48. Using dilators to address painful penetration with Dr. Amanda Olson

The Pelvic Floor Project

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amanda Olson, physical therapist and pelvic expert behind Intimate Rose to discuss:

• The messaging that dilators are used to "stretch tight tissue"
• Reasons why penetration with intimacy, tampon use and medical exams can be painful
• The connection between brain and pelvic floor
• How dilators can be used to help the brain and body tolerate penetration
• Intimate Rose product details (sizing, what they are made of, lubrication to accompany, ordering)
• Ways to progress when using a dilator
• How to know if a dilator(s) would be an option for you

Dr. Olson earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Pacific University, and a Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy from Regis University, graduating as a member of the Jesuit National Honor Society. She is holds a Certification of Achievement in pelvic floor physical therapy (CAPP-PF) from the American Physical Therapy Association, and the Pelvic Floor Practitioner Certification (PRPC) through the Herman and Wallace Pelvic Institute. She is also a certified Stott Pilates instructor and RRCA certified running coach.

She is the president and chief clinical officer of Intimate Rose where she develops pelvic health products and education. She is passionate about empowering women and men with pelvic health issues including pelvic pain, incontinence, pregnancy, and post-partum issues.

Dr. Olson teaches internationally on various pelvic health topics including pelvic floor dysfunction in runners. She has written newspaper and magazine articles on pelvic floor dysfunction, and running and also authored the book Restoring the Pelvic Floor For Women.

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Website - https://www.intimaterose.com

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Links mentioned in episode:

Episode 27- Vulvovaginal pain

Episode 47 - Pain with intercourse: Looking beyond the pelvic floor muscles

The evidence:

Al-Abbadey M, Liossi C, Curran N, Schoth DE, Graham CA. Treatment of Female Sexual Pain Disorders: A Systematic Review

Bakker RM, ter Kuile MM, Vermeer WM, Nout RA, Mens JW, van Doorn LC, de Kroon CD, Hompus WC, Braat C, Creutzberg CL. Sexual rehabilitation after pelvic radiotherapy and vaginal dilator use: consensus using the Delphi method

Edmonds DK, Rose GL, Lipton MG, Quek J. Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome: a review of 245 consecutive cases managed by a multidisciplinary approach with vaginal dilators

Falk SJ, Bober S. Vaginal Health During Breast Cancer Treatment

Ketheeswaran A, Morrisey J, Abbott J, Bennett M, Dudley J, Deans R. Intensive vaginal dilation using adjuvant treatments in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome: retrospective cohort study

Macey, K., Gregory, A., Nunns, D. et al. Women’s experiences of using vaginal trainers (dilators) to treat vaginal penetration difficulties diagnosed as vaginismus: a qualitative interview study

Miles T, Johnson N. Vaginal dilator therapy for women receiving pelvic radiotherapy.

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