Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common but often overlooked consequence of declining estrogen during perimenopause and after menopause. Unlike hot flashes and night sweats, which often improve with time, GSM tends to be chronic and may progressively worsen without treatment. GSM describes a collection of vulvar, vaginal, sexual, pelvic floor, and urinary symptoms […]
Understanding Dyspareunia: The many causes of pain with intercourse.
Dyspareunia, or painful intercourse, is a condition that affects a significant number of individuals, particularly women. It refers to persistent or recurrent genital pain during or after sexual activity. This discomfort can occur in any part of the genital area, including the vagina, vulva, and surrounding tissues. While it’s not uncommon to experience occasional discomfort […]
Reclaiming Intimacy: The Importance of Using Dilators After Gynecologic Cancer Treatment
Radiation therapy is a common treatment for various cancers, including gynecological cancers. While effective in targeting cancer cells, it can lead to side effects that affect the vagina and surrounding tissues. One significant issue many patients face post-treatment is vaginal atrophy, which can cause discomfort, pain, and changes in sexual function. To mitigate these effects, […]
Vaginal Dilators Demystified: What You Need to Know
Have you been handed a set of vaginal dilators and not told what to do with them? This is the blog for you! While this does not take the place of in clinic education with a pelvic floor physical therapist, this will give you a place to start. Vaginal dilators are therapeutic tools designed to […]
Addressing Vaginal Dryness: what you need and what products are legit.
Many women have vaginal dryness with menopause, when they are breastfeeding, or with long term oral contraceptive use. There are a lot of products out there, claiming they can help. Let’s break down the products and discuss which ones are reputable. All of the options we will discuss are over the counter products and they […]
Mindful listening: Is your healthcare provider hearing you?
As specialists in pelvic health physical therapy, we meet a new patient and listen to their medical history. Often, we hear a lot of frustration that no one has ever truly heard their story. Listening, true, mindful listening, is a powerful tool in how we care for our patients. A recent study found that the […]