Care
Why Do You Have a Fear of Sex? Here are 4 Possible Reasons…
There is a name for when you’re afraid of sexual intercourse, or sexual intimacy: genophobia, or erotophobia. Note that there is a difference between disliking or being averse to sex and actually having a fear of sex. If you have feelings of panic or dread at the prospect of sex, you probably fall into this category. Perhaps you experience fear or anxiety about getting close emotionally with another person. If so, it is quite common for fear of sex to develop too. Sometimes the fear of sex has been present for so long that it feels like ‘just a part of life’. It is even common for women to be unsure of what set this fear off in the first place. Why do you have a fear of sex? If you’re not quite sure of the answer, perhaps our article can shed some light. See Product See Product See Product See Product Common reasons for fear of sex (genophobia) Your fear of sexual intimacy may stem from physical or emotional issues, including: Vaginismus or vulvodynia Vaginismus is a recognized genito–pelvic pain and penetration disorder. If you feel anxiety about having sex and find that as a result your vagina clamps shut, you may want to see your Doctor for a vaginismus diagnosis. Women with vaginismus have little control over the contractions in their vaginal muscles, which can make sex difficult, impossible, or very painful. Vulvodynia is chronic pain condition in which you might feel discomfort or severe pain in or around the opening of your vagina, or deep within the vagina – especially during sex. Although there is no definitive cause, it is associated with the brain misinterpreting even light pressure to the nerve endings in the vagina. Even the lightest touch can lead to pain, burning or irritation and the condition can last for months or even years. If you feel pain when you are touched down there, you may well develop a fear of sex. A history of sexual abuse Women who have suffered sexual abuse as a child or even later in life are much more likely to become afraid of sex. Sexual traumas such as rape can even cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can leave you with flashbacks and negative associations with sexual intimacy. Quite often PTSD takes counseling or sex therapy to overcome these deep-rooted psychological issues and resume a normal sex life. Performance anxiety Feelings of inadequacy in the bedroom are all too common. There could be any number of reasons why you worry that you’re not good at sex, from unsuccessful sexual encounters to general feelings of insecurity. Sometimes even holding a sexual partner in such high regard that you worry about disappointing them can lead to performance anxiety. If you are primarily concerned with how your sexual partner is going to perceive you, this could be the reason for your genophobia. If so, it is important to find a way to overcome this, because it can become a vicious cycle and self-fulfilling prophecy in that if you can’t relax into the moment you won’t enjoy yourself and your partner may well sense this. Body dysmorphia Body dysmorphia is the name for when you have a negative perception of your physical body. It is usually accompanied by feelings of shame and the certainty that you are physically or sexually unattractive. Such heightened feelings of self-consciousness often stem from emotional issues and ingrained feelings of inadequacy. You may well be convinced that everyone sees your body this way, but it is rarely true – you are likely to find that you are your own biggest critic, but it’s another matter entirely to accept this. Unfortunately it is a damaging form of self-loathing that almost inevitably leads to fear of sex, as you won’t want to expose yourself to somebody you find attractive for fear of rejection. Whatever the reason for your fear of sex, it is important to find a way to overcome it. It is human nature to want to connect with others sexually, and to procreate, so fear of sex and abstinence from intercourse can lead to further emotional and psychological issues if left unresolved. It can also get in the way of healthy relationships. Although it may seem insurmountable, overcoming fear of sexual intercourse may not be as difficult as it seems. Check our blog for more advice on this topic! 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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Coconut Oil for Lichen Sclerosus?
What is the Best Treatment for Lichen Sclerosus? Lichen sclerosus is an autoimmune condition that can cause problems all over the body, but often affects the vulva. It causes discoloration of the skin, turning it white in color and patchy. It can be very itchy and inflamed, and if left untreated can thin the skin, or lead to scarring, thickening and fusion of the skin over time. It may also lead to other infections, and although it’s possible for it to go away on its own, it often requires some treatment. If you are having trouble overcoming it, you may be wondering what is the best treatment for lichen sclerosus. It is worth noting that lichen sclerosus (LS) is considered to be an autoimmune condition. This means that even though it can suddenly disappear, it can also come back at any point. It might come due to stress, low immune system function or fluctuation in hormones, and for some women it requires lifelong treatment or at the very least, vigilant precautionary measures. The best treatments for lichen sclerosus Medical treatment: steroid creams Doctors believe that the best treatment for lichen sclerosus is topical corticosteroid ointments and creams. These contain cortisone, and are the most commonly prescribed lichen sclerosus treatments. In the case that these are not working, your Doctor might prescribe tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment or Dermovate, another strong steroid cream. Some women have difficulties with medical lichen sclerosis treatments because unfortunately with prolonged use they can lead to thinning of the vulvar skin. See Product See Product See Product See Product Natural treatments Herbs Some herbs are very good for treating lichen sclerosus, boosting healing or preventing scarring, itching and inflammation. If herbs are applied in a cream or oil they can bring great results - fast. Comfrey is great at repairing damaged cells by ‘knitting’ them back together, thus speeding up the healing process. Calendula is another herb that works well on skin conditions. It is antibacterial, antiseptic and antifungal, and antiseptic, making it a top choice for clearing up infections. Then there is red clover, which is very anti-inflammatory. Since it also contains phytoestrogen, it has been helpful menopausal women with LS. Plantain is another herb that helps by stopping your skin from itching. Oils Oils are some of the best natural treatments for lichen sclerosus, as they can moisturize and treat inflammation at the same time. Coconut oil has a lot of benefits for the skin; not only is it moisturizing, but it has some antibacterial properties too. For lichen sclerosus sufferers it is very soothing and can bring relief from itching and burning. Lots of women get plenty of relief from lichen sclerosus symptoms with olive oil. They report healing of ulcers, relief from burning and itching and a softening of rough or tight skin. Whichever oil you try, it’s a good idea to use it every time you’ve used the bathroom, making sure you clean the area properly before applying it. In just a few days you may start to see improvement in your LS. Vaginal dilators Vaginal dilators can keep the vagina open. Since lichen sclerosus sufferers can develop thickened skin (or fusion of it), the vaginal opening may shrink and recede. If this is a problem and you wish to have regular sexual intercourse, you may find vaginal dilators useful. It may be a good idea to try several lichen sclerosus treatments to find the ones that work best for you and keep the symptoms at bay over the long term. It is certainly possible to treat the condition naturally without having to worry about the negative side effects of prescribed ointments and creams. We wish you all the best in overcoming your condition! VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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How Long Does it Take to Loosen Tight Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Anyone who has suffered with the symptoms of a tight pelvic floor (hypertonic pelvic floor) will tell you that this excess tension is troublesome. It leads to restricted motion and often some form of pain. The pain usually manifests in the hips, lower back, tailbone, vagina or perineum area, but it can also extend to the buttocks, thighs and abdomen. Awareness about pelvic floor muscle stretches seems to be spreading, which is great; but one question that rarely gets answered is, how long does it take to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles? We have written quite a lot on various aspects of this problem, from the benefits of pelvic floor stretches to spotting the symptoms of a tight pelvic floor. This information will surely be useful but it helps to remember that with any form of healing, it can take time and perseverance. This article will outline how to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles, how long it may take to do so, and helpful tips for maintenance. How to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles Since your pelvic floor is not manually accessible, you may only have a vague idea of where your pain and tension is originating. It’s not entirely obvious to people how they should start to tackle the problem, so specific instructions on how to relax the pelvic floor muscles are often required. The good news is that once you know what you are doing it’s pretty easy, and there are lots of ways to go about it. If you have a hypertonic pelvic floor, you are likely to have been inadvertently holding your pelvic floor muscles tight for so long that your brain has become accustomed to it and no longer recognizes a problem. So by consciously performing pelvic floor stretches and breathing exercises, you are retraining your brain to perceive the newly relaxed state as normal. Thus you’re much more likely to notice any future tension arising and stop it in its tracks. See Product See Product See Product See Product How long will it take to loosen your pelvic floor? Truthfully, your pelvic floor muscles aren’t likely to release all of the accumulated tension overnight. To loosen tight pelvic floor muscles you will need to be patient and persistent. You should also note that different exercises work for different people, so you’ll need to listen to your body in order to pinpoint the techniques that work for you personally. The best way to do this is try out all of the exercises and breathing techniques to find the ones that make you feel the most relaxed. Even if you don’t feel relief from pelvic floor tension or pain immediately, keep at it. At the very minimum you should be doing your stretches and breathing for at least 20 to 30 minutes, twice a day, until you start to notice a difference. Practice certainly makes perfect and the more effort you put in, the more quickly you should see results. Over time, you will start to relax the pelvic floor muscles quickly and easily. You can start out with a ‘little and often’ approach if you find this easier; for example, instead of twice a day for 30 minutes, do 4 times per day for 10 minutes. Build up your practice gradually over weeks (or months if necessary) and within three to five months you should return to normal. This a realistic ballpark figure but it does depend on how severe your issues are. You can also use vaginal dilators to help relax a tense pelvic floor. Vuva dilators are used to regenerate vaginal capacity, expand the vaginal walls, add elasticity to the tissues, and to allow for comfortable sexual intercourse. VuVa Magnetic Dilators are smooth lightweight plastic, that come in a variety of graduated sizes. In a clinical trial conducted by Chief Investigator and Pelvic Pain Specialist Dr. Michael Swor in Sarasota, FL, it was shown that VuVa Neodymium Magnetic Dilators reduced pain in 80% of study subjects with no side effects reported. Neodymium Magnets are within each dilator that increase blood flow and relieve sexual discomfort while soft tissue lengthens, relaxing muscles and ligaments. As the tissue relaxes, the Neodymium magnets increase blood flow to the painful area calming nerves. VuVa™ Dilators are the only patented dilators available with Neodymium magnets. If after this amount of time you don’t feel any real improvement has happened, it may be necessary to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist who can help take your healing to the next level. It is also important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be affecting your pelvic floor muscles, so checking in with a healthcare specialist is also a good idea. Finally, if you aim to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles for good, be sure not to stop your practice once you’ve got rid of the obvious tension. It is wise to keep practicing once a day for maintenance as part of your routine, because as they say, prevention is better than cure. VuVa Helpful Links: 7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen How to use Vaginal Dilators How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life! Shop for VuVa Vaginal Dilators
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How Long Does it Take to Loosen Tight Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Anyone who has suffered with the symptoms of a tight pelvic floor (hypertonic pelvic floor) will tell you that this excess tension is troublesome. It leads to restricted motion and often some form of pain. The pain usually manifests in the hips, lower back, tailbone, vagina or perineum area, but it can also extend to the buttocks, thighs and abdomen. Awareness about pelvic floor muscle stretches seems to be spreading, which is great; but one question that rarely gets answered is, how long does it take to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles? We have written quite a lot on various aspects of this problem, from the benefits of pelvic floor stretches to spotting the symptoms of a tight pelvic floor. This information will surely be useful but it helps to remember that with any form of healing, it can take time and perseverance. This article will outline how to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles, how long it may take to do so, and helpful tips for maintenance. How to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles Since your pelvic floor is not manually accessible, you may only have a vague idea of where your pain and tension is originating. It’s not entirely obvious to people how they should start to tackle the problem, so specific instructions on how to relax the pelvic floor muscles are often required. The good news is that once you know what you are doing it’s pretty easy, and there are lots of ways to go about it. If you have a hypertonic pelvic floor, you are likely to have been inadvertently holding your pelvic floor muscles tight for so long that your brain has become accustomed to it and no longer recognizes a problem. So by consciously performing pelvic floor stretches and breathing exercises, you are retraining your brain to perceive the newly relaxed state as normal. Thus you’re much more likely to notice any future tension arising and stop it in its tracks. See Product See Product See Product See Product How long will it take to loosen your pelvic floor? Truthfully, your pelvic floor muscles aren’t likely to release all of the accumulated tension overnight. To loosen tight pelvic floor muscles you will need to be patient and persistent. You should also note that different exercises work for different people, so you’ll need to listen to your body in order to pinpoint the techniques that work for you personally. The best way to do this is try out all of the exercises and breathing techniques to find the ones that make you feel the most relaxed. Even if you don’t feel relief from pelvic floor tension or pain immediately, keep at it. At the very minimum you should be doing your stretches and breathing for at least 20 to 30 minutes, twice a day, until you start to notice a difference. Practice certainly makes perfect and the more effort you put in, the more quickly you should see results. Over time, you will start to relax the pelvic floor muscles quickly and easily. You can start out with a ‘little and often’ approach if you find this easier; for example, instead of twice a day for 30 minutes, do 4 times per day for 10 minutes. Build up your practice gradually over weeks (or months if necessary) and within three to five months you should return to normal. This a realistic ballpark figure but it does depend on how severe your issues are. If sex is painful for you, vaginal dilator therapy can be beneficial in helping reduce the fear of penetration and relaxing your muscles. Start by testing the smaller size VuVa™ Vaginal Dilators to see which vagina dilator size you are comfortable inserting. You may find that when you are first starting to use dilators, you can only tolerate the tip and that is normal. Increase dilator size only after you can insert current size dilator with ease. When you insert the dilator, do not go over a 3-4 pain level. Using vaginal dilators will be uncomfortable at first, but you will feel the pain subside as the muscles relax around the vaginal canal. If after this amount of time you don’t feel any real improvement has happened, it may be necessary to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist who can help take your healing to the next level. It is also important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be affecting your pelvic floor muscles, so checking in with a healthcare specialist is also a good idea. Finally, if you aim to loosen tight pelvic floor muscles for good, be sure not to stop your practice once you’ve got rid of the obvious tension. It is wise to keep practicing once a day for maintenance as part of your routine, because as they say, prevention is better than cure. 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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Safe Vaginal Stenosis Treatments Available by VuVatech
Vaginal stenosis is the name for the shortening and/or narrowing of the birth canal. Vaginal stenosis sufferers may find that scar tissue forms in the vagina, which might also dry out and lose flexibility and elasticity. Women with vaginal stenosis symptoms often find it very difficult to function normally, especially during sex or gynecological exams. This can be incredibly challenging, of course, but fortunately there are vaginal stenosis treatments available to women who are dealing with such difficulties. One of the most common causes of vaginal stenosis is the impact of radiation in the pelvic area, usually as a treatment for cancers of the bladder, rectum, cervix, uterus, or lymph glands. For instance, it can be caused by external beam therapy (EBRT), pelvic radiation therapy (RT), or brachytherapy (internal implants). Any woman who has received a treatment like this could develop vaginal stenosis later; in fact, it is common enough to affect around one third of radiation patients. Other possible reasons for developing vaginal stenosis are genital surgery, an episiotomy (incision to the perineum) or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (although rare). Whatever the cause, you’ll undoubtedly be looking for a solution, so lets take a look at the vaginal stenosis treatments available to you: See Product See Product See Product See Product Vaginal stenosis treatment Vaginal dilators Vaginal dilators are one of the most common and effective of the vaginal stenosis treatments. When a woman’s birth canal narrows or shortens, vaginal dilators are the perfect tool for returning it to its usual size and shape, or at least a functional size and shape. These amazing little tools work by stretching out the scar tissue (fibrosis) that has formed in the vagina. They can also relax the muscles and ligaments. Dilators are made from smooth plastic or silicone and are shaped like a cylinder. They come in different sizes (from 3” to 6” in length, and varying widths) so you can start out with smaller ones and progress toward the larger ones over time. At VuvaTech we offer dilators with Neodymium magnets, which help blood flow to circulate in the vagina and calm sensitive nerves. If you have had invasive cancer treatment, it is better to allow 2 to 3 weeks to pass after your treatment; you may then start practicing with dilators. We recommend using a dilator three times every week to keep the vagina open, but those who are having regular sex may need to use them less (e.g. once per week). You may find it easiest to leave one inserted while you’re sleeping. Unfortunately, as scarring may continue to form after radiation treatment, you may need to keep using dilators ongoing for maintenance. Water-based lubricants Another common vaginal stenosis symptom is dryness, thanks to the estrogen decline you’ll be experiencing. This is especially problematic if you wish to enjoy a normal sex life. You can easily treat this symptom with a natural, water-based personal lubricant. In fact, you can apply that any time you feel dry and irritated. Finally, any woman suffering from vaginal stenosis will need to pay extra attention to personal hygiene, since it’s quite common for discharge to be a symptom. This really just means changing underwear regularly and cleansing often with gentle, chemical-free products. We hope you have found these suggestions on vaginal stenosis treatments helpful, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about the products mentioned, so drop us a line if we can help in any way! 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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Overcoming Fear of Physical Intimacy: Signs, Causes, Treatment
Intimate relationships and feeling comfortable with sexual intimacy are a normal part of life. However, when you become fearful of sexual contact and avoid intimacy, it can result in sabotaging relationships or even not engaging in close relationships at all. You come isolated and alone with your fear of sex. When feeling uncomfortable takes over your life, it’s time to overcome your fear of physical intimacy, so you can truly connect with loved ones. Signs of fearing physical intimacy Intimacy issues usually don't develop overnight, and early signs of fearing physical contact vary by person. But some common symptoms may indicate a fear of sexual intimacy. (1) Not believing in yourself or low self-esteem Lack of trust in others Experience panic attacks Bursts of anger Avoiding physical touch at any cost Unable to form or commit to close relationships Decide to live in isolation Experience constant sexual desire History of unstable relationships Explained or unexplained vaginal pain At times, these signs may seem like they are connected to other issues or relatively obvious. However, when you experience these negative emotions and fears, it's essential to look at the root cause. Causes of fearing physical intimacy Sexual dysfunction can have many causes. It may have to do with past childhood trauma or a physical condition that causes fearing intimacy. Avoidant personality disorder Avoidant personality disorder is sometimes called intimacy anxiety disorder. It’s an anxiety disorder that runs in families and tends to begin in childhood. Environmental factors also play a role in the disorder creation. It affects men and women equally (about 2.5 percent of the population). (2) Avoidant personality disorder has many different symptoms, including: Feeling shy, awkward, and unconfident A dramatic sense of forthcoming problems Sensitivity to criticism Fearing judgment from others Afraid of humiliation Avoiding social gatherings and events The exact reasons for this disorder aren't clear, but rejection or abandonment can trigger the response. See Product See Product See Product See Product Fear of abandonment Abandonment fears can happen due to different circumstances. One of those could be a childhood event, such as a parent leaving or a romantic relationship ending badly. Whatever the case, it causes you to become fearful of losing the person, so you avoid physical intimacy. Past childhood trauma Your childhood plays a pivotal role in your development and behavior as an adult. If you experience sexual abuse or witness sexual violence, you may become fearful of intimate contact. When this happens, you lose trust. Some of the symptoms associated with childhood sexual abuse include the following: Engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviors Lack of sexual desire Hard time becoming aroused Keeping emotional distance during sex Feelings of guilt, anger, and shame when touched or during sex Trouble having an orgasm or erectile dysfunction (ED) Experience physical pain in the vagina Fear of rejection Fear of rejection may cause men and women to fear physical intimacy. It may start because you experienced romantic rejection or grew up in a family where you saw this with one parent. It causes you to avoid engaging in any kind of relationship in fear of being rejected. Genophobia Genophobia is a fear of sexual intercourse. It can begin with sexual trauma or abuse and develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or genophobia. It can result from a physical condition, such as vaginismus or vulvodynia. Both conditions cause extreme pain for women in their vagina walls and tissue. Some people also develop genophobia out of fear of germs. (3) Vulvodynia Vulvodynia is a condition that causes burning and stinging pain in the female genital area or vulva. The painful symptoms may be constant or come and go. In some cases, touch, gynecological exam, or penetration triggers the reaction. Vaginismus is a kind of sexual dysfunction that causes women to fear physical intimacy. Vaginismus Vaginismus is one of the most common sexual problems for women. It's the involuntary contraction of the pelvic muscles. For some women, the condition was always present before intercourse, and for others became an issue after becoming sexually active. Eating Disorders According to Psychology Today, an eating disorder causes people to feel depressed, avoid emotional connection, and derive pleasure from intimate relationships. The person views connecting with someone as a loss of control and avoids sexual relationships. (4) Bipolar disorders Bipolar disorder causes people to have extreme changes in mood. The person can move from depression to mania within a few hours or days. Mood fluctuation can either create dissatisfaction with sex or an inability to feel desire or hypersexuality (constant desire for sex). Both cause stress on personal relationships and can lead to a fear of physical intimacy. (5) Treatment of fearing physical intimacy Psychotherapy Psychotherapy helps you to "talk" about your past traumas and find a source of the problem. You can have in-person therapy or online counseling. It's always helpful to speak to a professional to help you overcome your fear of intimacy. (6) Believe in yourself Becoming ashamed or fearful of sexual desires causes you to lose hope. You may also lack the communication skills to explain to those who love you what you're feeling. It may be obvious, but valuing yourself and learning how to communicate helps you overcome your fear. Vaginal dilators If the fear of sexual intimacy comes from vaginismus or vulvodynia, vaginal dilators can help ease the painful symptoms. Vaginal dilators or trainers stretch and lengthen the vagina naturally with no side effects. In a clinical trial, 80% of the participants experience less vaginal pain after using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators. Relationship issues are hard to overcome for anyone. But when you have a real fear of physical intimacy, it may seem like you'll never have a healthy sex life. Physical contact, love, and affection strengthen your well being. Once you overcome the fear of physical intimacy, you'll be able to have sexual encounters you'll enjoy. 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 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-freedom-change/201504/fear-intimacy-and-closeness-in-relationships https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/avoidant-personality-disorders#1 https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/phobia-a-to-z https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-food-is-family/201806/eating-disorder-recovery-the-connection-sex-and-intimacy https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324595 https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
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Coitophobia (Fear of Sexual Intercourse) Causes & Treatments
What is Coitophobia Coitophobia, sometimes called genophobia, is the fear of sexual intercourse. It's more than a simple dislike of sex; it's a condition that can cause irrational fears around any sex or sexual intimacy. The intense fear can become so strong that you avoid romantic relationships at any cost, and even the thought of sexual activity gives you panic attacks. In this guide, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of coitophobia (fear of intercourse). Causes of coitophobia The causes of coitophobia can range from a past traumatic event to a physical concern like pelvic pain. When you can identify the cause of fearing sexual intercourse, you can then work together with a therapist to design a treatment plan right for you. Sexually abused According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2002, about 150 million girls and 73 million boys (under 18 years) had experienced some form of sexual violence. (1) The statistics show how prevalent sexual abuse is around the world. What they don't show is how harmful sexual abuse is for the child and the detrimental effects on their well being. After being sexually abused, you may become distrustful of relationships, fearful of sexual contact, and develop anxiety and depression. In some cases, you may become suicidal. Generalized anxiety disorder Generalized anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. It brings about intense fear and worries about everything from losing your keys to worrying about your sexual performance. It can bring about psychological and physical concerns that overtake one's life and places an unbearable weight on relationships. The fears are usually unrealistic and irrational. (2) Bipolar disorder Bipolar disorder is a type of mental disorder that causes extreme changes in mood. The mental illness can bring about a fear of sex. The person may find sexual intimacy is too painful, embarrassing, or even revolting. Or bipolar can cause the opposite reaction of desiring sex all the time and unable to fully orgasm. (3) Pelvic pain conditions Pelvic pain conditions are more common than people know, and many women around the world experience extreme pain in their pelvic area each year. Sometimes the pain comes and goes and other times the pain is chronic. Some women describe the pain as searing, burning, and stinging. The searing pain can occur in the vulvar area of the vagina (outside of the vaginal opening) and inside the vaginal tissue. There are various types of pelvic pain conditions, including: Vaginismus: It’s the automatic muscle contraction of the vaginal walls. Vulvodynia: It’s chronic vaginal pain with no known cause. Dyspareunia: It's painful sex from medical or psychological issues. Radiation therapy: It can cause painful vaginal scar tissue. Vulvar Vestibulitis: It's an extreme pain during vaginal penetration. Pelvic pain conditions can result in coitophobia or genophobia. The good news is that the fear of sexual intercourse can is possible to overcome with vaginal dilators. See Product See Product See Product See Product Symptoms of coitophobia Symptoms of coitophobia vary from person to person, but some common signs indicate a fear of intercourse. (4) Irrational fears around having sex or becoming intimate Experiencing panic attacks during sexual intimacy Inability to achieve an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED) Mentioning sexual intimacy causes panic Ongoing or intermittent pelvic pain with a known or unknown cause Inability to trust others Living in isolation Struggling with low self-esteem History of abusive relationships Outbursts of intense anger or sadness Treatments of coitophobia The fear of sex has different treatment options available. While overcoming your intense anxiety or panic may not happen overnight, trust you're not without help. For some, turning to a sex therapist is helpful or even using vaginal dilators to overcome the fear of penetration. Behavioral therapy Behavioral therapy is a term to encompass different types of treatment aimed at changing behavior. An example of behavioral therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. During treatment, the therapist helps you view and understand your irrational fears and self-destructive behaviors differently. (5) Behavioral therapy helps treat all kinds of disorders, from anxiety to coitophobia. Exposure therapy Exposure therapy is a type of psychological treatment designed to help you confront your fears. It’s used to treat all kinds of phobias from social anxiety disorders to coitophobia fear. It works by having the patient relieve the painful or traumatic event or fear and work through it emotionally. (6) You’re “exposed” to the fear, rather than running away or avoiding it. Pelvic floor therapy Being fearful of sexual intimacy is emotional, but it also can have a physical component. If you have explained or unexplained vaginal pain or muscle spasms, you may benefit from pelvic floor therapy. This proven therapy uses vaginal dilators or vaginal stretchers to help ease and lengthen the vaginal walls. If you've had radiation therapy and your vaginal walls have become thin and dry, penetration may be painful. Vaginal Dilators Vaginal dilators provide a healing touch for pelvic pain conditions. A vaginal massage can help you overcome the fear of sexual intercourse. Each vaginal dilator set comes in graduated sizes, making treatment as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Treatment happens in the comfort of your own home at your schedule and pace. It's recommended that you undergo vaginal dilator therapy 2-3 times per week for 20-30 minutes. But you should go at a pace right for you. Sufferers from coitophobia live each day with an extreme fear of sexual intimacy. It can have a negative impact on all areas of their life. For most people, it’s hard to talk about or even admit. Yet, they’re not alone and help is available. Vaginal dilators may be the answer for helping you to experience the joy of sex without all the pain and worry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311357/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311357/ https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324595 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/when-food-is-family/201806/eating-disorder-recovery-the-connection-sex-and-intimacy https://www.healthline.com/health/behavioral-therapy https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-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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Can Food Allergies Cause Vulvodynia?
The saying “you are what you eat” is famous across the world for good reason. That’s because to some extent, it’s usually true! A lot of the health problems we face today are either caused by food, or lack thereof – in particular correct nutrition – and even when illnesses are caused by something else (e.g. environmental toxicity or genetics), food and food allergies can sometimes exacerbate symptoms. Conversely, food can be used as medicine, if you know what you are doing. Since we’re on the topic of vulvodynia, has it ever occurred to you to ask whether food allergies cause vulvodynia? It’s a pertinent question to ask, especially if your goal is to reduce or eliminate your vulvodynia symptoms altogether. In this article we will take a look at the kind of foods that can make vulvodynia worse, and what can be introduced to aid in symptom management or reduction. Can food allergies cause vulvodynia? In a recent article we discussed whether vulvodynia is a chronic illness. It certainly results in chronic pain in many women, so it makes sense to consider the ways in which you may eliminate this pain. Let’s start by looking at the fact that chronic pain is often the result of the body’s failure to process foods we have consumed. Such foods can create and fuel systemic inflammation, and vulvodynia may also respond to food and food allergies. Vulvodynia symptoms affect between 4 and 16% of women, according to the statistics available, and some studies have demonstrated that there is a correlation to their diets. For example, a case study was done on a 28-year-old female athlete who had vulvodynia and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). For seven months she saw a pelvic floor physical therapist for her vulvodynia, but her symptoms were simultaneously addressed with a vegetarian elimination diet. After only two weeks of elimination of certain foods, it became clear that vulvodynia flare-ups were reducing. When specific foods were reintroduced every two weeks, symptoms returned and it was determined that soy, goat dairy, and gluten were responsible for vulvodynia flare-ups. Once these were re-eliminated, after 6 months she was symptom free – from both conditions! See Product See Product See Product See Product Which food allergies cause vulvodynia? It is now clear that there are specific foods that may cause vulvodynia to worsen or flare up. These include (but may not be limited to) the following food products: Meat Dairy products (including goat dairy) Soy products (especially non-fermented/GMO) Gluten Grains Corn Sugar and artificial sweeteners Anything containing (or encouraging proliferation of) yeast Foods high in oxalates (nuts, nut butters, especially almonds and peanuts), and vegetables like beets, beet greens, rhubarb and spinach. It should be noted that most of these foods (excluding oxalates) can be inflammatory and may cause symptoms of inflammation in anyone, but if you have vulvodynia, you may be susceptible to exacerbated vulvodynia pain symptoms. You may wish to reference this study on oxalates, which concluded exactly that. There are no specific dietary recommendations for vulvodynia sufferers, since all women have varying constitutions, diets and lifestyles. Some women may be more sensitive to chemicals and certain foods types than others, but one common link is candidiasis, a yeast overgrowth in the body that results in thrush (vaginal yeast infection). Some women who often get yeast infections have been shown to be more prone to vulvodynia. If you have vulvodynia flare-ups, it may be worth consulting a nutritionist with experience in this area. Which foods and supplements can prevent vulvodynia? Aside from eliminating the above food products that cause vulvodynia symptoms, you may find some benefit in supplementing with the following: Magnesium Vitamin D3 Probiotics Vitamin B12 Omega-3 During the study on the aforementioned athlete, she experienced relief when these supplements were introduced. As always, research suppliers and reviews before purchasing, as not all supplements are created equal. If in doubt, consult a qualified naturopath or nutritionist. As we have said in several of our articles on this condition, treating vulvodynia is often a trial and error approach, but with determination and discipline, you are likely to find the right combination of solutions for you… but now that you know the answer to the question, Can food allergies can cause vulvodynia?, hopefully that’s one more piece of the puzzled solved! 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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Why Is My Uterus Twitching?
What Causes Muscle Spasms in the Pelvic Area? Most of us know well that muscle spasms in any part of the body are at best annoying, and at worst painful. For example, neck or shoulder spasms not only hurt a lot; they can also create tension headaches, but these can be eased by massage. Muscles spasms in the pelvic area are another matter entirely, since it isn’t always easy to access the area and manipulate the muscles. Spasms in this area can lead to genital pain and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The pelvic floor is a complex area consisting of layers of muscle and other tissues. The muscular layers stretch across from the pubic bone to the tailbone. In females, the pelvic floor muscles support the womb, bowel and bladder. If you’re wondering whether pelvic floor muscle spasms are the reason for your discomfort, read on for more information and treatment options… What do pelvic muscle spasms feel like? When your pelvic floor muscles spasm, it can feel like tight bands of muscle. If you’ve ever had a massage you will remember what trigger points feel like – small, tough knots under the skin that are painful to the touch. When pressed firmly, it hurts but they may then release, providing relief soon after. The symptoms of pelvic-floor muscle spasms generally feel like this: Pain or pressure in the vagina or rectum Frequent urges to urinate (or pain when urinating) Obvious muscle spasms (similar sensation to other areas in the body) Dysfunction in the bowel A ‘heavy’ feeling in the pelvic area If you have muscle spasms in the pelvis, you may find that you also experience interstitial cystitis or dyspareunia (painful sex). In men, there is a possibility of experiencing pain after ejaculation, or erectile dysfunction. What causes pelvic muscle spasms? Generally the cause will be a weakened pelvic floor. This might happen due to the following: Childbirth (risk increases with number of births) Lifting heavy objects Straining from constipation Obesity Weakness due to injury Connective tissue disorder Levator syndrome is another possible cause. It is the name for abnormal spasms of pelvic floor muscles in the rectum (the levator ani muscle). Sometimes the cause of this is unknown, but the spasms often happen after a bowel movement and can worsen when seated or laying down. This type of pelvic floor muscle spasm usually results in a feeling of pressure or dull, aching sensations high up in the rectum. The pain may occur and pass quickly, or go on for hours at a time. See Product See Product See Product See Product What can you do to relax the pelvic floor muscles? Some of the main treatments to relieve pelvic muscle spasms are pelvic floor physical therapy, which includes myofascial release, improving posture and pelvic floor muscle stretching. In this instance, the aim is to relax the muscles rather than strengthen them. When experiencing spasms, it is also a good idea to do some breathing exercises, as follows: Lay down on your back with bent knees While inhaling, imagine the abdomen filling with air Relax the pelvic floor by moving the breath downward and lowering the pelvic floor Repeat the process without pausing between breaths In the case of levator syndrome, treatment consists of retraining the pelvic muscles and nervous system. The aim is to calm the pelvic floor area and minimize arousal of the nervous system at the same time. This may be done through pelvic floor physical therapy, and if so will include biofeedback and daily relaxation techniques. You may also want to consider using pelvic wands at home if you can access the muscles that are spasming, since these can put pressure on the muscles for myofascial release. Pelvic floor muscle spasms don’t have to be the bane of your life. With a little know-how and patience, they can be overcome. Don’t forget to check out our other blogs for plenty of advice on pelvic health! Is intercourse painful as well? Learn more about VuVa Vaginal Dilator Therapy and Dyspareunia here. 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 See Product See Product See Product See Product
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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.
