What are vaginismus and dyspareunia?
Vaginismus is a sexual dysfunction in which the pelvic floor muscles surrounding the vagina involuntarily spasm, making insertion painful or even impossible. Dyspareunia also manifests itself as pain during sex and can overlap with the symptoms of vaginismus.
Despite the pain during insertion, the diseases do not have to have any influence on sexual desire, arousal or the experience of orgasm. For many sufferers, however, the symptoms can lead to fear of sex and, in some cases, ultimately to giving up sex altogether. Low self-esteem regarding one’s own sexuality can also arise. The number of unreported cases of vaginismus and dyspareunia is high because those affected often find it difficult to seek help due to embarrassment or fear of examinations. In addition, many people do not know that their symptoms are an illness.
Treatment using cognitive behavioral therapy
An effective treatment option for vaginismus and dyspareunia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT includes various elements to reduce pain and anxiety during sex. This includes, among other things, information about your own body, relaxation exercises and exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles. Sometimes exercises are also done for couples (for example Sensate Focus) to strengthen the feeling of pleasure. Exposure therapy is also an important component. This is exactly where dilator training comes into play.
Exposure means exposing yourself step by step to what causes fear or pain. Would you like free psychological support? We’ll send you all the information you need now. Email*
What is dilator training?
Dilator training is a gradual approach to gently getting used to the feeling of insertion and penetration. The insertion is practiced step by step using so-called dilators. The aim of this is to reduce pain and anxiety before and during sexual intercourse and to minimize stressful thoughts.
Excursus: What are dilators?
Vaginal dilators are rods that are shaped like a penis. They are available in different widths and lengths. By the way, the word dilator comes from the Latin word “dilatare”, which means “to stretch”. However, this is quite misleading because the vagina does not need to be stretched to be stretchier or larger in any way. Dilators are there to help you gently get used to the feeling of insertion and penetration.
Are dilator and dildo the same thing? In principle yes, because they are both a penis-shaped object for insertion. However, we usually talk about dilators when it comes to a medical purpose, such as vaginal training in this case.
How does dilator training work?
The insertion exercises with the vaginal trainers first begin with the insertion of a vaginal trainer size that is much smaller than an erect penis. After successfully inserting the smallest vaginal trainer, you can move on to the next larger model.
When it comes to dilator training, good preparation is crucial to create a relaxed atmosphere and the use of lubricant can also be helpful. Breathing or relaxation exercises can accompany and prepare for dilator training. Patience and perseverance are also required, as it can take some time to make progress.
Dilator training is usually embedded in behavioral therapy treatment. For example, exercises for relaxation and for the pelvic floor are an important basis before you start inserting the dilators.
Which dilators are suitable?
Vaginal dilator sets can be made of different materials and contain dilators of different sizes. The choice depends on your individual needs. Some women prefer dilators made from medical-grade silicone, while others choose those made from glass or plastic.
You can get a prescription for medically tested dilator sets. Then your health insurance company will usually cover the costs.
How do I get dilators with a prescription?
Since there are sometimes difficulties getting a dilator set via prescription, we have put together some tips for a smooth process.
Step 1. Find the right dilator set
In order for a prescription to be issued to you, it must be a medically tested set that is listed in the list of remedies and aids. At the moment this only applies to the “Amielle Comfort” dilator set from Owen Mumford .
Tip : To be on the safe side, before you visit the doctor, write down the so-called pharmaceutical central number (07567431), the position number in the list of remedies and aids (99.27.03.0001) and the name of the set (Amielle Comfort) or keep a screenshot of it handy.
Step 2: Get a prescription
The best way to get a prescription for the vaginal dilator set is to ask your gynecologist. If your doctor is not familiar with dilator sets, you can use the tips from step 1 to explain which set you would like to be prescribed.
💡 Good to know: Not only your gynecologist, but also your family doctor can prescribe “ non-specialist” aids on prescription.
Step 3: Redeem your prescription
You can now redeem your prescription at a pharmacy or medical supply store. You can even redeem the recipe for the “Amielle Comfort” dilator set from Owen Mumford directly online. The only important thing is that you do not order the set at your own expense, but rather select the “Prescription” payment method in the Owen Mumford shop. You can find detailed instructions for the ordering process at this link .
If you have private insurance, please contact your health insurance company by phone or email to find out whether the costs for dilators can be reimbursed with a prescription.
Psychological immediate help for vaginismus on prescription
The online therapy program HelloBetter Vaginismus Plus offers you an effective treatment option for vaginismus and dyspareunia . The program is based on cognitive behavioral therapy strategies and also includes the therapy component of dilator training. It can help you sustainably improve vaginal insertion, get to know your body and create positive sexual experiences. The vaginismus therapy course is available with a prescription and can therefore be prescribed free of charge by doctors, gynecologists and psychotherapists and your health insurance company will cover 100% of the costs.
In the 12-week program you will learn, among other things, how to reduce your pain and anxiety, make vaginal insertion easier, get to know your body and build a positive self-image.
In the therapy course you will find a varied mix of texts, videos and audio material. In addition to informative content on the subject of vaginismus and dyspareunia, there are also always interactive exercises.
Our tip: If you get the prescription for HelloBetter Vaginismus Plus when you visit the doctor, get a prescription for the dilator set with you.
9 may 2019