Recently we chatted to Specialist Physiotherapist Becky Corran, one of the specialist Physiotherapists at The Pelvic Pain Network. Becky has over 20 years’ experience and we wanted to chat to her to understand why she recommends our different products to her patients.
A good vaginal moisturiser is a must:
“A good vaginal moisturiser, such as YES VM, is something I recommend daily”
YES VM is a fantastic product for people who have vaginal dryness symptoms relating to hormonal changes. Changes in your oestrogen levels during breastfeeding or peri-and post-menopause can affect the vaginal (inside) and vulval (outside) tissues, making them feel dry and itchy, cause burning and irritation. This may be day to day or just during vaginal penetration during intercourse.
People with pelvic pain often experience changes in vaginal lubrication as well andbenefit from regularly using a vaginal moisturiser. If you’re in pain keeping your vulva and vagina hydrated with a product designed to protect the tissues can be key. We find that regular lubrication can make a big difference during your recovery. YES VM is hypoallergenic and free of “nasties”, so tends to be very well tolerated. My patients tell me it leaves their delicate vulval tissues feeling rehydrated, getting rid of the itchy, dry or burning discomfort. As a non-hormonal product it can be used instead of or alongside local oestrogen pessaries and creams, but it’s always worth getting a thorough assessment with your GP first.
The vulva and vagina can get regular skin issues like eczema too, and it’s really important you see your GP about any new dryness or itching symptoms to check whether you would benefit from any other specific treatments.
Dilators can be a great part of your treatment:
Vaginal dilators are commonly used to help people with pain, discomfort and difficulty with vaginal penetration. This may be during sexual intercourse, gynaecological examinations such as smears and/or with insertion of items such as tampons. Some people are put off by the idea of dilators, but when we’re treating pain we don’t just insert them, we use them as a device to help you to accurately feel what is happening in your body and learn to relax your muscles, and ultimately to change your pain. Dilators can be really helpful in desensitising the vaginal area, reducing muscle tension and help reduce difficulty with penetration.
There are different types and designs of dilators. As a Physiotherapist I prefer to use silicone ones such as the Soul Source set. These can be cylindrical in shape and some are tapered, but they’re soft, fun colours and my patients find them easy to use. It is important to see a Physiotherapist and be taught how best to use them for you. I always recommend using them alongside other treatments such as breathing exercises, relaxation, stretching, manual therapy and exercises, and I build an individual plan for my patients. Generally a little bit and often helps, and it should never be painful.
Dilators also have a vital role following some surgical procedures such as vaginal reconstructions, cancer treatments or gender affirming surgery. They help to maintain tissue flexibility, vaginal length and width. Soul Source also have the GRS dilators which are specifically designed for use after gender reassignment surgery. Different dilators have different benefits, a specialist physiotherapist can help you choose the right ones for you.
A pelvic floor wand can have a magical effect on symptoms:
A pelvic floor wand is another tool that can give you the power to relieve pelvic pain. Pelvic floor wands, such as The EZ magic therawand, can be used for scar massage, to release tight muscles and to manage areas of pelvic floor tension. They help desensitise the pelvic floor through safe and graded pressure and can be useful to help reach hard to reach areas within the pelvic floor.
If you’ve had a good response to manual therapy (internal massage) by your Pelvic Health Physiotherapist then replicating that at home using your thumbs or a specially designed pelvic wand may be beneficial for you. When someone has pelvic pain the pelvic floor muscles are often sore, tight and tense, and massage and gentle internal stretching can relieve these symptoms. Doing internal massage encourages natural pain relief, can reduce local inflammation around the pelvic nerves and help to desensitise the area, making it less tender.
We know that people who have some pelvic pain and who do some regular pelvic internal massage (with a physio and at home) can have more than a 50% reduction in their pain in six weeks. I like using wands as it gives my patients independence and the confidence to change their symptoms independently.
Vibrators can calm down soreness:
Vibrators work in much the same way as a pelvic wand; by massaging the outer genital area or internal pelvic floor muscles they can reduce muscular tension, improve blood flow and reduce pain. Vibrators are great for massage as they take some of the effort out of it, and you can use them as gently or firmly as feels
comfortable.
If the outer pelvic area is sore then using a vibrator to massage and move the skin and muscles can make it less tender over time. I like to use the Kaito Sky vibrator as it’s soft pebble shaped design allows my patients to gently massage tender areas as the pressure is spread over the curves. The slightly pointed area is also really good for massaging the vaginal opening for women who have discomfort following having a baby, usually associated with an episiotomy scar or small perineal tear.
There’s so many ways to use a vibrator as part of your Physiotherapy treatment, and it’s really worth discussing everything with a pelvic health physiotherapist first to make sure you get the most out of it.
The Ohnut gives you back control:
The good news is that pelvic pain IS treatable. However, while you’re in the middle of recovery the Ohnut is a great device to give you back control of your intimacy. It’s especially good for women with Endometriosis or Vaginismus, where deep penetration is painful. Using the Ohnut limits the depth of penetration, allowing you to explore and return to your normal intimacy without pain, then over time you can adjust the depth by removing a ring. The rings are super squishy and elastic, easy to clean and store. Many of my patients appreciate having the option to use it after radiation treatment for cancer, or whilst they’re in a pain flare. I think it’s a great device that really supports women while they’re in pain.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this short blog. Remember, it’s always important to speak to your GP if you’re having any pelvic pain symptoms, and there is good treatment available. The Pelvic Pain Network works over 10 sites nationally and you can book to speak to one of our Specialist Pelvic Pain Physiotherapists online from the comfort of your own home. We offer free 15 minute calls to every new client, just check out the booking page.
