vaginal dilators would entail an education session with the patient: explaining the uses of dilators and how they can help with the patient's medical condition and issues of vaginal penetration. Showing them the various sizes of dilators and explaining with simple easily understood words and language that the patient can understand should be done. Instructing the patient that they will be in a lying down position and using the dilators with lubricant or lidocaine ointment for any pain relief is the first step. Once the patient feels comfortable and wants to start and is properly positioned, the physician first inserts in the smallest dilator into the vaginal opening and allows the patient to relax around the dilator if possible, and leaves the dilator inside the vagina for 15-30 seconds before repeating and moving onto the next dilator size up. This is done in the office until the patient feels even the smallest discomfort with the largest size of dilator. The patient is instructed that different companies sell dilators and the provider recommends a set for him/her to obtain before leaving the office. For home use, the recommendation is three times a week for fifteen minutes per day being a typical goal for patients to strive to use their dilators. Then moving up from there. Patients should be instructed to write down their progress and which dilator number they are able to achieve on a weekly basis. Activities such as deep breathing and relaxation techniques can be used during dilator therapy. Scheduling and attending cognitive behavioral therapy along with this is very helpful. A follow up phone call to the patient within a week giving words of encouragement is beneficial to maintaining continuance of usage. The next follow up appointment should be within a month’s time. A good “bonus plan” for the patient also can be to recommend dilator usage prior to coitus to help relax the patient after he/she becomes more comfortable with the use of dilators. Patients should be reassured that this is a long term solution to their issue of vaginal penetration and that fast results are not going to happen, and that this is normal to achieve success slowly. It is also important to tell patients that use of vaginal dilators will need to be continued even after the patient achieves initial success, although a more infrequent basis is prudent after this. Final Word on Dilators Vaginal dilator therapy is an important part of treatment for sexual pain and vaginal penetration issues. Education and reassurance of both physicians and patients is key to a successful journey to treat this issue. Vaginal dilator therapy requires long term patience and goal setting, but it is a safe and effective therapy and is very much underutilized in the medical community. Seeking out providers who have a special interest and education in treating these issues is key for the patient to have a successful treatment. Dr. Elizabeth Prusak is a board certified OB/Gyn physician and sexual health specialist, ABOG board instructor, and medical writer who has devoted herself to helping and empowering women and transgender patients. She has spoken at several national conferences, educating other physicians on how to better approach patients with the difficult topics of menopause and sexual health. She takes a holistic approach to gynecology and emphasizes the value of a total mind and body approach to care. She has over 15 years experience with the use of vaginal dilators and pelvic floor physical therapy helping patients.
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How to Overcome Fear of Physical Intimacy
Fear of physical intimacy can cause havoc in a woman’s life. It has a detrimental impact on her self-esteem and her romantic relationships, and if not dealt with, it can become a serious problem that hampers the quality of her life. Fear of sex (genophobia) is actually quite a common thing, but it can be overcome. Overcoming fear of physical intimacy may require more than one form of treatment, and this could be psychological or physical in nature depending on the root of the issue. Our recent article on the root causes of fear of sex and physical intimacy addresses some of the most common reasons for this issue. This article will take a look at what you can do to overcome fear of physical intimacy. How to overcome fear of physical intimacy Firstly it is necessary to determine whether your fear of intimacy stems from a physical or psychological issue. Fear of physical intimacy generally does have psychological origins, however for some women this results in a physical manifestation that can worsen the fears of intimacy. Let’s take a look at the most common causes of fear of intimacy and how to address them: Physical causes Physical conditions can lead to fear of sexual intimacy because of the pain or embarrassment they cause. For example, if you have vaginismus you are dealing with a physical issue, but the condition itself is likely to have psychological origins. In this case you may need a combination of counseling or sexual therapy and some form of physical therapy to help manage the physical symptoms. Lots of women have success with vaginal dilators, which allow them to practice penetration in the privacy of their home, in their own time. Eventually fear of penetration is likely to subside. Dilators can also help train your mind to release the anxiety you feel around intimacy. If you have vulvodynia, you’re going to experience painful sex (dyspareunia), which tends to lead to fear of physical intimacy because sex becomes associated with pain. Vulvodynia is unlikely to have psychological causes, and will need to be treated with the help of an experienced practitioner. Typical vulvodynia treatments include pelvic floor therapy, natural self-care techniques, medications and vaginal dilators. As is the case with vaginismus, vaginal dilators can help your vagina get used to the feeling of penetration. Psychological causes If your fear of physical intimacy stems from a history of sexual abuse, poor self image or performance anxiety, a professional counselor of some kind will be best equipped to help you overcome your negative associations with sex, or self esteem issues. Psychotherapy comes in many forms, and the treatment required is unique to each person, but long-term therapy is generally beneficial in managing fear of intimacy. The most common types of psychological therapy are: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Somatic Experiencing (SE) Other traditional psychotherapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) It may be necessary to have a consultation with more than one type of therapist to see if they are right for you. For example, a CBT therapist might introduce different ways of thinking or techniques to help you overcome triggers, whereas a sexual therapist might address your feelings and teach you strategies for reframing sexual activity. A counselor might be able to help you work through the underlying issues that caused your negative self-perception or performance anxiety. If you think you may have a vaginal pain condition or you get severe phobic reactions to sexual intimacy, a proper diagnosis is important. Your doctor should be able to provide you with some helpful resources and where necessary, give you a referral to the right type of therapists for your problems. Overcoming fear of physical intimacy can sometimes be a long road, but it is certainly worth the effort. Make the commitment and you will get there! 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 Do You Diagnose Vaginismus?
Why is it hard to diagnose vaginismus? Vaginismus is generally summarized as the persistent or recurring difficulty a women experiences in allowing penetration of any kind, whether that is a finger, penis, tampon or gynecological examination tool. This difficulty occurs regardless of a woman’s desire to allow penetration, which may seem totally out of sync with her ability to do so. On paper, it may not sound too difficult to diagnose vaginismus, but it actually can be. It is still necessary to look into the issue in detail in case there are underlying or concurrent conditions that may also need to be overcome. Women with vaginismus are often immersed in a cycle of fear and avoidance around penetration, since their resistance to penetration usually leads to some degree of physical pain. The pain occurs because of involuntary contractions of the vaginal muscles, which vaginismus sufferers will have little to no control over. At best, they will experience fear and resistance, and at worst, pain too. The reason it is sometimes difficult to diagnose vaginismus is that some have what is called partial vaginismus. Total vaginismus is more obvious because women with this can’t tolerate any kind of penetration, at any time. With partial vaginismus, the fear and involuntary muscle spasms can be related to specific situations, people, or other variants, and these variants can be changeable. Women with partial vaginismus can sometimes tolerate penetration to some extent, albeit with difficulty. For some women the condition is lifelong (known as primary), and for others it can happen later in life (known as secondary). There may also be other elements involved, such as a hypertonic pelvic floor. Likewise, other conditions may overlap; for example, vestibulodynia or dyspareunia. For all of these reasons vaginismus is considered to be a clinical syndrome rather than a definitive diagnosis. How will your practitioner diagnose vaginismus? To diagnose vaginismus, your healthcare practitioner is likely to go over your entire psychosexual history. Your practitioner is also likely to ask personal questions about your medical history, your symptoms, your typical reactions to penetration, your anxiety levels and fears, and your current sexual relationship/partnership. It is likely that you will need a physical examination to properly diagnose vaginismus. Your practitioner will assess your levels of distress, anxiety, and mental or emotional resistance to penetration, which is actually considered to be more important in the diagnosis than physical spasms, muscle tone or the presence of pain. The physical examination of your genitals and pelvic area is necessary also for exclusion of other issues, dysfunctions, injuries or infections that could be presenting similar symptoms to vaginismus - or actually causing it. What to do when you have a vaginismus diagnosis Your practitioner will determine whether the cause is psychological, in which case you may be referred for psychological treatment for vaginismus. If the cause is determined to be physical, you may be referred to a pelvic floor physical therapist, a sex therapist or a gynecologist. It could be that the cause is multifaceted, so you may need to see more than one type of specialist. Finally, vaginal dilators are one of the most common methods of treating vaginismus, whether inside the treatment room or at home in your own time. We have heard more success stories with dilators than we could possibly recount, but we highly recommend them as a treatment if your Doctor does diagnose vaginismus. We hope you found this article informative, and don’t forget to check out our blog for more vaginismus articles. VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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Erotophobia Causes, Treatments & Overcoming
Definition of Erotophobia The definition of erotophobia is the fear of any sexual intimacy. It encompasses a wide range of specific phobias that cause intense fear of sex and sexual dysfunction. Erotophobia is a complex issue that may cause sufferers to experience more than one kind of sexual anxiety. If left untreated, the negative emotions cause untold damage to relationships and mental health. The person may isolate themselves and avoid any intimate contact with possible love connections, close friends, and family. Types of Erotophobia Erotophobia varies in type and intensity. For some, it's a simple dislike, and for others, the negative associations cause extreme panic when sexual intimacy is attempted. Genophobia or coitophobia: It's the fear of sexual intercourse. The fear of sex is irrational and causes avoidance of intimate relationships. The person may be romantically involved but avoids sexual activities at any cost. Fear of intimacy: One phobia related to genophobia is the fear of intimacy. For those fearful of sexual intimacy, it may include any affection from holding hands to kissing. Even people even thinking about sexual images or the thought of sex brings up deep-rooted fear. Haphephobia: For those with this phobia, it involves the fear of touch. The sufferer doesn't like touch at all and recoils from any physical affection. For men, this may cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Gynophobia: It involves being afraid of being naked. The condition may cause deep body shame, fear of seeing others, and themselves naked. Causes of erotophobia The variance in the phobias connected to erotophobia makes it more difficult to pinpoint a purpose. In some circumstances, the reason for the intense fear or panic can't be identified. Past sexual abuse Sexual abuse can happen at any age. It's any sexual contact that isn't consensual. In the United States, roughly 1 in 10 girls are sexually abused before the age of 18. (1) Sexual abuse victims carry life-long issues that may cause intense sexual dysfunction. Most of the time, victims knew their sexual abusers before the abuse began, making the damage even harder to overcome. The negative impacts may include the following: A deep-seated fear of sexual intimacy Distrustful of people Addictions Depression Suicidal thoughts Fear and anxiety Angry outbursts Generalized anxiety disorder One condition that can cause erotophobia is a generalized anxiety disorder. This condition makes you worry about everything in your life, from waking up on time to your sexual performance in bed. Generalized anxiety causes irrational fears that are unrealistic. People can become extremely scared of sexual relationships and begin to isolate themselves. Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is also referred to as manic-depressive illness or manic depression. It's a mental health disorder that causes extreme shifts in energy, mood, and activity levels. At times, the individual is unable to concentrate and complete daily tasks. It can also cause a fear of sexual behavior and having intimacy with others. Learned negative response According to a study published in the Journal of Sex, erotophobia may be a learned behavior from growing up in a restrictive household that taught the fear of sex and any sexual exploration met with punishment. For example, men and women growing up in an extremely religious household that viewed anything related to sex as immoral. Over time these past experiences could cause fear or anxiety around sexual intimacy. (4) Pelvic pain conditions Fearing sex or sexual intimacy may come from having chronic pelvic pain. This issue is more prevalent than you believe, and for some reason, the reason for the daily pain and discomfort has no source. Below are common types of pelvic pain conditions. Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is when a woman has pain in the vulva region of the vagina. The vulvar is right at the opening of the vagina, and the pain can have a trigger, such as a touch or pressure, or be ongoing. Vaginismus If you have painful pelvic muscle spasms, you may have vaginismus. The cause of the involuntary contractions may have a source or unknown. Dyspareunia Dyspareunia is a health condition that causes pain during sexual intercourse. The reason may be psychological or medical. Treatments & Overcoming Erotophobia There are different treatments for overcoming erotophobia. The type of treatment ideal for you depends on the advice of your health professional and symptoms. It's important to remember that overcoming erotophobia may take time for the healing process to be complete. Cognitive-behavioral therapy Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of treatment that helps you identify the cause and reasons for your issues or intense fear and see them differently. During CBT, you begin to understand your irrational beliefs and self-destructive tendencies. By facing these negative emotions, you can hopefully work through the specific phobia, such as erotophobia. (5) Vaginal dilators Vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers are tube-shaped devices recommended by doctors and physical therapists to help people overcome pelvic pain. Pelvic pain can have an emotional, psychological, or physical component. When you're experiencing uncomfortable or searing pelvic pain, you may start to have negative associations with sex. Or perhaps, past trauma has linked pain with sex. Thousands of women have turned to vaginal dilators as a non-invasive way to stretch and lengthen a tight vagina. As you work with the vaginal dilator, your pelvic muscles begin to expand and relax as you move freshly oxygenated blood into your vagina tissues. Vaginal dilators can help with many pelvic pain conditions, including: Vulvodynia (pain around vaginal entrance) Dyspareunia (pain during sexual intercourse) Vaginismus (uncontrollable muscle spasms) Shortened vagina from undergoing menopause or radiation treatment Vaginal atrophy (extreme dryness) Everyone deserves a healthy sex life. When you have erotophobia, you may avoid romantic relationships and affection of any kind. As social beings, we need love and friendship from significant others. Therapy and vaginal dilators can help you overcome erotophobia. https://www.journeytohealministries.org/sexual-trauma-facts https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311357/ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3159165/ https://www.healthline.com/health/behavioral-therapy 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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Genophobia - Overcoming the Fear of Sexual Intercourse
What is a Phobia? According to Harvard Health, a phobia is an intense fear that’s excessive without rationality. It’s a type of anxiety disorder directed at an object, person, situation, or activity. (1) In the case of genophobia, it’s the intense fear of sexual intimacy. It’s sometimes called erotophobia. Even the thought of engaging in sexual relations with someone brings out extreme anxiety, overwhelming fear, and intense shame. When you have genophobia, you may also be dealing with other types of sexual phobias related to intimacy. coitophobia: overwhelming fear of sex. gymnophobia: fear of nudity. haphephobia: fear of touching. coitophobia: fear of penetration heterophobia: fear of the opposite gender tocophobia: fear of becoming pregnant or giving birth People with genophobia look for ways to overcome the fear of sexual intercourse, and the good news is that there are solutions. Treatment of genophobia The specific treatment of genophobia depends on whether the fear connects to a physical condition, such as vaginismus. Or the anxiety comes from a psychological issue. Vaginal dilators Genophobic people who experience intense pain from sexual penetration, inserting a tampon, or undergoing a gynecological exam, may benefit from using vaginal dilators. Dilator therapy has helped thousands of women overcome genophobia. Vaginal dilators are safe and effective in assisting women in stretching and lengthening vaginal tissue slowly. In a clinical trial, 80% of participants reported reduced pain after using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. (2) The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center recommends vaginal dilators to ease painful discomfort from vaginal penetration. (3) When a woman has ongoing pain associated with sexual intercourse, it can lead to an intense fear of sex or genophobia. Psychotherapy Meeting with a licensed therapist may help ease the symptoms of genophobia. Once you've identified the physical concern, you can address the emotional aspect. While many types of psychotherapy are available, one standard method is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). CBT involves helping the patient view the condition differently. As your therapist encourages alternative methods of thinking about the activity or phobia, you can examine physical responses to the cause of the problem. (4) You’ll learn about what triggers the reaction and how to overcome your response. Sometimes this may require you to expose yourself to sexual intimacy, to overcome the phobia. Exposure Therapy The American Psychological Association defines exposure therapy as a type of psychotherapy meant to engage the patient in the activity or trigger that causes the phobia or stress. Your goal is to confront your fears in a safe environment, in the hopes of overcoming them. (5) For example, if you have a fear of snakes, you may be asked to hold a snake. Or, if you're experiencing post-traumatic stress due to sexual abuse, you may be asked to imagine the traumatic event and reimagine it. Exposure therapy can help overcome the following conditions, including: Phobias (e.g. genophobia) Post-traumatic stress Generalized anxiety disorders Obsessive-compulsive disorders Social anxiety disorders If you’re experiencing genophobia, speak to your healthcare professional about vaginal dilator therapy and psychotherapy to determine which treatment is right for you. Symptoms of genophobia Every person experiences different genophobia symptoms. Genophobia has different triggers and has a profound effect on the person, making daily life unbearable at times. Symptoms may encompass one or more of the following: The thought of sexual intimacy may make you feel nauseous and overwhelmed when confronted with the possibility of intercourse. You have an immediate fear and panic that causes problems with sexual functioning. Logically you understand the fear is irrational, but sexual intimacy causes panic attacks, low self-esteem, and performance anxiety. The symptoms become worse the longer you're exposed to sexual triggers, and the only way to stop the fear is to stop the activity. You may begin to avoid the situation causing the fearful response. You may have trouble breathing, feel dizzy, become sweaty, or endure heart palpitations. Causes of genophobia Becoming fearful of sexual intercourse has different causes and triggers. In some situations, the exact cause may be hard to determine. Fearful of sexual performance: For some, being concerned about their performance in bed can cause erectile dysfunction or feelings of inadequacies when intimate. Body dysmorphic disorder: It's a mental health condition when a person can't stop thinking about perceived flaws in their appearance. You become ashamed and fearful of being seen in public, and this causes social anxiety and genophobia. (6) Vaginismus: It's the condition when pain and uncontrollable muscle spasms occur during sexual intercourse, tampon insertion, or a pelvic exam. The state may be primary or secondary. Primary is when the woman has never been able to have sex due to the pain and muscle spasms. Secondary is when pain happens after a woman has had sexual intercourse and then is unable to engage in sexual relations. Women suffering with vaginismus often find relief with vaginal dilators or sometimes called vaginal trainers to help ease vaginal tightening. Sexual abuse: When a man or woman experiences a childhood trauma such as child abuse by a primary or secondary caretaker, it may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The person may avoid or become fearful of sex and continue to relive the abuse. Experiencing sexual assault: When you've experienced sexual assault or rape, you may become fearful of intimacy or sexual intercourse. The event is traumatic and causes you to shut down and avoid any sexual intimacy. Sometimes it's hard to know the difference between healthy fear and a phobia. At times, you may become confused as to what's causing the genophobia. The best solution is to speak to a sex therapist or medical professional to help you overcome the fear of sexual intercourse. With proper treatment, such as vaginal dilators or psychotherapy, you can have a healthy sex life. The first step is always the most difficult, but living the life you deserve is possible. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/phobia-a-to-z https://www.vuvatech.com/pages/clinical-trials https://www.mskcc.org/blog/strategies-women-cope-sexual-and-vaginal-health-concerns-related https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610 https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353938 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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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.
