How to Use a Vaginal Dilator?

Vaginal dilators are medical devices designed to aid women with conditions like dyspareunia, vaginismus, and pelvic pain. They are also beneficial after menopause, cancer treatment, or surgery, which may cause the vagina to become drier, less stretchy, narrower, and shorter. Using a vaginal dilator and starting a vaginal dilator therapy can help address these changes. 

Looking for information on how to use vaginal dilators? In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through their use and everything else you need to know to make the most out of them.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Vaginal Dilators: Purpose and Benefits

2. How to Do Vaginal Dilator Therapy Step by Step

3. Aftercare and Maintenance of Vaginal Dilators

4. How Often Should You Do Vaginal Dilator Therapy?

5. Conclusion

Understanding Vaginal Dilators: Purpose and Benefits

Vaginal dilators are a tube-shaped device made of medical-grade silicone or plastic. They usually come in sets of various sizes, from small to large, gradually increasing in diameter. They are smooth and tapered to facilitate insertion into the vagina and are available in different lengths to accommodate individual needs. Before you start using a vaginal dilator, it is essential that you consult with a healthcare professional to receive guidance and recommendations for the appropriate size for your specific condition. 

Issues in the vaginal area can involve the skin cells lining the vaginal walls, which can dry out, tighten, or become sensitive because of certain conditions. Alternatively, the problem might not be with the skin but the muscles beneath it, known as pelvic floor muscles. These muscles can become tense or tight due to factors such as trauma, injury, or conditions like vaginismus. 

The purpose of vaginal dilators is to gradually stretch and expand the vaginal muscles and tissues, a process known as vaginal dilation therapy. This therapy aims to increase flexibility and reduce any discomfort or pain before, during, or after penetration. By using a dilator, you can train your vaginal muscles to relax gradually.

Vaginal dilators can also contribute to your sexual well-being by addressing challenges like vaginal tightness, painful sex, and fear of penetration. To learn more about the different types of conditions for which vaginal dilators are appropriate, refer to Vaginal Dilators: A Comprehensive Guide for Comfort and Recovery.

How to Do Vaginal Dilator Therapy Step by Step

Preparation

1. Clean Your Dilator: Wash your hands and the dilator with gentle soap and warm water before use.
2. Choose a Comfortable Space: Pick a quiet and private space that feels safe and calm for a therapy session.
3. Position Yourself: Lie on your back with pillows for support. Bend your knees, letting them rest outward on additional pillows.
4. Relaxation Techniques: Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and focus on relaxing your pelvic floor and entire body.

Insertion Steps

1. Apply Lubricant: Use a water-based lubricant on the dilator and vaginal opening. Begin with the smallest dilator or as advised by your healthcare provider. Don't use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or oil and silicone-based lubricants.
2. Position the Dilator: Hold the dilator at the vaginal opening from the base. Ensure a comfortable, supported position.
3. Insertion: Inhale deeply to release your pelvic floor muscles. Insert the dilator slowly at a 45-degree angle, focusing on comfort. Continue deep, relaxed breathing. You can also perform Kegel exercises to further relax the pelvic floor muscles for easier insertion.
4. Adjust for Comfort: Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider for pressing down or applying motions. Avoid pressing upward and stop immediately if you experience any discomfort.
5. Massage: Leave the dilator inserted for a while and add more lubricant if needed. Then, gently move the dilator in and out to stretch the length of your vagina, then rotate it in wide circles at the back, middle, and opening of your vagina to strengthen its width. This process should be repeated for 10-15 minutes or according to the guidance provided by your healthcare provider.
6. Removal: Gently remove the dilator from your vagina, rest and relax.
7. Progression: Move up to the next dilator size once you can fully insert the current one without any discomfort. Gradual training also helps in improving comfort during pelvic exams or sexual activities.

Everyone progresses differently, so pay attention to your body during the therapy. If you ever experience severe pain or discomfort, consult with your healthcare provider.

Aftercare and Maintenance of Vaginal Dilators

To extend the lifespan of your dilators and prevent potential infections, consider the following tips:

Cleaning

• Clean dilators with warm water and mild soap after each use.
• Ensure dilators are thoroughly dry before storing them in a clean, dry place.

• Avoid harsh cleaners or alcohol, as they can damage the material.

Maintenance

• Regularly check dilators for wear or damage before each use.
• If you notice cracks or discoloration, replace them immediately to restore effectiveness and ensure optimal hygiene.

How Often Should You Do Vaginal Dilator Therapy?

The timing and frequency of vaginal dilator therapy can vary based on individual circumstances and healthcare provider recommendations. For optimal results, it's best to follow a consistent schedule. You can aim for 3 to 4 sessions of dilator therapy per week, but avoid consecutive use for two or more days in a row, as daily sessions may lead to potential discomfort or irritation. On days when you're not using your vaginal dilator, consider adding Kegel exercises to your routine, always making sure they don't cause any pain.

If you happen to forget or don't have time for your dilator therapy, don't give up. Just get back to your routine as soon as you can.

Conclusion

Vaginal dilator therapy is an effective do-it-yourself approach for addressing women's health concerns related to both medical necessity and sexual well-being. By following the recommended steps and guidelines, you can gradually overcome pain and discomfort and go back to enjoying your intimate life.

If you're ready to take the next step in your journey toward pain-free intimacy, consider the VWELL Dilator Set. Designed to progressively enhance vaginal flexibility and reduce sensitivity to insertion, these extra-soft, body-safe, medical-grade silicone dilators offer valuable support for your therapeutic process.

FAQs

1. Can I skip dilator sizes and move directly to a larger one?

Skipping sizes may cause discomfort or potential injury, as your body needs time to adjust to each level of expansion. We recommend progressing gradually through the dilator sizes and moving up to the next size only when you can easily insert the current one without pain.

2. How long does it take to see results with vaginal dilator therapy?

The timeline for results can vary from woman to woman, and it might take around 4 to 6 months to stretch the vagina. Some women might notice signs of improvement between 2 and 3 weeks, depending on the severity of their condition. In addition, some women need more time to get used to the therapy, while others can progress to larger sizes more quickly. Don't give up if it's taking longer than you expected.

If you’re sexually active, the vagina will remain fully stretched, so there's no need to continue using the dilators. However, use dilators again if you have not had sex for a while or need to maintain or restore vaginal elasticity and function.

3. Can I use vaginal dilators when pregnant?

It's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before using vaginal dilators during pregnancy. They can provide specific guidance and recommendations based on your unique circumstances.