Femistent - Vaginismus & Dyspareunia

Femistent is pleased to announce the launch of Vesta dilators specifically designed for Vaginismus and Dyspareunia sufferers:

For further information about these products please go to:
http://www.femistent.com/pages/femistent-products/vesta-dilators.html

Alternatively to purchase these products from our e.Shop, go to:
http://www.femistent.com/products/vesta-dilators/vesta-set.html

Note: To mark the launch of this new range of dilators Femistent is offering a discount of £15.00 to all purchasers. Simply enter the discount code Vlaunch in the box at the end of the shopping basket display to benefit from this offer.

Vaginismus is a distressing condition for both the male and female partners in a relationship. It essentially occurs when involuntary spasms within the woman’s pubococcygeus muscles (the PC muscle group) make penetration either very painful for the women, or even impossible. These spasms can be initiated simply by the approach towards the vagina of a tampon, finger or penis. These spasms, which often come as a complete surprise to the woman, can be quite widespread, sometimes resulting in sporadic breathing patterns and an arching of the back in an attempt to protect the genital areas possibly including the breasts. Vaginismus is not a result of any abnormality within the genitals, nor is it an indication of a lack of libido or sexual attraction.

The PC muscle group stretches between the legs. In a woman the muscles extend from in front of the urethra, round the vagina to behind the anus (see Genital Geography). The muscles form part of the pelvic floor in both sexes. The usual way for an individual to identify the PC muscle group is to interrupt urination, several times, during which women should keep their legs open wide so that the muscles in the buttocks do not confuse the sensations. The PC muscles can be felt within the vagina as a ribbed muscle at a depth of about 4cm, or 1.5”.

The incidence of vaginismus is divided into two categories. Primary vaginismus is defined as when a woman has never been able to have penetrative sex and it is usually identified during the first attempts to have penetrative sex. Secondary vaginismus is defined as when a woman has previously been able to engage in normal sexual relationships but subsequently is unable to do so, despite there being no obvious reason as to why that might be the case.

The number of women affected by vaginismus is not really known since many prefer not to talk about their problem (it is suspected that less than 25% do), and instead pursue other forms of sexual satisfaction and intercourse, or prefer abstinence. Furthermore, symptoms are often masked by a woman repeatedly offering excuses as to why she does not wish to be examined intimately by her doctor, for example by saying she has just started to menstruate, or hates being examined in that region, or perhaps keeps her underclothes on during the examination. However, following non-consummation of a marriage, a woman may well feel it necessary or be pressed by her husband to seek medical help. Some couples are not aware there is a problem and seek help only after years of not having children. However, existence of the problem can result in a significant male loss of libido, premature ejaculation, or secondary erectile dysfunction.

The causes of vaginismus can be quite varied but typically include a history of sexual abuse or violence, fear of pregnancy, inadequate sex education or an inability to commit emotionally to a relationship.

For those seeking further information concerning the treatment of this condition, we suggest visiting: www.vaginismus.com

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of vaginismus usually involves a detailed study of the psycho-sexual history of the woman concerned. A women will often indicate that she was dismayed or confused by her first menstruation (menarche), has perhaps never inserted a finger or a tampon into her vagina, and has never masturbated. Many such women do not accept responsibility for their bodies. If there is an aversion to sex, then sex therapy may be necessary for both partners.

Treatment programmes, which importantly should involve the partner concerned fully throughout since this can considerably speed up the process, typically involve the addressing of any faulty attitudes, guilt, fears or myths which may exist. Learning how to relax and to control one’s breathing can also be important. The importance would be emphasised of both partners taking responsibility for their own bodies, for their own emotions and for ensuring that meaningful communication follows. Both partners will perhaps need assurance that vaginismus is not a subconscious indication of rejection, and that the penis will fit and that nothing will tear or break as a result of penetrative sex.

An important part of diagnosis will inevitably be a comprehensive vaginal examination of the women, which amongst other things must ensure that there is no other cause from the problem. Patience, gentleness and sensitivity will be fundamentally important throughout this procedure, together with the assurance to the women that she is in control at all times. It is also often helpful if a mirror is positioned so the women can see precisely what is happening as the examination proceeds. Slowly, the labia can be opened and the various different genital areas identified by the therapist using perhaps a cotton bud. If a spasm occurs, it sometimes helps for the women to further tense the PC muscles in order to demonstrate that she does have voluntary control. If she is motivated to exert control, since then relaxation can follow quite soon thereafter.

Once an acceptable initial degree of control has been achieved, the woman will be taught a variety of muscle and self-exploration exercises which she can carry out herself at home to further increase her confidence. Ultimately, this will include getting her used to placing her (lubricated) finger at the entrance and eventually in her vagina whilst simultaneously both contracting and relaxing her PC muscles repeatedly. It is not unusual for it to take some time before this stage is reached, but there are very few women indeed who will not attain this degree of automatic control.

For those wishing to learn more about the techniques involved in treating Vaginismus, we suggest visiting:
www.vaginismus.com/products/vaginismus_books/

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Using Dilators and Starting Intercourse

Once this stage has been achieved, the women would usually be asked to further the procedure by practising using a set of vaginal dilators. This a particularly important part of the process of increasing the woman’s confidence in her own control of her PC muscles as she watches the insertion of the dilator in a mirror. Usually, this process is started with a relatively small diameter dilator so the vagina will not need to open much. Gradually both the width and depth of insertion are increased, as is the period of time during which the dilator is left in place. These exercises would be repeated as often as agreed necessary by the woman at home, possibly on her own. However, it remains very important for the partner to be fully involved throughout these procedures. Once the women is practised using the dilators, the couple can progress to mutual genital examination. The partner should learn to recognise the symptoms of the spasm, and what he can do to help the woman relax.

The timing of the first attempt at sexual intercourse must be assessed carefully by all involved, the two partners and the therapist. Once this has been agreed, an appropriate amount of mutual sexual exploration should take place until the woman has produced sufficient amounts of lubricating excretions, although additional lubrication is often applied to increase self-confidence. Sometimes both partners find it helpful to first insert the dilator into the vagina. Then typically with the woman sitting on top of the man as he lies down, she will slowly lower herself onto his erect penis. This gives her almost complete control over what happens and how quickly. At this time, the man will need to exert a considerable degree of self-control to ensure that he does not ejaculate prematurely, despite the possible natural tendency for him to do so. By helping him with this the woman will further enhance her feeling of being in control. Once full insertion of the penis has be achieved, usually the two partners progress quickly to normal sexual intercourse.

Although the precise form of the therapeutic treatment followed may vary slightly from one woman to another, the outcome is nearly always extremely successful.

For those interested there are a number of other sites on the web which deal specifically with this topic.

Note: Femistent has now launched its new Vesta range of dilators which are designed primarily to meet the requirements of Vaginismus and Dyspareunia sufferers. These dilators are available as a set of four.

For further information about these products please go to:
http://www.femistent.com/pages/femistent-products/vesta-dilators.html

Alternatively to purchase these products from our e.Shop, go to:
http://www.femistent.com/products/vesta-dilators/vesta-set.html

Note: To mark the launch of this new range of dilators Femistent is offering a discount of £15.00 to all purchasers. Simply enter the discount code Vlaunch in the box at the end of the shopping basket display to benefit from this offer.

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Dyspareunia

Although sometimes confused with vaginismus, dyspareunia is in fact quite different from vaginismus. Dyspareunia is a feeling of pain during or after sexual intercourse and affects both men and women (although the former is not addressed here). In fact, such pains are relatively common, particularly in menopausal women where the ovaries have stopped producing the high levels of oestrogen and progesterone, that are typical of the reproductive years. Oestrogen particularly is known to maintain the thickness and health of the vagina walls which to facilitate normal functioning of the vagina during intercourse. Lower, post menopausal oestrogen levels are reported to result in the vaginal walls becoming thinner and dryer. Also, lower oestrogen levels can reduce normal vaginal sexual responses, such as the generation of lubricating secretions.

However there are a number of other common causes of dyspareunia the most common of which include:

Lesions within the vulva or vagina such as cysts, genital warts and herpes typically result in focussed discomfort at the areas affected. Abrasions can have a similar effect, but these are usually more superficial.
Scarring from childbirth, episiotomy (which is an incision sometimes made by surgeons to facilitate childbirth) or laceration repair, or vaginal surgery – typically causes focal pain at the site of the scarring.
A Urinary tract infection such as cystitis.
New sexual partners can sometimes result in painful intercourse, particularly after a prolonged period without intercourse or in cases of "size mismatch" (i.e. the penis is too big for the vagina). These problems usually disappear after time.
Spermicidal creams or gels, lubricants, and latex condoms can sometimes act as an irritant.
Breast-feeding can also result in vaginal dryness leading to painful intercourse.
Pelvic inflammatory disease can result in painful sex together with other pdisorders such as fevers, chills, hot flushes, and foul discharge.
Descent of the uterus (prolapse) also causes dyspareunia often associated with an unusual sensation for the man during intercourse and, for the woman, the feeling that something is falling out of the vagina.
Psychological factors such as major illness, a close death or financial problems can all lead to dyspareunia and consequent reduced levels of libido.

For those seeking further information concerning the treatment of this condition, we suggest visiting: www.vaginismus.com

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Diagnosis, Treatment and Recovery

A diagnosis of dyspareunia is based on symptoms resulting from medical and sexual history and a physical examination. During the examination the therapist is likely to ask questions about the exact location, length and timing of the pain. This is in order to attempt to establish whether previous intercourse was painful or not, if enough natural lubricant is being produced, whether there is a likelihood of having contracted a sexually transmitted disease, or whether or not there is a history of abuse. In addition the therapist will probably be interested to know whether periods have been regular.

Frequently the cause of dyspareunia is often self-evident and many women are able to correctly diagnose and treat their own problem. Sometimes, however, the cause of dyspareunia can be more difficult to identify.

Treatment for dyspareunia depends on the root cause of the discomfort and typically includes: lubricants for inadequate lubrication, oestrogen replacement therapy (see vaginal stenosis section), vaginal dilators and a course of dilation therapy, appropriate treatment for any cysts etc., abstinence while transient problems or infections heal, and in some cases surgery to remove lesions, etc.

Encouragingly, the recovery rate from the majority of such dyspareunia problems is extremely high.

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Use of Vaginal Dilators

Dilators likely to be suitable for use by those being treated for Vaginismus and Dyspareunia may be purchased on this website. However, it is very important for you to discuss such purchases and the use of such dilators with your Qualified Medical Practitioner, and that you follow their directions for use carefully and precisely.

Note: Femistent has now launched its new Vesta range of dilators which are designed primarily to meet the requirements of Vaginismus and Dyspareunia sufferers. These dilators are available as a set of four.

For further infomration about these products please go to:
http://www.femistent.com/pages/femistent-products/vesta-dilators.html

Alternatively to purchase these products from our e.Shop, go to:
http://www.femistent.com/products/vesta-dilators/vesta-set.html

Note: To mark the launch of this new range of dilators Femistent is offering a discount of £15.00 to all purchasers. Simply enter the discount code Vlaunch in the box at the end of the shopping basket display to benefit from this offer.

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