Frequently Asked Questions - Vaginal Dilators FAQ

We know you have questions and we are here to help answer them!

  1. Do Dilators Really Work?
  2. What is a Dilator Used For?
  3. How Often Should I Use Them?
  4. How Long Do I Keep The Dilator Inserted?
  5. Are They Painful?
  6. Do Dilators "Loosen Up" Down There?
  7. What Are They Used to Help Treat?

Do Dilators Really Work?

Vaginal dilators do work and are an effective therapy for patients suffering from a myriad of vaginal and sexual health issues. For example, women who have undergone radiation treatment, surgery in the vagina or pelvis, or those who are experiencing vaginal pain, dyspareunia or pain with sex, pain with penetration of a tampon or during an exam, or those who are undergoing gender affirming treatment and surgery may benefit from using vaginal dilators.

What is a Dilator Used For?

A vaginal dilator, also referred to as a vaginal trainer, is a device used to gently stretch the vagina to improve mobility in width and depth. They are used to treat narrowing in the vagina (vaginal stenosis) such as after gynecologic cancer treatment or surgery, as well as therapy for vaginismus and other forms of dyspareunia.

They are often used in conjunction with dilator therapy to restore width of the vaginal opening, depth, and elasticity without invasive surgery to allow for sexual intercourse, tampon use, medical exams, as well as other sexual health purposes.

How Often Should You Use a Vaginal Dilator?

Repeat the vaginal dilator training protocol process mentioned above 1-2 times per day, and progress to larger vaginal dilators according to your goals.

How Long Should You Keep a Vaginal Dilator Inserted?

Generally, the length of time depends on the patient and their comfort level but when used in conjunction with a slow deep breathing cycle, dilators should be used for up to 20 minutes, 1-3 times per day.

Are Dilators Painful?

Dilators are a helpful tool to relieve pain. While dilator training can result in discomfort, they are not painful. Thanks to Intimate Rose's 8 progressive sizes there is a gentle transition from one size to the next.

Additionally, you as the user are always in control of the depth and time spent training. It is recommended that you use breathing and relaxation techniques during dilator training to help reduce discomfort.

If you experience pain it is recommended that you simply take a break or go down to a smaller size for that time period.

Will They Loosen Down There?

Dilators are useful to loosen and relax pelvic floor muscles that are too tight due to vaginismus, which is done by training co-ordination of the muscles to relax during penetration to treat common symptoms of vaginismus, such as pain with use of tampon, during medical exam, or during sex.

What Can Vaginal Dilators Be Used to Treat?

    The Intimate Rose Vaginal Dilators are cleared to treat the symptoms of Vaginismus such as painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia.

    Additional Resources:

     

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    By Dr. Amanda Olson, DPT, PRPC