What is dyspareunia?
What causes dyspareunia?
Some possible causes of dyspareunia include:
- vaginismus (painful spasms of the vagina)
- vulvodynia (chronic pain around the opening of the vagina, known as the vulva)
- pelvic floor muscle tightness (check out our blog on tight vaginas)
- postpartum (pain with sex after having a baby)
- endometriosis
- scar tissue
- stress and trauma
- post cancer treatment
- …and more!
How is dyspareunia diagnosed?
How can I treat dyspareunia?
1. Relaxing your pelvic floor muscles through breathing:
2. Lower body stretches:
- deep squat position
- pigeon stretch
- hip flexor stretch
- happy baby
3. Ohnut
We recommend the Ohnut to patients who complain of pain when penetration feels too deep. The Ohnut is a soft, compressible buffer made from 4 rings and can be used together or individually. It allows for pain-free sex without sacrificing sensation for you or your partner.
The Ohnut is FDA approved for body safe material, condom compatible, and silicon & water-based lube friendly.
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To purchase Ohnut, click here. For a discount on your order, use coupon code ELLA7.
4. Vaginal Wands and Dilators
vaginal wand – The wand was created by a pelvic floor physical therapist to relieve trigger points in the pelvic floor muscles. It can be used for superficial as well as deep muscles of the pelvic floor that are hard to reach. We recommend this to patients with pelvic pain (any of the diagnoses listed above). With this wand, patients are able to work on trigger points and tight muscles independently and in the privacy of their own home.
vaginal dilators (small pack)
vaginal dilators (medium pack)
vaginal dilators (large pack)
The dilators were created by a pelvic floor physical therapist. They are made of smooth silicone, making it more comfortable than plastic dilators. We recommend them to patients who complain of painful penetration – whether it is a penis, finger, dildo, tampon, speculum, or all of the above. The dilator sizes range from as small as your pinky to as big as you can imagine 😉 . Dilators do not stretch your pelvic floor muscles, but rather it trains the muscles to relax when something is inserted. It is a great way to prepare your vagina to relax and decrease tension for comfortable penetration. Tip: You can also use it as a sex toy or during foreplay.
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4. Lubrication
Slippery Stuff – This is the lubrication we use with patients in the clinic. I also recommend my patients to use this brand during intercourse as well as when using dilators. It is water based, water soluble, safe, hygienic, odorless, and non-staining. It is great for anyone who is sensitive to other lubricants.
Good Clean Love: Almost Naked – This is another lubricant I love and recommend. It is great for those who get irritated or have sensitivity from other lubricants.
To learn more about lubricants, check out this post.
Disclaimer: There are many other reasons why a woman may experience pain with sex such as infection, disease, hormonal changes, etc. Make sure to rule out these conditions with a medical professional. Or, contact us for an evaluation!
so helpful! thank you!
Extremely helpful information for woman whom are looking into their issues before consulting a doctor out of embarrassment or what they think isn’t normal! Thank you for shedding light on this! Love your blog!!
You’re so right! That is why we started this blog! Thank you!
Very helpful information for women. I personally love yoga but need to do it more.
very informative, great for anyone struggling with talking to someone about it. Thanks
Yes! We need to spread the word on women’s health issues!
This is really important! Women who experience this are so afraid to talk about this.
Exactly. Hope this helps more women!