Dilators, sometimes called Vaginal Trainers, are graded cylindrical tubes that are used for those experiencing vaginismus to help retrain the vaginal wall muscles to better accept and respond to insertion. They’re not primarily used to stretch out the vagina (although they can be used for this purpose with a few physiological conditions, of which vaginismus […]
Which is Better- Plastic or Silicone Dilators? Read More »
Living with vaginismus often means becoming intimately acquainted with dilators. There’s a bit of a love-hate relationship there (well, truly a hate-hate relationship until you finally heal). Many of us spend countless hours, perhaps even months, on a single size, feeling the frustration of what seems like no progress at all. I’ve been there, stuck
Slow Progress doesn’t Mean You’re Stuck Read More »
Dilators and vaginismus – two words that often evoke frustration and discomfort. If you’re on the journey of overcoming vaginismus, you’re likely familiar with the mixed emotions that come with using dilators. They come in a set, each size hinting at progress, yet the comparison can trigger anxiety about how “small” your current dilator is
The Biggest Mistake You Can Make with Dilators Read More »
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, but for those managing vaginismus, it can also present unique challenges. The decision-making process around whether to continue dilating during the holidays when your Great Aunt Ruth is around doesn’t have to be stressful. But maintaining a stress-free mindset is going to be key
Vaginismus, your Great Aunt Ruth, and the Holidays Read More »
Vaginismus, a condition characterized by involuntary muscle contractions of the vaginal wall muscles, can be quite frustrating to manage. While the path to overcoming this condition is often characterized by determination and patience, something like a menstrual cycle can get in the way of this. One of the more frequent questions I get asked is
An Ultimate Guide to Dilating During Your Menstrual Cycle Read More »
Psychological safety has a profound impact on your vaginismus recovery, influencing your dilator routine, your relationship with your partner, and, most importantly, your relationship with yourself. Understanding and fostering psychological safety can create an environment of acceptance, respect, and emotional security, supporting your healing process in profound ways. Psychological safety entails experiencing a sense of
3 Ways to Foster Psychological Safety to Enhance your Vaginismus Recovery Read More »
Dealing with vaginismus can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating journey. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and lacking motivation along the way. Factors such as a fear of failure, the repetitive nature of the work involved, and the lack of external accountability due to the private nature of the condition can all contribute
6 Practical Ways to Stay Motivated on Your Vaginismus Journey Read More »
Pelvic wands have become increasingly popular as a tool for managing pelvic pain and dysfunction. A pelvic wand is a medical tool used for self-care or by healthcare professionals to alleviate pain or discomfort in the pelvic region. It is designed to be inserted into the vagina and has different end points that can be
Using pelvic wands to manage pelvic pain and dysfunction. Read More »
Dilators are often used to treat vaginismus. It’s the “gold standard” intervention to get your vagina to cooperate, but the process can be challenging, frustrating, and well, boring for most. It is essential to have a positive and engaging attitude towards using dilators, as it can significantly impact the healing process. For many women with
Keeping a positive attitude while dilating Read More »
