PodcastEpisode 14Jul 2, 202451 min

A Coach for Your Vagina? How Pelvic Floor Care Changes Everything with Kim Vopni

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Kim Vopni

What this episode is about

Discover why your pelvic floor is the unsung hero of your body's wellbeing. From sexual pleasure to overall health, learn how this often-overlooked muscle group impacts your daily life in ways you never imagined.

Key takeaways

  • Gabriella says your vagina supports lifelong health, vitality, and well-being, on top of sex and pleasure. Care for it like your skin, bones, and muscles.
  • Kim Vopni says your pelvic floor should lengthen as you inhale and lift as you exhale. Many people tell her they had been doing it the opposite way all along.
  • Kim Vopni says a clenched pelvic floor limits blood flow and pleasure. She starts with letting go, and builds strength after that.

Moments from this episode

Word for word from the recording. Tap a time to hear it.

Tension blocks pleasure

“If we are in a short, tight state from guarding or clenching, we inhibit our blood flow in circulation, and we don't have as much capacity for power or for pleasure.”

Kim VopniGuest

20:26

Pleasure begins with letting go

“It's the letting go, and we have to start there first. We can strengthen, we can build endurance.”

Kim VopniGuest

21:20

Drop the shame, start the care

“I think removing the stigma and shame from connecting with this part of our bodies is the first step.”

Gabriella EspinosaHost

46:44

“The pelvic floor is literally the ground of your being and supports how you stand, walk, control elimination and enjoy sex.”

Gabriella Espinosaat 6:07

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I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kim Vopni, known as "The Vagina Coach." Kim is a certified fitness professional, author, and women's health educator passionate about pelvic health. Her book "Your Pelvic Floor" became a bestseller shortly after its March 2020 release. Kim offers online programs for women in perimenopause and beyond, including her Buff Muff app with 28-day challenges and monthly memberships.

Read the full show notesShow less

Our conversation explored the often-overlooked world of pelvic floor health and its importance for midlife women. Here's what we discussed:

The Journey to Becoming "The Vagina Coach"

Kim's journey into pelvic floor health began with her own fears about childbirth. Determined to have a different experience than her mother, who struggled with various pelvic floor issues, Kim sought out ways to prevent tearing and incontinence during childbirth. This led her to discover the Epi-No, a biofeedback device that helps prepare the pelvic floor for childbirth.

Her positive experience with the Epi-No sparked a passion for pelvic health education. Kim transitioned from a career in human resources to becoming a distributor for pelvic health products, eventually expanding her knowledge and services to encompass a holistic approach to pelvic floor health.

Understanding the Pelvic Floor

Kim provided a comprehensive overview of the pelvic floor's anatomy and function. She explained that the pelvic floor consists of three layers of muscles, each with specific responsibilities:

  • The first layer is primarily responsible for sexual response.
  • The second layer manages the openings of the urethra, vagina, and anus.
  • The third layer supports our organs (bladder, uterus, rectum).

These muscles also play a crucial role in pelvic and spinal stability and work in synergy with the diaphragm for proper breathing and circulation.

The Core Breath: A Foundation for Pelvic Floor Health

One of the key concepts Kim introduced was the "Core Breath." This technique coordinates breathing with pelvic floor muscle engagement, promoting better awareness and control of these often-neglected muscles. Kim emphasized the importance of both contraction and relaxation in pelvic floor exercises, debunking the common misconception that a tight pelvic floor is always better.

Pelvic Floor Health Beyond Kegels

While Kegel exercises are commonly prescribed for pelvic floor issues, Kim stressed that they're just one piece of the puzzle. Her approach, which she calls the "Buff Muff Method," incorporates a holistic view of pelvic health that includes:

  • Proper breathing techniques
  • Posture awareness
  • Diet and lifestyle considerations
  • Progressive loading exercises
  • Hypopressive techniques

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Kim tackled several myths surrounding pelvic floor health, including:

  • The belief that a tight pelvic floor is always better for sexual pleasure
  • The idea that pelvic floor issues are an inevitable part of aging or childbirth
  • The notion that Kegel exercises alone are sufficient for maintaining pelvic floor health

Pelvic Floor Care for Sexual Health and Pleasure

We discussed how pelvic floor health directly impacts sexual function and pleasure. Kim offered practical advice for incorporating pelvic floor awareness into sexual activities, emphasizing the importance of both contraction and relaxation for optimal sexual experiences.

A Holistic Approach to Intimate Care

Kim highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to pelvic and vaginal health, which includes:

  • Regular pelvic floor exercises and awareness practices
  • Proper hydration and nutrition
  • Use of vaginal moisturizers and lubricants when needed
  • Consideration of vaginal estrogen for post-menopausal women

The Importance of Professional Guidance

Throughout our conversation, Kim emphasized the value of seeking professional help for pelvic floor issues. She recommended regular check-ups with a pelvic floor physical therapist, even for women without apparent symptoms, as a preventative measure.

This interview with Kim Vopni shed light on the often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of women's health - the pelvic floor. Her expertise and passion for the subject offer a refreshing and empowering perspective on how women can take charge of their pelvic health, enhance their overall wellbeing, and potentially improve their sexual experiences.

For those interested in learning more about Kim Vopni and her work, you can visit her website at vaginacoach.com. Her social media handles are all @vaginacoach across platforms. Kim also hosts a podcast called "Between Two Lips," where she discusses various aspects of pelvic health with expert guests. Additionally, her YouTube channel offers demonstrations of pelvic floor exercises and other valuable content. For a more comprehensive guide, check out her book "Your Pelvic Floor: A Practical Guide to Solving Your Most Intimate Problems."

About the guest

Kim VopniKim VopniPelvic health educatorGuest on this episode of Pleasure in the Pause.More about them

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