Vaginal Dilators
What Is a Vaginal Dilator?
A vaginal dilator is a smooth, plastic or silicone cylinder (similar in shape to a tampon). It is about six inches long and comes in different widths. The goal of using a dilator is to gently stretch the vaginal tissue over time.
Using Vaginal Dilators After Radiation Therapy -
Why Are Vaginal Dilators Recommended?
Radiation therapy to the pelvic area can cause scar tissue to form in the vagina, making the tissue less elastic, drier, and sometimes shorter or narrower. This can lead to discomfort during vaginal exams and sexual activity. In some cases, scar tissue can cause adhesions, where the vaginal walls stick together.
Using a vaginal dilator can help maintain vaginal flexibility, making both medical exams and intimacy more comfortable.
How to Use Your Vaginal Dilator
Follow this schedule:
First month: Use 5x weekly
Months 2-6: Use 3x weekly
After 6 months: Use 2-3x weekly for life to maintain vaginal health
Step-by-Step Instructions
Wash your hands and the dilator with warm soapy water before and after each use. Let it dry completely.
Apply a water-based lubricant to the rounded end of the dilator and your vaginal opening. Do not use oil-based products like Vaseline or lotion.
Get into a comfortable position—lying on your back with your knees bent, or in a bathtub with warm water.
Relax your pelvic muscles by taking deep breaths. Try lightly squeezing as if stopping urine flow, then relax.
Gently insert the dilator as far as is comfortable. You can try rotating it slightly to help ease it in. Do not force it.
Hold the dilator in place for 20-30 minutes, keeping your muscles relaxed. You may try gently squeezing around the dilator a few times to help with relaxation.
Alternative method Instead of holding it in place, insert the dilator, hold for 5 seconds, then remove. Repeat for 10-15 minutes.
When finished, remove the dilator, wash it with warm soapy water, and let it dry completely to prevent bacteria buildup.
Check out Intimate Rose's 4-week training guide on how to use dilators led by Dr. Amanda Olson, a certified pelvic floor physical therapist: Dilator Training Guide
What to Expect
It may take 8-12 weeks before you notice an improvement in vaginal flexibility and comfort.
Some spotting or light bleeding may occur at first. This is normal and should decrease as your vagina adapts.
It is common to feel emotional about this process—reach out if you need support.
Where can I get dilators?
Check out these websites!
When to Call Your Doctor:
Heavy bleeding or severe pain (not just light spotting)
Signs of infection, such as:
Vaginal itching
Fever
Unusual vaginal discharge with a strong odor
Abdominal pain
Other Ways to Maintain Vaginal Health
Regular sexual activity (about 3 times per week) can help prevent vaginal shrinkage and may be used as a substitute for dilator therapy.
If you experience pain during sex, talk to your doctor about lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, or other treatments to help improve comfort.
IntimateRose is a website that sells dilators and other products. They also have a lot of educational videos that may be helpful.
