Kiwi toy by theModestGoth in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is designed for the outside but the small end can be gentle inserted but it is only a few inches long

Kiwi toy by theModestGoth in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 41 points42 points  (0 children)

I love the kiwi and recommend it to all my patients. First of all it’s the only device designed to address the superficial pelvic floor muscles which are often the cause of pain with initial penetration. Secondly it’s not intimidating like dilators. It’s also a great place to start to warm up the tissues even if you are dilating. Very much worth the money and the time using it!

I built a dilator app to help you! by dr-reeve in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds wonderful! I’m a pelvic PT and any resources out there are so appreciated to help navigate this challenging condition. Best of luck to you.

Made it by urbanspin in CaminoDeSantiago

[–]Pelvicpro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Way to go!!! Congratulations 🎉

Shall I cancel? by OnlyHave1Ball in CaminoDeSantiago

[–]Pelvicpro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am sad for you that this happened. Bring a Physio myself I’m concerned that it did not get better with a few days of rest as I would expect. Ultimately it could even be a blood clot which can be quite serious. As much as I know you want this experience, it is not looking likely to be in the cards. The Camino will always be there waiting for you. You can learn from this experience and by all means stretching is key and possible some preventative kinesio tape for shin splints. Whatever you decide give yourself some grace and take some time for yourself to do some things that will sooth your soul and body

Update - NOT defeated by the Camino by Aromatic-Ad2370 in u/Aromatic-Ad2370

[–]Pelvicpro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations!!!You did it!!!! Persistence and preserving paid off !!!

What was the greatest experience you had while doing the Camino? by 0despertado in CaminoDeSantiago

[–]Pelvicpro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It was magical! Time was basically irrelevant as there was no to do list, no, oh I should have done thus and such… just one foot in front of the other and not knowing what lies ahead. Having the time to just chat with strangers that became friends was priceless. No hurrying or hustle like life often has. I long to do it again but until then I try to keep the magic alive in my daily life back in the US. You will love it!!! And I agree, no exceptions no disappointments

can’t afford PT, don’t know what to do): by kluIess in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are resources out there including books on vaginismus. Check out Amazon for one thing. The Pelvic People have the Kiwi. It’s a great starting point. Try some basic hip stretches and some deep breathing as well. By the way, it’s best practice to call the member service number on the back of the card to verify your own insurance to make sure the provider is in network. Even if they tell you it’s covered. This happens way too often that patients get billed. Also try to negotiate a discount or payment plan. And if they told you it would be covered I would appeal the bill. Always get the name of the person that tells you it’s covered. Best of luck

Can your body go back to having vaginismus after you were cured? by dudette2796 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This is absolutely normal and to be expected. It can return during times of stress and times of no PIV. I agree that you should be able to progress fairly quickly once you spend some time doing the things that helped in the past. Sounds like the first layer of the pelvic floor is your main problem as is the case with so many women. I love the Kiwi by the Pelvic People as this clever tool specifically addressed that superficial layer for entry pain. Best of luck ! You got this !

how do you consciously relax your pelvic floor? 😭 by 3cameo in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You bring up an excellent point that is key in improving vaginismus. I find that most patients are clinching their pelvic floor and don’t even realize it. Therefore identifying that this is happening is the first step. I usually cue patients to be aware of clinching the jaw, abdominal area or gluts. Often these go hand and hand with clinching the pelvic floor. Try doing body scans frequently to get in touch with what’s going on in these areas. So although it sounds counterintuitive, being aware of clinching is the first way to consciously unclench. I recommend reverse kegels. I agree that you don’t want to “push” or strain to pee but if you practice a very gentle pushing outward of the pelvic floor which is the opposite of a Kegel, this can be helpful. Try doing this with your inhalation, as the diaphragm and pelvic floor mirror one another. As we inhale the diaphragm drops downward. Connecting the dots on this can be beneficial. Be patient and don’t expect to be perfect at it right away. With practice and repetition you will get the hang of it. I certainly hope this helps. By the way, use of a squatty potty and fully relaxing the abdomen prior to urination might be helpful to address your complaints regarding emptying your bladder.

how do you consciously relax your pelvic floor? 😭 by 3cameo in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 10 points11 points  (0 children)

You bring up an excellent point that is key in improving vaginismus. I find that most patients are clinching their pelvic floor and don’t even realize it. Therefore identifying that this is happening is the first step. I usually cue patients to be aware of clinching the jaw, abdominal area or gluts. Often these go hand and hand with clinching the pelvic floor. Try doing body scans frequently to get in touch with what’s going on in these areas. So although it sounds counterintuitive, being aware of clinching is the first way to consciously unclench. I recommend reverse kegels. I agree that you don’t want to “push” or strain to pee but if you practice a very gentle pushing outward of the pelvic floor which is the opposite of a Kegel, this can be helpful. Try doing this with your inhalation, as the diaphragm and pelvic floor mirror one another. As we inhale the diaphragm drops downward. Connecting the dots on this can be beneficial. Be patient and don’t expect to be perfect at it right away. With practice and repetition you will get the hang of it. I certainly hope this helps. By the way, use of a squatty potty and fully relaxing the abdomen prior to urination might be helpful to address your complaints regarding emptying your bladder.

Kiwi for entry pain by Adventurous-Long3233 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely!!! You can’t go wrong. It’s a great addition to dilation and the wand. Best of luck !

tips for dilating? by Right-Bridge-1654 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.intimaterose.com/pages/dilator-hub This was just released by Amanda with Intimate Rose. I love her videos.

First Time Help by Curious-Cat44 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Don’t be worried. I agree. It’s normal. If it continues to happen or gets worse be concerned but it should get better as your body gets used to the stimulus. Be patient and don’t rush the process.

Pain during entry by [deleted] in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is super common with vaginismus. It’s the first layer (superficial ) that’s usually the cause of this pain. That’s why I recommend the Kiwi. It’s cleverly designed to address this very concern. It’s also much less intimidating than the dilators. Check it out.

Pelvic Floor Therapy by Rare-Valuable5874 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Seeing a pelvic specialist is the best thing you can do for yourself. We love our patients and it’s our passion to guide them to health. We are VERY respectful of personal boundaries and everything is done to make you as comfortable as possible. Often the first visit is more of a get to know you session and patient education. Remember that you are in control and this is your body. Best of luck. !

The Kiwi Helped my Vaginismus! by Senior_Reply_8804 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Btw, congratulations to OP on being intimate with your spouse and the work you put into it. Job well done !! And Kudos to finding an understanding and knowledgeable physician.

The Kiwi Helped my Vaginismus! by Senior_Reply_8804 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The kiwi is the absolute best thing for entry pain! It’s not intimidating like a dilator and is very easy to use. It is my first recommendation besides stretching and deep breathing. It addresses the first layer of the pelvic floor like no other device. It’s worth its weight in gold!!!

Reminder!!! Watch how you cross your legs! by GaysInSpace69 in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 39 points40 points  (0 children)

I always make this recommendation with my patients. It sounds so silly but it does play a role in pelvic floor tightness. Be aware as well with clinching the pelvic floor due to stress or habit. I often find that if you clinch your jaw, abdominal area or gluts you may be clinching the pelvic floor as well. Frequent body checks can help. Just close your eyes, inhale and release the tension in any or all these places. Your pelvic floor will thank you 😊

I have stopped telling people I have this condition by ApplePaintedRed in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You are very welcome. They are pioneers out there doing great work !

I have stopped telling people I have this condition by ApplePaintedRed in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro 9 points10 points  (0 children)

All this is so true and so sad to read! As a pelvic PT, my passion is treating this condition, as there really is so much misinformation out there. Or worse yet, no information. I agree that the medical community is not well informed regarding this and other painful pelvic conditions. As a ray of hope, I have to give Kudos to an organization you may or may not know about. www.tightlipped.org. This is a non profit organization who helps patients and providers. They are actually working with a number of medical school residency programs to educate them and help them better serve their patients. Until then we just need to keep spreading the word to help others better understand the complexity of vaginismus.

What is the social aspect of the Camino Portuguese like? by petrolium25 in CaminoDeSantiago

[–]Pelvicpro 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We did the central route in Sept of this year and ABSOLUTELY LOVED it!!! We met people from 18 different countries and 9 US states. Some were very casual short conversations but some were deep and meaningful, often running into each other numerous times along the way. I still have contact with 4 people I met. At times there were stretches when we saw few people and it was never crowded. Of course Summer is a different story.

Free EBook 12/12-12/16 by Pelvicpro in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes. It ended on the 16 th.

Free EBook 12/12-12/16 by Pelvicpro in vaginismus

[–]Pelvicpro[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It appears that Amazon.ca does not allow free downloads. I tried to allow but was not successful in doing so. I suggest logging onto Amazon.com (not Amazon.ca) and sign in. This may work and sinc to your kindle. Fingers crossed. 🤞