Sexual Counseling
Clinical Blindspots: Filling in the Gaps of Sexual Health Medical Training
A discussion with Heather Edwards & Alex Papale These two have been doing a series of courses under the title of “Clinical Blindspots” that focus on some specific niches of kink and BDSM that involve pelvic health. These topics are often taboo and rarely covered in pelvic health education, leaving practitioners who have concerns regarding…
Read MoreHow to Choose a Lubricant
By Heather Edwards, PT, CSC, Pelvic Guru LLC Course & Content Manager Personal lubricants for sexual penetration or external genital stimulation (either solo or partnered) can enhance pleasure and comfort. Though the vagina can self-lubricate, the amount of wetness and duration of its effectiveness will vary from person to person. It can also vary for one…
Read MoreEssential Sexual Health: An Interview with Ellen Barnard
Sexual health compentency is critical. Tracy often sees mismanagement of sexual concerns and the negative impact that it has on patients. Many providers don’t have an understanding of what they don’t know because… well… they don’t know it.
Read MoreWhat IS Pelvic Physical Therapy and Why Doesn’t EVERYONE Know About It?
True story – During graduate school (Northwestern shout out) for physical therapy over 15 years ago, I distinctly remember turning to a friend in class and stating emphatically, “Mark my words, I will NEVER EVER do what the therapist is doing in that video. NEVER. Why are we even seeing this in class?”. You may wonder…
Read MoreVaginal Dilator Guide for Patients. Dilators and the Brain? Pain, Fear, and Anxiety
There are different reasons to use vaginal dilators. This particular post focuses on providing dilator information for women facing fear, anxiety, and/or pain with regard to vaginal touch, finger insertion, gynecology exams, use of tampons, and intercourse. My quest to find valuable, comprehensive resources for a guide for dilator use fell short. This is particularly…
Read MoreGynecologic Cancer – The Radiation Elephant in the Room
Gynecologic cancers include malignancies of the female genital tract involving the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, Fallopian tubes or ovaries. A common treatment involves radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy). Radiation therapy involves treatment with high energy rays (such as x-rays) with the intent to shrink or kill cancer cells. The Radiation Elephant in the Room:…
Read MorePainful Intercourse – Bad Advice
Painful intercourse (Dyspareunia) The medical term for painful intercourse is dyspareunia (dis-puh-ROO-ne-uh) — which is defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse. ~ Mayo Clinic Unfortunately, it is difficult to know the exact prevalence of dyspareunia with studies showing ranges from 7% to 60%, depending on…
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