Tips To Consider When Using a Vaginal Dilator
A vaginal dilator (also known as a vaginal trainer) is a therapeutic device used internally to gradually help re- train the pelvic floor muscles to relax and thus be able to stretch. Vaginal dilators are made either of a flexible silicone that resembles body tissue or hard plastic. Most women find the silicone dilators much more comfortable to use. Vaginal dilators are used as an important therapy for dyspareunia, which means painful intercourse. A vaginal dilator is also extremely helpful for women undergoing cancer treatment, women with post-menopausal atrophy, women with endometriosis and other vulvovaginal disorders.
If this is your first rodeo, below are helpful tips for using a vaginal dilator:
- Apply a generous amount of a high-quality Water-Based Lubricant to both the dilator and your vulva. Research the correlation between osmolality and lubricants as some lubricants may actually dry out the vaginal tissue.
- Start with the largest size dilator you can comfortably insert, and work up in size from there. Do not use a silicone lubricant with a silicone dilator. It can damage the dilator.
- Avoid using petroleum jelly as a lubricant as it can cause infections.
- Be gentle and patient. Make sure you have privacy and can be in a relaxing environment, without distractions.
- Using gentle pressure, gradually insert the round tip of the vaginal dilator into your vagina. Try taking relaxing breaths
- Insert the dilator toward your backbone or at a slightly tilted angle (like how you insert a tampon).
- Slowly insert the dilator until you feel muscle tension or slight discomfort. Stop if insertion becomes painful.
Do not overdo it. With time you can try gently Rotate the dilator. Do not dilate for more than 10 -15 minutes per session, 3-5 times per week.
When transitioning form one size, to the next larger size, always use the smaller size first. Insert the smaller size for half the amount of time, then remove and insert the lubricated next larger size dilator.
If you having any difficulties or pain, please see your health care professional. A referral to a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist may be very helpful.
After each use wash your dilator! Wash your vaginal dilator with hot, soapy water. Pat the dilator dry with a paper towel or a clean towel and store it as instructed in your kit. You can also dry your dilator with a hairdryer.
Use the above tips when using a vaginal dilator, with practice you should be able to move up to the size of your partner or your desired toy. Using dilators can also help you undergo a vaginal exam with less discomfort. Vaginal dilator therapy can help you achieve your desired sexual health goals.