Vaginal Dilators Demystified: What You Need to Know

Have you been handed a set of vaginal dilators and not told what to do with them?  This is the blog for you!  While this does not take the place of in clinic education with a pelvic floor physical therapist, this will give you a place to start.   

Vaginal dilators are therapeutic tools designed to help women manage various medical conditions, including vaginal atrophy, pelvic pain, and after pelvic surgeries. While the idea of using dilators can be daunting, they can significantly improve comfort and sexual health when used correctly.  

Vaginal dilators are typically made from medical-grade silicone and come in various sizes and shapes. They are designed to gently stretch vaginal tissues and pelvic floor muscles. This can help alleviate discomfort, promote tissue elasticity and muscle length, and facilitate the return to regular sexual activity or pelvic exams with less pain.  

Before you begin, it’s important to choose the right dilator. They come in various sizes, so start with a smaller size if you’re new to using dilators. Consult your pelvic floor physical therapist for recommendations tailored to your specific needs. 

How do you start using dilators?  Here are a few steps of how to get started:  

1. Find a comfortable, private space where you can relax in a supported position.  This can be supported on your bed or leaning back on the toilet.  Please use a water-based lubricant for improved comfort with initial insertion and movement.  We recommend UberLube and Slippery Stuff.    

2. Take a few moments to relax your body and mind. Try deep breathing or gentle stretching to help the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles to lengthen.  Your pelvic floor PT can help you determine the best relaxation techniques for you.  

3. Apply a generous amount of lubricant to both the dilator and the vaginal opening.   

4. Gently insert the dilator into your vagina. If you experience resistance or discomfort, stop and try again later or use a smaller size. 

 5: Gently apply pressure to the pelvic floor muscles to help stretch.  You may feel a stretching sensation, which is normal, but you should feel minimal pain.   Your pelvic floor PT will help you learn where you need to apply pressure to find the best stretch for your symptoms.  

6. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the size of the dilator. Aim to use the dilator 2-3 times a week for 3 to 5 minutes at a time.  

7. After use, clean the dilator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, warm water and mild soap are sufficient. 

Using vaginal dilators can be an important part of treatment for managing your pelvic discomfort.  With patience, practice, and the right guidance, they can help lead to significant improvements. Please work with a pelvic floor physical therapist for personalized advice and to address the specific concerns you may have. Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and support is available. 

we offer a free, 15 minute phone consultation to help ensure you are in the right place for healing, click HERE to schedule now.

• Jennifer Cumming, PT, MSPT, CLT, WCS