The mystery of vulvodynia

Although vulvodynia is a condition that affects many women – studies estimate between 6-20% of women – it is still frequently missed or misdiagnosed, even among clinicians specializing in womens’ gynecologic health. Many women suffer from vulvodynia for years, often seeing multiple providers and being subjected to many unnecessary tests and ineffective treatments, prior to …

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There is Help for Vaginal Pain

It’s unlikely that British philosopher Francis Bacon imagined that his phrase “knowledge is power” would find its way into the blog of a sexual dysfunction clinic centuries after he coined it. But In an interview with Scienceline, our Clinical Director, Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus, recalls his words of wisdom when she says: “It breaks my …

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Can a vagina be too small for a penis?

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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Are You Watching Sex Education or Are You Just Glad to See Me?

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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Diagnosing Dyspareunia (Addressing Painful Sex)

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 pain that women may experience with vagianl penetration. Discomfort in the vulvar region or pain with intercourse, vaginal muscle spasms that prevent penetration …

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Partners in Vaginismus

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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Use Our Vaginismus Forum!

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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No Fear

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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A New Look for Pelvic Exams

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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