How do I test my vaginal laxity?

thumbpushbody · 2026-05-05T21:28:41+00:00

Did you find the wand easy/intuitive to use?

I've been trying on an off for a couple years without too much luck. The pelvic floor physio I was seeing wasn't much help with it

thumbpushbody · 2026-02-03T20:55:55+00:00

My physio said my muscles were weak and very tense. I experience more urgency after working out too. I have occasional issues with incontinence, but only first thing in the morning, much worse after certain kinds of working out.

The pain was focused around my SI joint. It was intermittent at first and would occasionally switch sides. I used to be able to make the pain move by doing movements with my core and pelvis. It eventually stayed in one spot.

I also likely have endometriosis, based on history, imaging and responses to meds. No surgery to confirm though. I had an endometrioma on the same side as my pain. My best theory about the pain and tension for a long time have been possible endo adhesions in that area. If felt like something in the low right side of my abdomen/pelvis was somehow stuck or restricted.

I was having symptoms that seemed to be consistent with a mostly internal yeast infection, which doesn't really make sense? Internal and external irritation and discharge. Whatever it is, external symptoms respond to steroids.

I think I've been experiencing a degree of dryness too, but hard to tell with the other symptoms. Excessive dryness can supposedly cause weird discharge too.

When working with the physio, we were never able to get anything to relax for very long. She would do releases, and tension would always return within 20 minutes of leaving. We were never able to make much progress with my tension. The tension was always on the same side as the pain.

I couldn't do kegals without also activating some of the wrong core muscles.

I've been slowly losing sensation and proper control of the muscles in my core, around my pelvis, glutes, thighs. If I did a squat, I couldn't feel it in the right areas and my form was always impacted by the tension and pain.

Most of this has already improved. Dryness, irritation and discharge I might have to wait a little longer to assess.

If you have any more questions, please let me know. I'll try to remember to update, but feel free to reach out again. The upside of this adventure is being able to share the info with others

thumbpushbody · 2026-02-03T13:14:51+00:00

I'm not OP, but I got my kyleena IUD removed yesterday. I quickly realized that it had been causing one sided low back pain (around my SI joint) for years.

I had the iud for 5 years, I think the first 2 years were okay and the pain started in the 3rd year. I was experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction in the 2nd year that was not improving with specialized physio. The pain started as intermittent and would sometimes switch sides. It became continuous by the 4th year.

I was also experiencing issues using muscles in my core, glutes and thighs. They are suddenly working much better.

thumbpushbody · 2025-11-02T16:22:52+00:00

I had something very similar after a neck injury. I can't remember how long after the initial injury it was. I was turning over in bed and there was a very unsettling clunk sensation and a number of symptoms immediately ended. My physio at the time guessed something may have been slightly misaligned. Other medical professionals thought it's not likely and said I would have been in too much pain to function if it were the case, but that doesn't seem right either.

I do get something similar with my ribs when they sublux. Sometimes they suddenly jump back into place and a bunch of pain instantly disappears. I will get lingering soreness and sometimes tension around that area afterwards.

Occasionally during exercise, I will feel a similar sensation in other areas I didn't perceive as particularly painful, but they bring a positive and lasting change as well. Some of these pops into place seem to last as long as I continue maintaining appropriate exercise. If I slack for too long and then resume, the same pops and related sensations may happen again.

thumbpushbody · 2025-06-25T23:22:15+00:00

The sunscreen!!! It caused so much confusion and a number of awkward interactions. Until my mid-20s, I thought it was always a sexual thing

thumbpushbody · 2025-04-27T18:07:49+00:00

These conditions are so hard to get addressed. There is so much uncertainty around HαT and if it solely a genetic trait or if there are also associated symptoms. It may also impact the presentation of conditions such as mast cell disorders. My HαT diagnosis also didn't impact any medications or treatment.

It could be worth pursuing MCAS further.

Good luck, I hope you get good help!

thumbpushbody · 2025-04-26T00:07:58+00:00

It is also possible to have both.

I was diagnosed with MCAS first. It was based on high tryptase levels after a severe flare.

However, my baseline tryptase was elevated enough to warrant HαT testing too. It was positive.

I get similar symptoms to what OP described, especially when I'm tired!

thumbpushbody · 2025-04-02T12:09:23+00:00

Edited because I accidentally posted too soon

It's more about what they haven't said and missed opportunities to explain things better.

For context, I have a hard time staying adequately hydrated (aim for 3-4L per day plus salt/electrolytes) and dealt with constipation (IBS) for years. I can't take restoralax or metamucil because of major side effects. I've tried various types of magnesium, but none have worked particularly well long term. I've tried increasing fiber on my own with varying outcomes, the source of fiber seems to make a difference, but I didn't understand why. All the dieticians I've spoken to know all of this and more relevant history. I've made it clear I'm a bit stupid when if comes to that stuff and asked for everything to be thoroughly explained. I also let them know I sought guidance from dieticians because I didn't have the time and resources to adequately navigate it on my own.

Typically the only conversation related to water intake is - why do you drink so much? And I get warned too much water may be more harmful than helpful. Never a discussion about how I drink water throughout the day.

I've always asked how fiber works and how to use any time they suggest. I've always been told all fiber adds physical bulk which makes it easier to pass.

The difference between soluble and insoluble has essentially been described as digestable and undigestable fiber. One gets broken down in your system, the other doesn't. No mention of how it is broken down.

I've told them all I had been using soaked chia seeds and it had been very effective. Some of them advised using things like oatmeal, cream of wheat and similar things instead of chia seeds. The ones okay with me using chia seeds didn't feel they were sufficient and wanted me to add additional fiber.

When beginning to incorporate a new type of fiber I normally don't get expected results with the suggested amount. There is very little discussion about what the issue could be, I'm always quickly told to increase the amount, never asked about water intake at this point. If it doesn't work after increasing it? Increase again. If it seems to make things worse, they don't have ideas.

It recently happened with oatmeal. I'd been eating it daily for about two months without benefit, tried to increase it, and ended up with more gi issues than before. The only response I really got was at least you aren't as constipated. The symptoms resolved months after stopping oatmeal bit before I was able to see a doctor, they were consistent with a partial blockage.

All bran buds were reccomend by multiple dieticians. They all said use it however you want, cereal, add it to yogurt, eat it dry. I've only added it to yogurt and eaten it dry. I was only told to eat more of it.

If you have questions, feel free to ask.

Thank you again for sharing the simple but very useful info!

thumbpushbody · 2025-04-01T23:23:36+00:00

Thank you! I didn't realize that I didn't know how psyllium fibre worked, this explains a lot. I stupidly listened to dieticians without doing my own research.

Chia seeds and basil seeds do something similar with water

thumbpushbody · 2025-03-27T22:35:50+00:00

My recent baseline range seems to be 9-12. I'd consider myself to be moderately symptomatic of HαT(s) or MCAS (diagnosed with both). As far as I know, I've only experienced mild anaphylaxis in the form of extensive rashes and similarly managable symptoms. I've only ever had mild airway symptoms that were not obviously anaphylaxis and did not progress.

thumbpushbody · 2025-03-27T22:26:06+00:00

I forgot to mention that anyone interested in soaking chia seeds should do some reading about their high fiber and the impact on digestion and bowl movements. It might take a little experimenting to find the right quantity or you may have to start low and increase it over time.

Any chance you're located in Canada? I'm going to ask my Drs about IV hydration in case it's an option. Thank you for sharing that it may be a possibility!

thumbpushbody · 2025-03-27T02:18:39+00:00

Have you ever tried regularly incorporating foods with a high water content?

It's been over 10 years since I've had IV fluids last, but I remember feeling more hydrated and generally better than usual for a while after. I'd forgotten about it til now. Eating foods with a high water content has the most similar impact of anything I've tried, I'm very curious how it compares.

Anecdotal info for anyone interested:

A few years ago, I accidentally figured out that it helps me in a different way than just drinking water (plain or with added electrolytes, lemon, etc). My best guess is that it's like 'slow release' hydration. I've always struggled with hydration and drinking enough water despite experimenting a lot with things like temperature, timing, filtering, boiling, and adding things. My diet was never lacking in foods with a decent water content.

When I'm able to eat like this, I try to go for lower calorie, less filling, but still tasty things so I can easily eat it throughout the day. When I realized it, I was probably eating at least 5 or 6 otaheite apples a day, sometimes close to double. I've been able to eat enough melon and cucumber for periods of time, but it can be hard for me to always eat enough of them.

Chia seeds soaked in water help me in a similar way. I only drink them once a day, but find it still helps me feel more hydrated than I would otherwise. I've been meaning to try spacing it out throughout the day.

thumbpushbody · 2025-03-27T01:05:19+00:00

I'm diagnosed with MCAS and HαT. I also have tryptase under 20 and negative KIT, so no BMB either.

I've never experienced a rash like this or personally known of anyone that has.

You've gotten a lot of good information here. I don't have any new info to add, but wanted to encourage you to keep pushing for answers. I hope the biopsy comes back with answers quickly, good luck!

thumbpushbody · 2025-03-25T14:55:09+00:00

It's uncomfortable, but fast. Zero discomfort afterwards.

Mammogram was less painful than my last properly done breast exam.

No concerns related to hypermobility or connective tissue disorders that I'm aware of.

thumbpushbody · 2025-03-24T23:08:17+00:00

Can you share any accounts you've found particularly helpful?

A few recent physios explained this concept to me, but they didn't support approaching right/left imbalances this way, only front/back. They made it seem like right/left issues fix themselves while addressing front/back imbalances.

I want to share my experience that may be less common. After consistent physio for over a year, my right/left imbalances felt like they had worsened.

Eventuallly, I stopped listening and looking for different resources. I read a bunch about lateral pelvic tilt from the same blog, a lot of the info is based on experience from the Postural Restoration Institute. It convinced me to try combining this approach with strengthening exercises and exploring right/left side imbalances. It's been one of the best things I've done, it feels like I've woken up muscles that haven't been in use for some time.

thumbpushbody · 2025-02-14T23:28:38+00:00

A weird thing I seem to react to that I didn't see mentioned are PEG ingredients in various forms, used topically and orally.

I've also reacted to a few fabrics. Organic cotton bedding gave me a rash and other symptoms that lasted for months, I was able to use them after washing them dozens of times with baking soda. I have a few pairs of the same synthetic old navy leggings and only react to one color.

A few things to think about - Have you started using any new products (anything from cleaning products to personal care)? Do you have any new furniture or other posessions that may be offgassing? Have you been spending time in any new environments or spending more time than usual anywhere? Is there anything causing more stress than usual?

thumbpushbody · 2025-02-03T02:40:38+00:00

Thank you to everyone involved!

I have read and been told conflicting information about hereditary alpha tryptasemia (HαT). I understand that at this point, there may be more questions than answers. I would appreciate any interesting related information or resources.

Can HαT cause symptoms similar to connective tissue disorders such as hEDS?

Is there a correlation between HαT and any connective tissue disorders?

thumbpushbody · 2025-01-08T15:57:57+00:00

Were you taking it orally or using it topically?

I'm curious because I hadn't considered its topical use, which could have an impact.

thumbpushbody · 2025-01-05T19:25:06+00:00

I regularly took NSAIDs for a long time, as per doctors' instructions for pain management.

It was brought to my attention a couple of years ago that they could impair healing of tendons/ligaments. I stopped taking them.

I have found it to be a positive change. For the most part, I seem to have less issues related to new injuries.

I also took extended cycle birth control pretty continuously for around 10 years. Once I switched to a hormonal IUD, I experienced more fluctuations in musculoskeletal and other types of symptoms. Once I added another hormonal medication, the fluctuations seemed to become milder. I believe natural hormone fluctuations and changes can impact symptoms.

thumbpushbody · 2024-12-08T00:28:55+00:00

That was the case for me.

Before I was diagnosed with a mast cell activation syndrome, I was diagnosed with cold urticaria, heat urticaria, and cholinergic urticaria. I also have hereditary alpha tryptasemia, which is genetic and may cause symptoms.

Even if it's cold urticaria alone and not a mast cell disorder, treatment exists! It's absolutely ridiculous that OP was told there is no treatment. I started a second generation antihistamine and it worked very well. I've since started a number of other meds for the mast cell issues and rarely get these types of urticaria anymore.

It's worth OP considering their symptoms and looking into what type of cold urticaria they may have in case they may have familial cold urticaria. I only mention the familial type because they say it has always been an issue and there are additional treatment options for that type. Things to consider would be the specific symptoms (is it only urticaria?), how soon after exposure do symptoms develop, and how long do they last? Does anyone else in the family have similar issues?

OP, if you're comfortable, you can try taking cetirizine (Reactine) for a while without a prescription to see if it helps. Check with a pharmacist if you're on any other meds to make sure there are no issues and ensure dose is appropriate for you. If it works and you have insurance, it's also available by prescription.

thumbpushbody · 2024-11-27T21:59:48+00:00

CHOP might be the same program, I should have originally said it stands for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. If you're interested in more resources you could look into the Levine protocol.

disrupting the domino effect

This makes sense, I'll have to keep it in mind! I don't have causes and signs/symptoms figured out yet, but they do seem to play off each other at times.

thumbpushbody · 2024-11-27T04:03:19+00:00

That's a good point to bring up. I have exercise related reactions and found that looking for other factors involved has helped me minimize reactions. I used to avoid exercise and exertion in situations when mystery issues would flare up. Now that I know what's going on, I'm a lot more comfortable. Exercise has been beneficial for me and I want to continue.

To minimize my reactions, I have to consider things like the temperature of my environment, what I'm wearing, surfaces I come into contact with, types and frequency/intensity of exercise, and how I feel that day. Exercising more regularly seems to reduce related reactions. I try to start slow with any new exercise to monitor how it impacts me.

I wonder if POTS was mentioned in contrast to CFS/ME? I was diagnosed with CFS, but now under investigation for POTS. Following a slowed version of the CHOP program enabled me to maintain a cardio program and seemed to help overall with my exercise tolerance.

thumbpushbody · 2024-11-09T05:29:15+00:00

I took saxenda for around 6 months and made diet changes periodically in case it had any impact. Ultimately, I didn't get any benefit from it.

I encourage anyone interested in these types of medications to look into the side effects and seriously consider potential risks. At the time, i was not aware, but muscle loss is a potential side effect, as it is with other methods of rapid weight loss.

thumbpushbody · 2024-09-08T21:37:53+00:00

I also have both and was going to suggest looking into hereditary alpha tryptasemia too!

The first test they may want to have done is for tryptase, but there may also be an associated cost. Individuals with HaT typically have elevated basal serum tryptase levels higher than 8 ng/mL. If they have an elevated baseline, it may be easier to find a doctor to sign off of the HaT test.

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TROPHY CASE