Sexual Pain
How to Choose a Lubricant
By Heather Edwards, PT, CSC 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 person depending on many factors such…
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 MoreKetamine Infusion for Pelvic Pain. What is it?
The topic of Ketamine infusions can elicit some strong concerns. Some clinicians are familiar with a type of infusion known as “Ketamine comas,” in which people are placed in a medical coma and stay in an ICU for treatment. This is often viewed as quite extreme, and risky; and leaves many wondering the efficacy of such a treatment when the patient is not actively participating in recovery from a brain/pain connection. For clarification, the coma is not the only protocol available. Ketamine infusions can involve: 1. Outpatient “awake” protocol 2. Low-dose inpatient protocol 3. Ketamine coma. (In addition, there are now physicians who prescribe compounded ointments with Ketamine as one of the medications. This is not the same as an infusion. There’s not enough data at this time about efficacy and safety of this approach with topicals.) Our guest blogger, Dr. Allison Wells, MD, is sharing information about the outpatient procedure. ~ Tracy Sher of Pelvic Guru
Read MoreThe 5 Things We Wish You Knew About Pudendal Neuralgia
The 5 Things We Wish PTs, MDs, and Patients Knew About Pudendal Neuralgia and Pudendal Nerve Entrapment Tracy Sher, MPT, CSCS and Loretta J. Robertson, PT, MS Why is the diagnosis of Pudendal Neuralgia confused with Pudendal Nerve Entrapment? Why are there so many misdiagnoses with pudendal symptoms? Its complex. We are both pelvic physical…
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 MoreBladder Pain and Bowel Issues – Oy! IPPS Conference Highlights
Bladder Pain and Bowel Issues – Oy! Highlights on these topics from the International Pelvic Pain Society Conference in Orlando, FL, October 17-20, 2013. The 2013 International Pelvic Pain Society (IPPS) Conference was highly anticipated and with great reason! We were impressed by the excellent clinical information for first-time and return attendees to the conference.…
Read MorePelvic Pain Research: What’s Happening and Who’s Recruiting?
Pelvic pain research “nerd alert”. You have been warned! Here’s a sampling of some of the great research projects and trials (primarily pelvic pain with some others sprinkled in) listed as CURRENTLY recruiting subjects in the United States and Canada. Who else hopes the funding dollars are there to support these (crossing fingers)!? Let’s face it: pelvic…
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 More10 Common Misconceptions About Pelvic Physical Therapy
Have you ever heard of pelvic physical therapy before? Many have not, but this specialty can be a crucial part of someone’s complete medical care – for women, men, and even children. As one my patients recently said, “I had no idea this sort of thing exists, but I’m sure glad I found it because…
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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