Vaginal dilators are tools to help stretch the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that surround the vaginal canal. They can be incredibly helpful in the treatment of pelvic pain conditions and before or after pelvic surgeries. Most come in sets of progressively larger cylinders that help you gradually move up in size.
There are many vaginal dilators on the market today. Some are made of slightly bendable silicone while others are made of hard plastic. Expandable dilators that increase in diameter gradually while inserted into the vagina are also available and can be particularly helpful for persons who are using dilators after vaginoplasty or radiation treatment.
Do not use dilators if you have active pelvic infections, open vaginal wounds, undiagnosed bleeding, or are currently placed on pelvic rest by your provider.
- To use the dilators, find a comfortable position where you can relax. Lying on your back slightly propped up with knees bent and knees dropped out to the side is a comfortable position for many people.
- Apply plenty of lubricant to the dilator. If the dilator is made of silicone or has a silicone lining, make sure to only use a water-based lubricant.
- Insert the dilator into your vagina slowly and gently. Try and angle the dilator downward slightly toward your spine. You should feel some resistance and stretching sensations without causing pain greater than 2-3/10 severity. Do not force the dilator through points of tension.
- Focus on trying to give the dilator room by relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. Taking deep belly breaths as you inhale through the nose and exhale through the lips can be helpful.
- Spend the next five minutes gentle moving the dilator around while it’s inside your vagina. A great way to start is by sweeping slowly from one side of the vagina, down towards the bottom, and then up towards the other side before repeating this motion back in the opposite direction. This part is easier to do if your dilator has a handle or “holder” with it. If you feel any tender points, gently press and hold into the point of tension without causing any pain greater than 2-3/10 severity. If you feel your muscles guarding or trying to “grip” the dilator, focus on big belly breaths once again.
- When you are ready, see if you can gently move the dilator in and partially out of the vaginal canal without your muscles gripping the dilator beyond your control. If you find that your muscles start to “grip” or spasm beyond your control, stop movement and focus on relaxing your pelvic floor muscles.
- Gently remove the dilator after about 15 minutes.
- Clean your dilator with gentle soap and warm water and let it air dry.
We the above steps feel easy and pain free, see if you can go up in size.
How often you should use your dilators will vary from person to person, but generally aiming for dilator use 3 times per week will be a good goal. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about the best strategies for your own specific use.