Medical/Specialist Reviews

My favorite

New

Thank you so much for your generous contribution of your samples and brochures. I have been giving the patients a page I printed from your website so will use the brochures instead. I have also told physicians I work with about your product being my favorite. The handle really helps the patients to reach to use the dilators themselves better. Thank you also for your fast delivery. I received the dilator sets today. Thank you so much.

Colleen R. Sandro, MS, PT, COMT, BCIA-PMDB
OhioHealth Neighborhood Care Rehabilitation Dublin
Dublin, OH

Indispensable addition to patient care

New

Your patient education materials have been an indispensable addition to patient care in my practice. Thank you for highlighting this significant, often disabling and under-diagnosed condition. As a Gynecologic Surgeon specializing in pelvic floor disorders, I have worked closely for years with physiotherapists who specialize in treating vaginismus for women of all ages. Your website has added greatly to the care of our patients.

Sincerely,

Antonio Pizarro, MD
Shreveport, LA
www.pizarromd.com

Big fan

New

I am a clinical sexologist with a specialty in pelvic, sexual and chronic pain. I'll be speaking next week on diagnosing and treating vaginismus at the annual conference for AASECT (American Association for Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists). I'm a big fan of your website and wondered if I may have permission to reproduce any of your content in my slides (along with a reference to your site, of course).

Thank you for all that you do to help women and couples. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Heather S. Howard, MBA, PhD, ACS
Board Certified Sexologist
The Center for Sexual Health and Rehabilitation
1199 Bush Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, California 94109
www.SexualRehab.com
415.683.3231

Thinks very highly of program and technique

Thank you so much for putting out such an excellent product. I am a psychiatrist in New York City that thinks very highly of your program and technique. I know that people are often searching for clinicians to help them through this difficult process but do not have a doctor or therapist to help them (if they can't complete it on their own).

If you keep a referral base of clinicians around the country that are very familiar with your technique, please feel free to refer my way. I am located in Park Slope in a private practice and one of my interests is women's mental health.

Thanks so much for the work that you do.

Kari Groff-Denis, MD
Brooklyn, NY

Staff are very impressed

The dilators arrived today, thank you very much. All my staff are very impressed with both the product and the price. I will start recommending them to our patients and in the new year will probably purchase some sets so that we can give them to patients who cannot afford them or who cannot access/use the internet to obtain a set directly from you.

If you don't mind I will also discuss your product with my counterparts at our other main hospitals in Perth - so you never know you might have orders flooding in!

Once again, thanks for the samples and well done on a great product which is well presented.

Gae Lindsay, Nurse Manager
Perth Radiation Oncology, Royal Perth Hospital
Western Australia

Heard wonderful things about you from other therapists

I'm a Brazilian PHD Pelvic Floor Physical therapist treating pelvic pain, including vaginismus, and have heard wonderful things about you from other therapists in the same field.

First of all, I would like to congratulate your website with the complete approach for the treatment. As well I would like to know if is possible for you to mail me some pamphlets or brochures for patient use. I must refer patients to purchase their own treating equipment here in Brazil (such as dilators, workbooks, etc.).

Thank you in my name and in the name of my patients.

Dr. Mirian Kracochansky
www.celulamater.com.br
Brazil

Excellent resource

I am a medical doctor and specialist in sexual health in Australia. I have recently received a copy of your book and workbook on vaginismus which I found an excellent resource. Apart from my practice I have a family company that provides books and products to the sexual health profession in Australia and New Zealand. Our company is called Intimate Solutions Pty Ltd. Because of the value I found in the two books I would like to offer them to the Australian practitioner and their patients/clients.

Dr Rosie King
Intimate Solutions Pty, Ltd
Australia and New Zealand

PT Faculty Student Scholarship Support

Thank you for your participation in our Treatment of Bowel, Bladder, and Pelvic Floor Disorders course last month. We appreciate your donation of the Complete Vaginismus Treatment Kit and a set of vaginal dilators for our silent auction. With your help, the silent auction raised over $2,400 for the PT Faculty Student Scholarship Fund. Overall, with the proceeds from the auction and the course tuition, we were able to add $9,700 to the fund. The fund is a top priority of the PT Department to assist 5th and 6th year graduate students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Your generosity in assisting with this course is greatly appreciated. We hope to work with you again in the future.

Larry Pan, Ph.D., PT
Professor and Chair
Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Sciences
Marquette University

AASECT certified sex therapist

I am an AASECT certified sex therapist in Atlanta and frequently see patients with vaginismus. Recently, I've been hearing positive things about your vaginismus kit. Is it possible to get a discounted or complimentary kit to review and show to patients? I am also an AASECT certified sex educator and teach at Emory University's School of Nursing. I would like to have the kit to show to my graduate nursing students, many of whom are becoming nurse practitioners.

Thanks so much.

Sally Lehr, PhD, APRN, BC, FAACS, CIRT
Atlanta, GA

Heard some great things

I am a Women's Health physical therapist in Shreveport, LA. I have heard some great things about your product, but I would like to receive some information personally from your company. Would you please send me some information, so I can pass it on to my patients? I would immensely appreciate it.

Samantha Thiemann, PT, DPT
Shreveport, LA

Physical Therapist specializing in women’s health

I am a Physical Therapist specializing in women's health. Over 90% of my practice is pelvic pain, mostly Vaginismus and unconsummated marriages. I was wondering if I could be sent some of your materials as samples to show my patients? That would be so great! I also have a close working relationship with Penner & Associates in Pasadena, CA, who I know recommend vaginismus.com to all their clients.

Heather Jeffcoat, DPT
Sherman Oaks, CA

Great product

I am a Physical Therapist at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan. My specialty area is treatment of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Do you suggest an introductory packet that I can purchase to show to my patients? Currently, one of my patients brought your dilators to me and I am helping her to use them. They were given to her by her physician at the University of Michigan. I am especially impressed with them because of the handle. It makes it very easy to treat deeper trigger point areas which are hard to reach. Great product.

...You are welcome to post my message on your website. There are a group of us at Beaumont who treat Pelvic Floor dysfunction. It's always good for us to expand our knowledge to help our patients find good products.

Stephanie Ruseckas, PT
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI

Results are great, very impressive!

As a psychotherapist who works with vaginismus patients, I am very satisfied with your product. After every psychotherapy session, I have been asking women to try dilators either in clinic or at home as a homework. Results are great, very impressive! So far, all women have managed to cope with reflexive contractions of PC muscles by means of using them. Many thanks.

Sehnaz Canigur Kutluk, PHD
Psychologist
Turkey

Highly recommended your products

I am a physical therapist at PT Northwest, LLC, and I recently attended a course through the Herman and Wallace Institute and they highly recommended your products. I have found it very helpful to have the product on hand as a visual aid before suggesting that my patients purchase the product. I appreciate your services and your willingness to help me better serve my patients!

Erin DeVoy, DPT
PT Northwest, LLC
Salem, OR

Great results

I am a physical therapist who is starting a practice in Santa Cruz, CA that specializes in women's health/pelvic floor rehab. I have encouraged many patients when I worked in Portland, OR, to use your dilator set and found great results.

Heatherjean DeFord, MPT
Santa Cruz, CA

Instructor always recommended your website and dilator sets to patients

I'm a physical therapist at a fitness center owned by Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL. During one of my clinicals while a student at Northwestern, my "pelvic floor" clinical instructor always recommended your website and dilator sets to patients. Now that I've graduated, a few other therapists and myself are in the process of developing a pelvic floor program at my current clinic. I was wondering if you are able to provide a dilator set to health professionals to show and instruct with patients prior to them purchasing their own? Please let me know. I appreciate it.

Taylor Laurence, PT, DPT
Arlington Heights, IL

352 unconsummated patients with 100% success rate

We use your dilator & materials since 2003 and find them very very beneficial. We are the one of a biggest sexual therapy center in Turkey. Vaginismus and Dispareunia are very common problems in our country. It's been about 352 unconsummated patient so far and we had a 100% success rate with your products.

It's also been published by us in the biggest national "Gynecology and Obstetrics Congress" in Turkey (TJOD Congress, May 2008). And also been sited in our web site regarding vaginismus.

You can also publish and declare in your web site this my regards about your product. Kindly, Thanks again.

Süleyman Eserdag, MD
Gynecologist & Sexual Therapist
www.jinekolognet.com/vajinismus.asp
Turkey

Very happy with your product

I have a dedicated pelvic floor rehabilitation clinic here in South Africa. I have investigated all sorts of dilators and we are very happy with your product.

Lizelle Grindell
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
South Africa

Refer patients every week

You have a truly wonderful website and service to which I refer patients every week.

Elizabeth Kemper, MPT, BCIA-PMDB
Sovereign Rehabilitation
Decatur, GA

Recommended to patients

I am a women's health physical therapist at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington DC. I would like to recommend your 10 step book series to my patients. Would it be possible to provide me with a complimentary copy of the series for clinical use? Thanks!

Carrie James, DPT, OCS, MTC
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
Georgetown University Hospital
Washington, DC

Botox and Vaginismus

When we use Botox to overcome the vaginal spasm that occurs in vaginismus, our goal is for the woman to be able to have pain free intercourse. There is a high rate of success when Botox is used for vaginismus. Nevertheless this is not the entire answer, in that women who have never had intercourse are not necessarily fulfilled. Women need to understand their own bodies and what turns them on and also what does not. There is a learning process that is needed for both members of the couple.

These concepts are brought to light by the excellent book written by Mark and Lisa Carter entitiled "Completely Overcome Vaginismus". In this book the authors take the patient through the many considerations leading up to possible causes of vaginismus, and a step by step approach to overcome vaginismus using a series of graduated dilators, and the use of dilators prior to intercourse. Additional exercises are discussed to allow the woman to develop a greater awareness of their own sexual desires. For the patient who wants to move more quickly through the process, botox is useful in its ability to block vaginal spasm. When Botox is used in conjunction with the recommendations in this text, patients have one more modality towards the successful outcome that they desire.

This book as well as the dilators can be ordered from www.vaginismus.com. In our own practice this book has become a "must read" and our patients are encouraged to use the dilators after the botox begins to take effect. Generally botox is effective in about 5 to 7 days, but the process to achieve intercourse takes longer, generally about 3 to 4 weeks. We recommend that our patients move slowly through the process. Botox begins to wear off at about 2 1/2 to 4 months, so it is best to complete the process during that time frame. Once pain free intercourse is achieved, the vagina will remain dilated and usually repeat botox is not needed. At times a repeat dose is given if the patient needs a higher dose of Botox or if continued difficulties are encountered.

Peter T. Pacik, MD, FACS
plasticsurgerypa.com
Manchester, NH

Wonderfully accurate and thorough

As a physical therapist with over ten years of experience in the field of pelvic pain, 15 years of physical therapy experience in all, I have found this site to be wonderfully accurate and thorough. Overcoming vaginismus and chronic pelvic pain conditions can be a daunting task, and having accurate and reliable sources to reference is an invaluable tool. You don't have to live with pain; you can overcome vaginismus. To everyone at Vaginismus.com, thank you for a wonderful website and thank you for your efforts.

Peter A. Philip MS, PT
philipphysicaltherapy.com
New Caanan, CT

Invaluable

After a 14-year battle with vaginismus, I personally overcame this condition using the Completely Overcome Vaginismus program. I am now a Consultative Life Coach for women with vaginismus, coaching them through the emotional, spiritual and physical rough spots of vaginismus treatment via telephone. Obviously, the resources offered through Vaginismus.com have proven invaluable for both me and my clients. Using the information provided through this website, thousands of women are overcoming vaginismus and moving forward with their lives. I, for one, am eternally grateful for this service.

Kathy Cordell, Life Coach
freedomsteps.org
Cheyenne, WY

I love your product

A patient mentioned your kit to a physiotherapy colleague who mentioned it to me. I love your product. Thank you for having the fortitude to produce it. I will certainly be promoting it in my gynaecology practise and to my OBGYN colleagues.

Dr. Jackie Stacy
Melbourne, Australia

Useful both for me and clients

As a psychosexual therapist I think that your site is really useful…both for me as a professional and for clients … thank you.

Nigel Madin, Psychosexual Therapist
Saltergate Health Centre
Chesterfield, UK

Recommended by colleague

Hello. I'm a qualified sex therapist in the UK (member of BASRT and UKCP) and was directed to your site by a colleague. I have many clients who may be interested in your product. I would be grateful for a vaginismus kit so I can recommend it to my clients (I do hear it's a great kit). Thank you. … It is ok to put out my comments; contact as many women as have issues around this issue. Best wishes,

Janet Sutherland, BASRT, UKCP
Lincolnshire, England

Wonderful information in a sensitive manner

I am a gyne nurse and have been married for 6 months. I still have not been able to have intercourse with my husband. Sadly, because I am a nurse in that field, I was too embarrassed to tell anyone about my problem except my mom and my ob/gyn. During my annual exam, she had mentioned the word vaginismus, but didn't go into any explanation…I think she assumed I knew what it was and I assumed it was merely a term for painful intercourse. After discovering your website and completing the reading, I realized that vaginismus is what has put me into a state of anxiety and depression for the past few years (my ob/gyn even placed me on antianxiety medication). I just ordered the kit and, although I'm extremely nervous to insert the dilators, I am confident that this will lead me in the right direction. I basically just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for providing such wonderful information in a sensitive manner. Every night, I feel like we need to try to have intercourse, and every night, it ends in tears and frustration. I hope to make a full recovery soon! I will let you know how it goes. Thank you so much!

Contents are superb

Just a quick hello and a very big thank you from a grateful therapist in England. Your parcel arrived safely and the contents are superb. I hope this proves to be the start of a long and fruitful union between us. Once again my sincere thanks. Kindest regards,

Colin Tindall, Psychosexual Therapist
Relate Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire, England

A great resource for my patients

What a great resource for my patients! Your site is terrific and full of great advice and resources for help. I am giving a talk about dyspareunia at the upcoming SUNA meeting and would like to use some information from your site - may I do so with appropriate referencing of the site? Thanks!

Lora Plaskon, MD, MSE
Evergreen/Athena Urology
Kirkland, WA

Wonderful things

Hi! I'm a physical therapist treating pelvic pain, including vaginismus, and have heard wonderful things about you from other therapists in the same field. Is it possible for you to mail me some pamphlets or brochures for patient use … I must refer patients to purchase their own treating equipment (such as dilators, workbooks, etc.). I am also especially curious if you have information regarding vaginismus occurring after chemotherapy … Thank you.

Darla Cathcart, PT
Shreveport, LA

Honors what it is to be a woman

I am a medical doctor turned counsellor interested in women's health issues in fertility and sexuality. I saw this book Completely Overcome Vaginismus with a client and found it to be really excellent and validated information. The illustrations and contents are simple and yet comprehensive. I can vouch for the fact I have learned more about Vaginismus through this book than even in my undergraduate medical training a decade ago. I appreciated the references and bibliography listed too. As a counsellor I like the way you have integrated the emotional aspects of sexuality and sexuality problems seamlessly into a self healing and self help approach to treating Vaginismus. I dare say I hope I can be a more sensitive counsellor to my clients presenting with sexuality concerns.

Is there a way I can utilize this book/illustrations for educational purposes only and not for commercial profit. I would definitely cite the source and give due credit to the authors. Can you kindly advise?

Please accept my congratulations on a great product and also the courage to speak about women's sexual concerns in a way that honors what it is be a woman.

Sadhana, MD

Helpful for clients

I am a PT working in an acute care women's hospital and out PT clinic … seeing women with pelvic floor pain concerns … the books [are] helpful for my clients; it will be great to have the whole set … the web site is great for individuals to go to. Thanks for the service you are doing for women.

Wendy Baltzer Fox, PT, GCS
Office of Women's Surgery
Providence, RI

I’m really impressed with your books

Thank you very much Lisa. The package arrived safely. I'm really impressed with your books - you've done a great job! I can think of so many of our patients who would benefit from reading them. I was recommended to your website through the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Women's Health. I am a Physiotherapist in Ottawa, Ontario who runs a clinic specializing in pelvic pain, seeing large numbers of women suffering from dyspareunia and vaginismus. A colleague has recommended your book as a resource for positions for intercourse following treatment. Thank you.

Caroline Allen, PT
Pelvic Support Physiotherapy
Nepean, ON, Canada

Your books: They are the best we have ever seen!!

We are sexual therapists, authors and speakers and have been in practice treating vaginismus for almost 30 years … We are very pleased to find you and your work. It is excellent. … I have also recommended your web site … I am finally responding to your books: They are the best we have ever seen!! We will use them for our clients from now on. The content, set-up of the content, thoroughness of descriptions and diagrams make it so easy to follow. Everyone should know about your books … we will definitely have them on our book table at our seminars.

Dr. Clifford and Joyce Penner
Internationally recognized sexual therapists, educators and authors
passionatecommitment.com
Pasadena, CA

A thorough educational program

Completely Overcome Vaginismus is a great self help option for women who are ready to take control over their vaginal penetration problem. Lisa and Mark (Carter) designed a thorough educational program firmly based on current research knowledge and written with the sensitivity of a couple who know the fears and hopes that come with working to find solutions.

Elke Reissing, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Human Sexuality Laboratory, University of Ottawa

Recommend kit

I was involved as a psychotherapist with a client who had suffered with vaginismus for 5 years since her marriage. The kit was excellent. She followed the exercises including writing in the journal and now describes herself as an 'overcomer'. Unfortunately, she did much of this without the support of her partner as the marriage was failing. However, she did have her first penetrative sexual experience with him after using the kit. I am not trained as a sex therapist specifically, and the (developing) country I was working in did not have any sex therapists that I could refer her to (or any therapists for that matter - that was why I was there). The kit allowed me to help this young woman in ways that working just therapeutically would not have done. She was so relieved to find out that her vaginismus a) had a name and b) was a common condition that could be fairly easily overcome … I am now back in U.K. and would recommend the kit to anyone with the same condition. Keep up the good work.

Barbara Smith, MA, Psychotherapist
(UKCP registered)

Completely Overcome Vaginismus – Reviewed by Maya Bat-Ami – DocMaya

Review

Completely Overcome Vaginismus - The Practical Approach to Pain-Free Intercourse
By Mark and Lisa Carter

The intent of the book is to provide a self-help program for women suffering from vaginismus. The book can be read alone but also can be purchased as part of a kit which includes; a companion workbook, a set of vaginal dilators, a video, and a password that allows the reader to participate in an on-line forum with other individuals and couples facing the challenge of vaginismus. The approach of the kit is to provide systematic desensitization exercises for the woman and the couple that include:

1. Education about Vaginismus through a video, book and website.
2. Communication about Vaginismus through a restricted on-line forum for those who have purchased the kit.
3. Normalization of issues that contribute to Vaginismus through the use of statistics and descriptors that let the woman know that she is not alone in having Vaginismus.
4. A systematic desensitization format for the woman to use.
5. A series of graduated dilators as well as a q-tip and tampon
6. A systematic desensitization format for the couple to use.
7. Journaling via use of a journal that comes with the kit so that the woman can document her progress.

This approach is very empowering in that the woman has access to all of the information and can proceed at her own pace through the protocols that are presented. The video and books provide information that can be used by the couple to engender hope and provide steps that allow progress while minimizing anxiety.

The kit is a wonderful addition to the armamentarium of the Sex Therapist in that it provides specific exercises for the woman and couple to do. The woman can then discuss with the Sex Therapist any issues that arise in the treatment. The couple that has used the kit with this Sex Therapist needed support in addressing the man's anxiety about using the kit. The woman was more willing to do the exercises but her husband was having trouble with them. The Sex Therapist was able to work with the couple to help the man apply the techniques of mutual pleasuring and to decrease his avoidance of the exercises suggested in the book. The multi-dimensional approach of the kit makes available on-going resources that can be used by the woman with vaginismus. One drawback of the book is that while it acknowledges the importance of communication with the partner, the treatment focuses on the woman. Although vaginismus is a diagnosis that applies to the woman, it is a part of the dynamic of the couple's sexual interactions. Given the model of women's sexuality as embedded in a psycho-relational-cultural context, it would be expected that there would be partner issues that would need to be addressed in the resolution of the vaginismus.

One way to include the partner in the treatment is to predict that he or she will likely have strong responses to the protocols, thus normalizing any strong reactions that occur. A second way to include the partner is to suggest that he/she keep their own journal about the treatment. The Sex Therapist can then inquire about the partner's reactions and journal in such a way that lets the couple know that the relationship will be addressed.

Reviewed by Maya Bat-Ami - DocMaya

Women’s health collection

I am the Library Manager at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. I am trying to build up our collection in the area of women's health physiotherapy. I am interested in ordering a copy of the book set: Completely Overcome Vaginismus.

Jenny Ward, Manager, Library
Royal Women's Hospital
Victoria, Australia

Thanks for your quick response

I am a physical therapist treating pelvic pain and vaginismus patients. Could I get some pamphlets or other information to give to patients re: your website and products. Thank you! … Any info you have would be great for me to hand out to my patients. Thanks for your quick response.

Gina Trisler, PT
Shreveport, Louisiana

Impressed

I am a psychosexual therapist working for myself and for the NHS, in England. One of my clients has just shown me your book. I am interested in using it here. I would like to buy a set, but wonder, do you have any therapist packs that I could buy. I am very impressed with the book that she has shown me and am surprised that I have never heard of it before. I look forward to hearing from you.

Pat Clark, BASRT & UKCP accredited
Psychosexual Therapist/RGN
UK

Beneficial for patients

I am a physical therapist that treats women with pelvic pain. I am interested in your dilator set. ... I have your books and find the information in them beneficial for my patients. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Giselle Roedel, DPT
Salem, OR

Lower cost

I chose your dilators because they are lower cost, and appreciate that ... We have a PT who will be training in pelvic floor biofeedback and so I think we will have more need ... I just ordered a kit to see if that might be helpful for young women who don't seem to know anything about their anatomy, sex, etc.

Stephanie Buehler, Psy.D.
Lic. Psychologist & AASECT Cert. Sex Therapist
Director, Behavioral & Sexual Health Services
The Center for Optimal Health
Irvine, CA

Website recommended

I frequently recommend your website ... Thank you.

Ginger Cathey, MD
Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates, P.A.
Houston, TX

Most helpful!

I am a counsellor who works in Australia, I was interested (as are some of my clients) in purchasing the vaginismus kit ... Thank you for getting back to me so promptly - most helpful! … Thanx again.

Sarah Martin, B.Psych, B.SW, Social Worker
Central Northern Adelaide Health Service
South Australia

Products are great

I think your products are great. I recommend them to many of my patients.

Roger Ferland, MD
Providence, RI

Good referral source

I recently took the APTA Certification of Achievement for Pelvic Physical Therapy course work and information was that your company is a good referral source for our patients. I am interested in referring patients … I appreciate your assistance.

Edith Arguelles, PT
North Coast Physical Therapy
Encinitas, CA

Referring patients

Hello, I am a physical therapist working in women's health at Kaiser Permanente. I use dilators with patients in the clinic to help them work with pelvic pain issues including pelvic floor muscle hypertonicity, scarring and dyspareunia. I have been referring patients to your website to acquire their own dilators for home use, however it would be a great benefit to have a set in the clinic (especially the smaller diameters) so that the patients would have something to see, touch, and feel, to help them make a decision about which kind to buy. Is it possible to send a sample of your dilator set that I could use in the clinic in this way? Thank you.

Heather Ford, PT
Kaiser Permanente
Physical Therapy Dept.
San Rafael, CA

Patients need a product such as this

I am a physical therapist in WV and a member of the APTA's Women's Health Section. I saw … your vaginisumus kit in the journal I receive. I know of several female patients who struggle with dyspareunia and would be in need of a product such as this. Thank you!

Jamie Mergenthaler, PT
Elkins, WV

Twenty years in women’s health

I am a physical therapist who has been practicing in the area of women's health for over 20 years. My familiarity with your products is only with the dilators. I would like to look at your vaginismus books and keep a copy at each of my sites so that my patients can refer to them.

Jane Frahm, PT
Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Warren Center
Warren, MI

We are exciting about adding this new aspect to our practice

Thanks so much. We are exciting about adding this new aspect to our practice. I see so many women with this problem, that get referred from their GYN ... I am a Family Nurse Practitioner working in a urology practice. I currently practice mainly in women's urology and have starting specializing even more in pelvic floor dysfunction. About 3 years ago, I started a pelvic floor program working with patients, and we are in the process of beginning treating more patients with vaginismus.

Julie Spencer
Family Nurse Practitioner
Lansdowne, VA

At least 10 kits

Thank you very much for sending me your kit .... I'd like to start my clinic having at least 10 kits on hand .. to help my patients... Thank you.

Mary Kendell, MS WHCNP
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Dept. OBGYN
The Medical Faculty Associates of George Washington University
Washington, DC

Pelvic floor specialist

I am a physical therapist specialized in pelvic floor disorders and treat vaginismus and I would like to be added to your list of resources/providers.

Donata Galluccio
PhysioDynamics PT PC
New York, NY

Useful products

I have received your products today. They seem very useful and I am very grateful and appreciative.

Barbara Green, MBACP, GHR
Chesterfield Relate Psychosexual Therapist
Sheffield, UK

Reasonable price

Lisa, Thank you very much. The price is better than our vendor now and will help with educating our patients. Look forward to supporting your business esp. with the reasonable price!! Thanks again.

Paula Hunter PA-C
New Beginnings OBGYN
Hendersonville, NC

Sex therapist

I purchased a sample set of your dilators to review for my practice (sex therapy). They arrived today and I have already sold them. I showed them to a client along with the kit I have been using and they quickly chose your set without consideration of price … I will sometimes have clients order directly from your site so they are aware of your other resources … Thanks.

Dr. Michael Sytsma
Building Intimate Marriages, Inc.
Duluth, GA

Many patients like the idea of the handle

I am a physical therapist who specializes in treating female pelvic pain syndromes in a hospital-based clinic. A large population of my patients suffer from vaginismus, along with vestibulitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, etc, etc, etc. Many times I recommend & use vaginal dilators in patients' clinic & home treatment. I was introduced to your vaginal dilator set with handle last year by a patient who came across your website & had some success with your product. I would like to be able to offer my PT's as many types/styles of dilator as are available, & have already given many written information on your product. Many patients like the idea of the handle, whereas most other dilators do not have this feature. Thank You.

Linda Mufich, PT
Women's Rehabilitation Services/Therapy Plus Clinic
Shawnee Mission, KS

Thank you for responding so quickly

Dear Lisa, Thank you for responding so quickly. I have a private practice specializing in patients with medical disorders and sexual dysfunction. I would like to be able to demonstrate the utilization of vaginal dilators. The Vaginismus kit that includes the dilators would be very useful as well as information about your products so that my patients might order them. Any other products that you think might be helpful would also be appreciated. I am a clinical nurse specialist and a clinical social worker and also teach Human Sexuality at Nassau Community College. Thank You.

Sheila Felberaum, LCSW,APRN
Hauppauge, NY

Comprehensive set of supplies

Hello there! I am a physical therapist in California returning to work after being off for 2 years with children. I specialize in treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction and get at least one referral each month for vaginismus. I was looking online for the previous brand of dilators I used to recommend and found your website - yours look much more user friendly and comfortable! … I have a patient right now who could benefit, so I am excited to share the info. with her. I would be happy to provide you with some feedback from my clinical experiences. I think it is wonderful that you offer such a comprehensive set of supplies, in particular for those who may not have access to a doctor or physical therapist who can help them! I'll be in touch!

Melissa Day, MPT
Hanford, CA

Pleased that such materials exist

I am a sex therapist with a multidisciplinary group of MDs and clinicians. One of my patients with dyspareunia came in with your kit last week and I was embarrassed not to have heard of it but pleased that such materials exist. Could you send us a sample kit or brochures? From what I've seen it appears that it would be an excellent adjunct to treatment for many of our patients, and I would love to know more about it. Thanks so much.

Elizabeth Norman, M.Ed. LMFT LPC
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (Diplomate)
Center for Sexual Health (centerforsexualhealth.com)
Durham, NC

You have made my life much more pleasant

I am a retired Academic Orthopedic Surgeon. I have found two non-vaginal uses for your vaginal dilators:
1. Treatment of internal and external hemorrhoids with excellent results in a short period of time when all else had failed. Continued use advisable.
2. 14 years post successful Radical Prostatectomy for cancer, I had very annoying nocturnal urinary frequency, interrupting normal sleep. Use of your second largest dilator to gently massage the scarred prostatic bed has completely relieved this very troublesome problem.
As a physician I wanted to pass on this information to you. Thank you and God Bless you and your work! Many thanks. You have made my life much more pleasant.

Donald S. Pierce, MD

Helpful for patient

. . I just ordered a set of vaginal dilators for a patient. This is the first time I have visited your website, but I had suggested the site to a patient and she found it very helpful! Thank you!

Dr. Stephanie Cunningham
Port Arthur, TX

I am very impressed

Vaginismus.com, I am a physical therapist who treats vaginismus. I came across your products while doing a web search for vaginal dilators. I am very impressed with the price of the product. It is much more affordable than what I have recommended to patients in the past. I am also interested in your books. What a great resource you are.

Sasha Jackson, MPT
Physical Therapist
North Bend Medical Center
Coos Bay, OR

Informative, easy to read & understand

I am a Clinical Psychologist working with women with Vaginismus here in Sydney, Australia. I was impressed with the presentation of all your products - they all look good and the books and web site are informative and both easy to read, and understand. The patients I see who have received your products have been helped immensely by the prompt service; the web site; the follow up service and now the private forum. This package has helped them to learn and understand about Vaginismus and feel supported in their quest for overcoming this difficult and often misunderstood problem.

Jessica Medd, Clinical Psychologist,
Dept of Urology, Concord Hospital
Concord, N Australia.

APTA Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy – review by Beth Shelly

In the winter 2005 edition of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) Journal of Women's Health Physical Therapy, author Beth Shelly, PT, BCIA-PMDB and editor Donna Edwards, PT, OCS published an unsolicited and detailed review of vaginismus.com's Complete Vaginismus Treatment Kit for use by patients of physical therapists and other specialists who treat vaginismus:

Vaginismus.com Dilator Set

"The set comes with a universal handle that easily attaches to the dilator end … and easily inserted by patients. Appropriate, easy-to-follow written instructions are also included … effective and priced well."

'Treating Vaginismus' - Video

"A sex therapist gives verbal instructions on the use of dilators and the video shows the patient inserting the dilators and progressing to intercourse. Overall, the instructions are good and therapists may choose to show parts of the DVD to their patients as it does show clearly how a patient would insert the dilators herself and shares patient concerns and success."

'Completely Overcome Vaginismus' - Book Set

"The authors are a couple who have experienced vaginismus first hand. Lisa Carter holds a degree in medical rehabilitation and psychology. Mark is an educator and writer. Book 1 explains the 10-step program to desensitizing the vagina for penetration. Book 2 is simply a workbook to be filled out while progressing through the program. Book 2 makes the steps simpler."

"In step 1, relationship issues and other causes of dyspareunia are explored (these are explained more in the appendix). Contract relax and general relaxation instructions are also given. Step 2 identifies negative emotions associated with sex. A detailed sexual history is also listed. This inventory is in check list as well as descriptive paragraph form and is very well done."

"Step 3 shows self discovery techniques and describes anatomy. The workbook has unlabeled pictures to test knowledge. The pelvic floor muscle (PFM) is introduced in step 4 … In step 5 the patient is guided in insertion … Step 6 progresses."

"Clear instructions are given with gradual insertion … Many ideas for trouble shooting insertion are given … Advancing dilator sizes is discussed. Step 7 involved sensate exercises … Gradually getting comfortable with each other is explained. In step 8 … Sensate exercises are then practiced … with attention to keeping the PFM relaxed."

"Step 9 explains the transition to intercourse with partial insertion and the female on top. Clear pictures show the anatomy of insertion. Many suggestions are given for making insertion succesful. Step 10 progresses to movement during penetration and other pleasurable components of intercourse. Appendix C gives program rationale and effectiveness including citation of 8 references with outcomes data."

"The 2-book series is an excellent guide for patients and has many helpful hints for therapists as well. I can recommend use of this resource by all patients with vaginismus." [emphasis added]

Reference

1. Shelly, B., Edwards, D. (Editor) (Winter 2005). Product News & Reviews - Complete Vaginismus Treatment Kit. APTA J of Women's Health Physical Therapy, 29(3), 74.

Your website is a fantastic resource!

I can't thank you enough for your wonderful website! I have a couple of patients who simply wouldn't believe me when I was trying to explain this condition; your website is a fantastic resource!

Paul Starr, MD

Thrilled to learn about your site

I have discovered your site and was thrilled to learn about your site and pass the information on. I am going to put links to your site on my site, placing them on appropriate pages where I talk of sexual pain disorders (including Vaginismus). I have also passed on your URL to a colleague who had taken over my sex therapy practice when I retired. Best wishes.

Robert W. Birch, Ph.D., ACS Certified Sexologist
(Retired Sex Therapist)

NYC Physical therapists

As physical therapists, we use the vaginal dilators to assist in lightly stretching the pelvic floor muscles as well as for the patients to continue their own myofascial/trigger point release at home. Patients see us between 1-3 times/week, but we recommend that they do their own muscle re-education at home with the dilators to maintain what we have accomplished during the PT session. Patients are very happy with the results and by giving them the dilators they feel that they are taking an active role in their treatment/recovery. Thank you for your help with these patients.

Amy Stein, MPT (Masters in Physical Therapy)
Beyond Basics Physical Therapy
New York, NY

A much needed resource

I am a physical therapist specializing in women’s health and have several patients with vaginismus or dyspareunia. I just finished reading your book and it is excellent and very helpful. I have already recommended it to two of my patients … I found it very well written, easily understandable for a lay-person, and a much needed resource… Thank you very much for the sample dilators. I plan to give my patients the option to choose between your brand and the one we have stocked right now. I like that your dilators are tapered at the end for greater ease of insertion. I think I may prefer the size also after holding the two products side by side. I will be taking them to a talk I am giving to a support group as well. I like your website and continue to refer people to both the website and your products. I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from my patients in response.

Susan Decker, PT
The Rehabilitation and Health Center
Akron, OH

Very pleased

Dear Vaginismus.com … I contacted you previously for a demonstration product for physical therapy courses that I teach to therapists treating dyspareunia and vaginismus. You were kind enough to send me a sample and I am very pleased with your product and would like to show it at my courses. I have the product in my office for patients to see right now. I wanted to see if I could get brochures from you for the classes and also talk about how participants can order the kits … The participants of the last course loved the dilators because they have a handle and are easier for patients to use … My patients come in early to read the book and many have asked how to get a hold of the workbook … Thank-you"

Hollis Herman, MS PT OCS BCIAC-fellow
HealthyWomen
Cambridge, MA

My clients have had wonderful results

I have been a sex therapist for twenty two years and am very impressed with your vaginismus kit. My clients have had wonderful results and by using this comprehensive approach they have been able to extend time between sessions achieving independent results. I have even worked by phone consults as needed. By reading about other women who have experienced the same problem they realize they are not so unusual and isolated. It's a great motivator!

Chris Lambruscati, MS
Licensed Professional Counselor
therapyworkswonders.com
Roanoke, VA

Myself and my patients thank you

I have been a practicing physical therapist in NY for 12 years, specializing in pelvic pain/women's health for 5 years. My patients who have pelvic floor dysfunction, vaginismus, vulvodynia, and vulvar vestibulitis are very impressed with the design of your dilators. The dilators I had recommended prior were effective but the tapering of the tip of your design is easier for insertion and the handle component allows for more control. Patients are instructed the benefits of your kits during their treatment sessions. Your website is also a wonderful resource of information regarding help and education for patients who suffer from painful intercourse. Myself and my patients thank you.

Pamela Morrison, BA, PT, MS, BCIA-PMDB
Pamela Morrison Center for Physical Therapy
Specialsts in Manual Orthopedics and Pelvic Pain/Women's Health
New York, NY

Love the diagrams

I have just seen your books from a patient and love the diagrams (plus the books). I have ordered 2 sets for our clinic and patients. I would love to use your pictures for teaching purposes with patients and their partners. Would you give me permission to copy them and laminate for our use? Thank you for your great web site and your products.

Mary Wood, PT
Cura Physical Therapies
Edmonton, AB, Canada

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