The Pelvic Floor Project
Embarrassing symptoms deserve better conversations.
Whether you're dealing with bladder leaks, prolapse, pelvic pain, painful sex, erectile dysfunction, constipation, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or simply wondering if what you're experiencing is normal—you're not alone.
Hosted by pelvic floor physiotherapist Melissa Dessaulles, this podcast helps you understand how your body works and why symptoms happen. Through conversations with leading researchers, physicians, surgeons, sex therapists, midwives, psychologists, and other experts, we translate the latest evidence into practical information you can actually use.
No myths. No shame. No confusing medical jargon.
Just honest conversations that connect the dots—so you can feel informed, confident, and empowered to make decisions about your health.
The Pelvic Floor Project
48. Using dilators to address painful penetration with Dr. Amanda Olson
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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.
Website - https://www.intimaterose.com
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Links mentioned in episode:
Episode 47 - Pain with intercourse: Looking beyond the pelvic floor muscles
The evidence:
Falk SJ, Bober S. Vaginal Health During Breast Cancer Treatment
Miles T, Johnson N. Vaginal dilator therapy for women receiving pelvic radiotherapy.