I often hear from patients that when vaginal dilators are prescribed, they’re given little to no guidance on how to actually use them. By the time many people arrive in my clinic, their dilators are sitting unused, often because they felt intimidating, brought up uncomfortable emotions, caused uncertainty, or because no one clearly explained why they were prescribed in the first place.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone and you’re not doing anything wrong.
Vaginal dilators are commonly recommended for people experiencing pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, particularly when the pelvic floor muscles are tight, overactive, or painful. This can include conditions such as vaginismus, endometriosis, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, or chronic pelvic pain. Dilators may also be helpful following surgeries such as pelvic organ prolapse repair, hysterectomy, or gender-affirming procedures. In addition, they’re often recommended after pelvic radiation to reduce vaginal narrowing (stenosis) or postpartum to help manage scar tissue and muscle tension.
Research supports what we see clinically: when used appropriately, vaginal dilators can reduce pain and improve sexual function. Importantly, studies consistently show that dilators are most effective when they’re part of a comprehensive treatment plan combined with education, pelvic floor physical therapy, and individualized guidance, rather than used on their own.
Four Benefits of Vaginal Dilator Use
Vaginal dilators support pelvic floor health in several important ways:
1. Muscle Stretch & Relaxation
Dilators help gently stretch the vaginal tissues and pelvic floor muscles, encouraging relaxation rather than guarding. Improved tissue mobility can reduce muscle tension and make activities like penetrative intercourse or tampon use more comfortable. Clinical studies show that gradual vaginal stretching can significantly reduce pain and improve sexual function.
2. Desensitization
Dilators can help the nervous system become less reactive to vaginal sensations over time. By slowly and gently introducing pressure, touch, or movement, many people experience reduced pain and anxiety related to penetration. This approach is especially helpful for individuals with vaginismus when guided appropriately.
3. Scar Tissue Management
After pelvic or vaginal surgery or following radiation therapy, scar tissue can limit flexibility and comfort. Dilator use can help maintain vaginal length and width while reducing tissue restriction. This is most effective when combined with pelvic floor physical therapy techniques that address scar mobility and muscle tension.
4. Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
Dilators can also help improve awareness and control of the pelvic floor muscles. Many individuals use them to learn how to relax, lengthen, or coordinate their pelvic floor more effectively. Organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recognize vaginal dilators as one tool within pelvic floor physical therapy, typically used alongside manual therapy, breathing techniques, and therapeutic exercise.
Tips for Successful Dilator Use
Even though dilators can be incredibly helpful, they often feel intimidating at first, which is why they so frequently end up unused in a drawer. These tips can help make the process more comfortable:
- Get familiar first. Before inserting a dilator, take time to notice how you feel about it. Touch it, hold it, and check in with any anxiety or hesitation. Dilators are not meant to cause distress, they’re tools designed to support healing.
- Keep discomfort low. Aim to keep sensation at or below a 3 out of 10. Progress does not require pushing through pain.
- Allow time for relaxation. Use dilators for about 10 minutes per session, knowing it may take several minutes for your body to relax. Diaphragmatic breathing or gentle stretching beforehand can help prepare your pelvic floor.
Choosing the Right Vaginal Dilator
Not all vaginal dilators are the same, and choosing a set that feels approachable and comfortable can make a meaningful difference in consistency, confidence, and overall success.
I often recommend VWELL vaginal dilators because they’re thoughtfully designed with patient comfort in mind. Their body-safe, comfortable materials, gradual size progression, and educational resources support pelvic health physical therapy and help reduce the uncertainty many people feel when getting started. These features can make the healing process feel more manageable and empowering.
As with any dilator, the best choice is one that aligns with your body, your goals, and guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.
If your dilators have been sitting unused in a drawer or if you’re looking for a new set, you can use SUSANMILLER15 for 15% off VWELL vaginal dilators.
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Disclosure: This article may include references to products I trust and recommend in clinical practice.
Medical Disclaimer:
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment or exercise program.
Written by:
Dr. Susan Miller, PT, DPT, licensed pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Lotus Core Physical Therapy in Colorado.
Connect with me:
Visit: LotusCorePT.com
Instagram: @Dr.Susanpelvichealthpt
Email: Susan.Miller@lotuscorept.com
References:
- Female Sexual Dysfunction: ACOG Practice Bulletin Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician–Gynecologists, Number 213. Obstetrics & Gynecology 134(1):p e1-e18, July 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003324
- Zulfikaroglu E. Vaginismus treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis of contemporary therapeutic approaches. J Sex Med. 2026;23(1):qdaf295. doi:10.1093/jsxmed/qdaf295
- Starzec-Proserpio M, Frawley H, Bø K, Morin M. Effectiveness of nonpharmacological conservative therapies for chronic pelvic pain in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2025;232(1):42-71. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2024.08.006
