Using a Vibrator for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
One question that often pops up in our clinic is: Can I safely use a vibrator while managing pelvic floor dysfunction? The short answer is YES! But don't just take our word for it--keep reading on for a more detailed discussion about sex toys and your pelvic floor.
Not only are vibrators great tools to get to know your body and take ownership of your sexual wellness and pleasure but when used appropriately, they can also help you overcome some of the physical and emotional challenges often associated with pelvic floor dysfunction. The discussion around sex toys can be complicated but we're here to break through the embarrassment and confusion that so many of our patients come to us with--after all, over half of women ages 18 to 60 report using a vibrator!
In this article, we discuss the relationship between pelvic floor dysfunction and sexual wellness and dive into the topics of pelvic health, vibrators and how to maximize our pleasure while keeping things safe, comfortable, and full of good vibes!
What is pelvic floor dysfunction ?
Many women can develop pelvic floor dysfunction which can sometimes result in pain or discomfort during penetrative intercourse, pain with orgasming, or pain and cramping after intercourse. These issues can be hard to deal with and sometimes even debilitating. From a pelvic floor therapy standpoint, pain during or after intercourse is related to excessive tension within the pelvic floor. This is because the pelvic floor muscles contract rapidly during an orgasm. With excessive tension, these contractions of the pelvic floor muscles can cause pain.
Often, it can take different approaches from different providers to resolve these issues because they can be multifactorial. If the pain around the vulva is due to hormonal changes, it may be beneficial to see a urogynecologist or sexual medicine doctor to prescribe estrogen or testosterone to improve tissue quality and decrease sensitivity. Pain can also have a mental and emotional component to it. Seeing a sex therapist or trauma-informed mental health provider is often necessary to fully resolve discomfort with intercourse .
More often than not, pain with intercourse is due to tension in the pelvic floor. Seeing a pelvic floor therapist can help to downregulate the pelvic floor and decrease tension in the pelvic floor muscles to make penetration and/or orgasms more comfortable and pleasurable.
You may have an overactive (or hypertonic) pelvic floor and would benefit from seeing a pelvic floor therapist if you experience the following:
Constipation
Pain or straining with a bowel movement
Difficulty emptying bladder
Pelvic pain
Abdominal cramping
Low back pain
Hip pain
Tailbone pain
Painful sex
Urinary frequency and urgency
Urinary incontinence
Frequent UTIs
In addition to pelvic floor therapy and the exercises and recommendations to provide, we may also recommend the use of a vibrator.
Why use a vibrator for your pelvic health?
Vibrators can be a great tool to help increase blood flow and circulation to the genitals, increase arousal, and increase lubrication during foreplay prior to penetrative intercourse. If penetrative intercourse is uncomfortable and is off the table, vibrators can also serve as a great alternative to help engage in external sexual play.
Vibrators can also mitigate pelvic pain due to the “gate control” theory. The ‘‘gate control” theory suggests pain can be reduced by simultaneous activation of larger diameter nerve fibers using vibration. The vibration helps to stimulate the mechanoreceptors in the tissue and send the signal of vibration to reach the brain. This can help to block or “gate” pain so that your brain receives the signal of vibration first, rather than the signal of pain.
Choosing a vibrator
When choosing a vibrator, it is important to consider what your individual goals are. If you are having discomfort with initial penetration at the entrance of the vagina, then a good sex toy might be one from The Pelvic People, called the Kiwi. This toy is made for shallow entry, to make insertion less intimidating and to stimulate the clitoris to increase blood flow to help relax pelvic floor muscles.
If you are having pelvic pain, you could also try a clitoral vibrator or a mini vibrator. If your goal is to eventually ease the discomfort with deep penetration, we recommend using dilators or a wand as well to help decrease tension in the pelvic floor. Your pelvic floor therapist can also help with decreasing pelvic floor tension with internal manual treatment of the pelvic floor!
Regardless of the vibrator you choose, you can start by placing the vibrator on your inner thighs, lower abdomen, glutes, area surrounding the vulva before directly placing it onto the clitoris or inside the vaginal canal. Whenever you’re dealing with pelvic pain, you want to work on gradually introducing the vibrator to the surrounding tissues gently massaging or simply placing pressure, rather than going straight for the vagina or clitoris.
Tips for vibrator safety and comfort
Using a vibrator safely and comfortably is essential to minimize pelvic pain. Here are some techniques to consider:
Set the scene: Ensure you have an environment you can truly relax in. A quiet, private space, with all doors closed, dim lighting, music and candles to set the mood can make all the difference. This will allow your body and mind to relax.
Find a comfortable position: Experiment with different positions. You can try lying on your back with a pillow underneath your knees or lying on your side. Choosing the right position will help alleviate tension in your pelvic floor.
Use lubricant: This is crucial. Choose a lubricant that is water-based, without fragrances, colors, or cooling/warming effects. A lubricant with a lower osmolarity and a pH level closest to the vagina is best. Ones that have a high osmolarity and acidic pH will dry out the vagina more and break down the epithelial layer over time, which will cause more pain and friction. The lubricant brands we like best are: Slippery Stuff, Good Clean Love, Sliquid, and UberLube.
Start slow: You can begin by placing the vibrator on your inner thighs and then slowly work your way up to the groin area and then the area next to your vulva. Once that pressure feels comfortable, you can use it externally on the clitoris. Start with a minute or two at the lowest intensity and then gradually extend the time and intensity as tolerated.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to what your body is telling you and modify stimulation levels as needed. If you experience any discomfort or pain, decrease the intensity or take a break.
Summary
Using a vibrator can be a great way to manage pelvic floor dysfunction and improve your sexual wellness. It helps with blood flow, reduces tension, and can even help with pain. Some key takeaways are to create the right environment, choose the right one, use plenty of lube, and start slow. Always listen to your body and take breaks if needed. And if the pain persists, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pelvic floor therapist for extra support!
**This blog provides general information and discussions about pelvic health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This blog does not constitute the practice of any medical, physical therapy or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment. We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this blog or website.
Resources:
https://academic.oup.com/smr/article-abstract/11/1/15/6985841
