Dilation and Kegels

[Heather34]

Hi ladies. In an excellent Blog, Dr. Pacik discusses further tips for dilation, including:

“Most women with vaginismus have spasm involving the entry muscle. The higher muscles may be tight but usually not in spasm. Therefore once one gets past the entry muscle, about one inch (2.5cm), the dilator practically “falls in” and the rest of the dilation process becomes easy. It is also helpful to do a series of Kegels, with complete relaxation of the pelvis on the 5th Kegel, and then insert. Also the use of a vibrator has been shown to help relaxation when dilating. Always use lots of lube.”

Have you found that doing kegels has helped you in the dilation process? For those who may not know what this is or how to do one, any and all advice would be appreciated. Second, have you found that once past the entry muscle, the dilator falls in? Finally, would you recommend the use of a vibrator and have you found this useful to incorporate into your dilating routine?

[Dr. Pacik]

There may be some women who do not know how to do Kegels. A Kegel is a purposeful contraction of the pelvic floor. Think of having to pee and tightening the pelvic floor to prevent urine from escaping. This is a Kegel. By doing a series of strong Kegels (5-10) and each time releasing, then resuming again, one tires the pelvic floor which can make dilation easier. Of interest is that even though women with vaginismus tend to go into spasm with attempted penetration, the pelvic floor itself is sometimes weak in this group. Strengthening exercises were developed by Dr. Kegel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kegel_exercise.
Here is a link of how to do these exercises.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kegel-exercises/WO00119