No, it can’t. But it can sure feel like it! The vagina is basically an elastic and muscular canal that leads to the cervix, which is the bottom of the uterus. It is surrounded by rings of muscle. Usually it has lots of give, it can stretch enough to pass a newborn baby! But if …
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Heard about Netflix’s new series “Sex Education”? It’s garnering a lot of press and tons of eyeballs (as in 40 million-member households, according to the streaming network). Not surprising when you consider the show’s compelling elements: a current British high school setting that’s infused with 1980’s imagery; leading characters who are openly gay and others …
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Dyspereunia. Admittedly, it’s not a flowery word, and it’s not a walk in the park for those who are diagnosed with it. Dyspereunia is an umbrella term that describes several types of negative pelvic sensations that women may experience. Discomfort in the vulvar region or pain with intercourse, vaginal muscle spasms that prevent penetration – …
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We have been using Botox to treat Vaginismus here at Maze for almost 10 years now. It has been a life changer for so many patients who have had difficulty getting started with dilation. Not many practices perform this procedure, so I would like to take this opportunity to answer some frequently asked questions. Does …
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It is common these days for a pregnant woman who is part of a couple to say “we’re pregnant”! Some people snicker and roll their eyes in response to this. True, her body is housing and will be laboring to have the baby, but “the couple” is having a baby. When a woman in a …
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I can’t tell you how often I hear that the Vaginismus Forum was a lifesaver for a patient. We created the Forum in order for women to connect to other women and find comfort, information and support along a journey that is often a long and difficult one. Despite the fact that nearly every vaginismus …
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Treating pain is a large part of our practice at Maze Women’s Health. What I have come to learn, especially from our vaginismus patients, is that to reduce pain we need to address the fear of pain. I recall a patient who barely spoke English but very clearly let me know that for her (and …
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Ever wonder who invented the speculum, the handy tool used during pelvic exams to help open the walls of the vagina? History tells us that something resembling a speculum was found during an archeological dig in Pompeii. However, in more modern history the first commonly used speculum appeared about 150 years ago and James Marion …
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People ask all the time about the difference between Vulvodynia and Vaginismus, so here’s a brief explanation: Vulvodynia is chronic unexplained pain in the vulva that lasts for over 3 months. The pain can be described as burning, stinging, rawness, or even itching. It can occur with intercourse, but frequently women will have pain with …
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After working with women with vaginismus for almost 15 years, I have learned how isolating and alone this condition can make one feel. Women struggle with this secret and it takes tremendous courage to reach out and seek treatment. I’d like to share a recent success story of a patient of mine who faced her …
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