Rehabilitate and retrain your pelvic floor muscles with this unique vaginal dilator set designed by sexual health expert Dr Laura Berman.
Vaginismus is a common condition where the pelvic floor muscles around the vagina automatically tighten when there is an attempt to penetrate it. The condition can severely affect a woman’s happiness and confidence and her relationship with her partner, and can make gynaecological examinations and even tampon insertion impossible. Vaginismus can occur as a result of a traumatic sexual experience, but it can also occur after vaginal surgery or radiotherapy as the tissue becomes scarred and tight.
Sexual therapy can help a woman to overcome Vaginismus. It’s necessary to retrain and relax the muscles in order for the body to become familiar with the sensation of something inserted in the vagina. This unique vaginal dilator set, designed in conjunction with sexual therapist Dr Laura Berman, allows you to do exactly that.
This set has four vaginal dilators ranging from 2.75 inches (7cm) to 4.75 inches (12cm) long to allow you to gradually increase the size you are able to insert as your pelvic floor muscles become more relaxed and your vagina more familiar with penetration. The unique thing about this set compared to other vaginal dilator sets is that it has a vibrating handle. You select the vaginal dilator size you wish to use, attach it to the handle and the gentle vibrations help your muscles to relax and prevent them from going into spasm when the vaginal dilator penetrates. The vibration function on this vaginal dilator set helps you relax and helps with easier insertion - again, like the sleeve it is optional if you choose to use this option.
Also included in the Dr Laura Berman Vaginal Dilator Set is a textured silicone sleeve. This, when combined with vibration, helps to stimulate circulation in the pelvic floor area helping the pelvic floor muscles relax, making vaginal penetration easier and more comfortable. Plus, it can help to increase sensation and help a woman to begin enjoying sexual stimulation which is a hugely important aspect of the recovery process.
Dr Laura Berman is a leading sex therapist with 20 years of experience working with women and couples to improve their sex lives and relationship. Having completed a Masters Degree in clinical social work and a health education Doctorate specialising in human sexuality from New York University, Dr Laura Berman is now an assistant clinical professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine. She has written several books about sexual health and psychology, and makes regular television appearances in the USA to share her expertise.
Dr Laura Berman’s research and knowledge has helped her to develop a vaginal dilator set that works on increasing sensation as well as simply retraining the pelvic floor muscles to enable vaginal penetration like most normal vaginal dilator sets do. Vaginismus is a difficult condition to overcome, but this vibrating vaginal dilator set can give a women the opportunity to explore different sensations and enjoy intimacy once again.
Dr Laura Berman Intimate Basics Dilator Set - Instructions for using the Berman Dilator set:
Getting Ready: Set aside about 20 minutes for your home treatment, twice a day when you won’t be interrupted and can have privacy in your bedroom or place of your choice.
- If possible, take a warm bath for at least 10 minutes before you use your dilator - this will help to relax the muscles. although this is not absolutely necessary, the warm water helps to soften the skin, improve circulation and relax the muscles.
- Wash your vaginal dilator with warm water and mild soap then dry it off.
- Apply a small amount of water-based lubricant, such as Yes Organic lubricant, or KE Gel onto the tip of your vaginal dilator.
- Start with the smallest circumference vaginal dilator and slowly work your way up to the largest attachment (this process could take weeks or months).
Using the Dilator: in a semi-reclining position lie on your back and bend your legs (the same position for a smear or pelvic exam). Place the lubricated dilator against your skin below your urethra (where your urine leaves your body), right in your vagina. If you have a small vaginal opening, place the dilator in the opening. You can find the spot by slowly and gently sliding the tip of the dilator in the area right under your urethra.
Using pressure, hold the dilator in place for about 20 minutes. Push the dilator in at an angle in the direction of your lower back or tail bone and simply hold it in place. Do NOT use an in and out motion. You should feel a lot of pressure but not pain. If you have pain, you may be pushing your dilator too hard. If you don’t feel anything, you may not be using enough pressure with the dilator. After a few tries, it will feel like the right amount of pressure. Start off slowly and it may take several sessions to get comfortable with one size dilator.
If you wish, once you are comfortable you can turn on the vibration option to increase blood flow which will lead to more lubrication and pelvic floor muscle relaxation.
After you have used your Dilator: Keep it in a safe place where you will remember to find. although your dilator does NOT need to be sterilised, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of rinsing it off with mild soap and water and drying it before you put it away.
StressNoMore praises the inclusion of the nubby sleeve in this dilator set - and here's why!
Many of you might be wondering why the nubby sleeve has been included in this dilator set by Dr Laura Berman. Top Clinicians say that many women do not always want to have a totally smooth plastic dilator, they need to feel the unevenness of the nubby surface. Some women can become frightened of a dilator that is not smooth, so it all forms part of the comprehensive, well thought out therapy path devised by Dr Laura Berman, ensuring all women get the dilator that is right for them to enable them to progress at a speed that suits them best.