| Tara Langdale
Menopause can be a difficult time for many women. One of the more difficult symptoms can be vaginal atrophy, which can cause dryness, irritation and pain during sexual activity. Fortunately, vaginal dilators can help relieve these symptoms and restore sexual health. But how do you know how long to keep a vaginal dilator in? In this complete guide, we’ll answer that question and give you instructions on how to use a vaginal dilator.
What is a vaginal dilator?
A vaginal dilator is a medical device used to expand the vaginal walls. Dilators start very small are usually made of medical grade plastic and come in a variety of sizes. Using a vaginal dilator can help relieve symptoms of vaginal atrophy, such as dryness and pain during intercourse.
What is Vaginal Atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) is the thinning, drying and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to your body having less estrogen. Vaginal atrophy occurs more often after menopause. Atrophy is a symptom of menopause. Your quality of life can be greatly improved with vaginal estrogen and vaginal trainers/dilators.
For many women, vaginal atrophy not only makes intercourse painful, but also leads to painful urinary symptoms. Because of the intertwined nature of the vaginal and urinary symptoms of this condition, experts agree that a more accurate term for vaginal atrophy and its accompanying symptoms is “the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM).”
Symptoms of atrophic vaginitis
With moderate to severe genitourinary menopausal syndrome (GSM), you may experience the following vaginal and urinary signs and symptoms:
- Dryness of the vagina
- Sinus burning
- Vaginal discharge
- Genital itching
- Burning with urination
- Urgency with urination
- More urinary tract infections
- Urinary incontinence
- Light bleeding after intercourse
- Discomfort with intercourse
- Decreased lubrication of the vagina during sexual activity
- Shortening and tightening of the vaginal canal
How to use a vaginal dilator
If sexual activity is painful due to a pelvic pain condition or pelvic disorder, use dilators at least 1-2 times a day. Skipping a day is fine. Take time and breath. Here are some guidelines from the VuVa Dilator Company to help you on your pelvic healing journey:
Instructions before using VuVa™ vaginal dilators
- Wash the dilators with a mild, unscented soap and warm water. Allow the expanders to air dry. Vanicream Bar Soap is a good choice for cleaning dilators.
To get started
- In a private and comfortable place, lie on your back and put both knees up with your feet on the bed (no wider than your hips) or lie on your side and pull your legs up with a pillow between your knees.
- Generously lubricate the smaller VuVa™ vaginal dilator and vaginal opening with a lubricant of your choice. IMPORTANT: Do not use petroleum jelly (eg Vaseline). Slippery Stuff is water-based and non-irritating. Keep all expanders close at hand.
- Finding the right size VuVa™ vaginal dilator can be difficult. If you find that you can only tolerate the tip going in when using the smaller expander, that’s fine and not unusual. However, if this is the case, it may be best to start with the exercises (See instructions below). Please do not force the expander in.
- Using gentle pressure, insert the smaller round end of the smaller dilator into your vagina. Make sure the expansion shaft is inserted as deep as is comfortable for you. Do not insert the entire dilator — leave the larger, round, flat end outside the sinus opening.
- If there is no discomfort (you can put the little one in, squeeze it and let it go around the inside like you’re holding gas and peeing and get it out without pain or irritation – not a bit), you need to use the next larger size.
- You’re looking for minimal pain when inserting the dilator (pain level no more than 1-2/10, with 0/10 being no pain at all and 10/10 being the worst pain ever) — the type you can just describe as “annoying” or “uncomfortable”. Moderate pain (pain levels 4-6/10) is excessive and severe pain (pain levels 7-10) should be avoided.
- Once you find the right size, use your dilator 5-20 minutes twice/day. When you can actively insert and remove the expander as well as contract and relax around it without discomfort, move up to the next size.
IMPORTANT – WOMEN: Do not walk with a expander in place. Do not use dilators during intercourse. Do not sleep with a dilator in place.
- Wash vaginal dilators after use with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Let them air dry.
Use a VuVa™ vaginal dilator the size of your partner 20 minutes before intercourse to relax tight muscles and bring blood flow to the area. You have now created a relaxed infiltration environment.
How long should you keep a vaginal dilator?
How long you keep a vaginal dilator in depends on your comfort level. Some women may be able to tolerate using a dilator for up to 20 or 30 minutes, while others may only tolerate it for a few minutes. It is essential to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. You can gradually increase the amount of time you wear the dilator over time as part of your treatment.
Benefits of using a vaginal dilator
Using a vaginal dilator can have many benefits, including:
1. Relief of vaginal atrophy symptoms such as dryness and pain.
2. Helps improve sexual health and functionality.
3. Restoring the elasticity of the vagina.
Using a vaginal dilator can be a helpful tool for women experiencing symptoms of vaginal atrophy. It is essential to talk to your doctor before using a dilator, determine the right size for you and take things at your own pace. Remember to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. By using a vaginal dilator, you can regain your sexual health and function.
VuVa Dilator Company Useful Links:
How do neodymium vaginal dilators work?
7 reasons for a tight vagina and how to relax
How to use vaginal dilators
How to relax vaginal muscles, vagina and sex
Vaginal Stretching – Keeping in shape with dilators
Do dilators really work? Yes, and they can improve your sex life!
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