| Tara Langdale
A vaginal dilator, also known as an insert, is a plastic or silicone rod or cylinder with a rounded end that is inserted into the vagina. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including stretching the tissues, training the pelvic floor muscles, and reducing the pain and stress associated with penetration. They can be bought individually or you can buy them in sets.
Conditions that can benefit from vaginal dilators
Vaginal dilators can be used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain on contact or penetration. Here is a list of some health conditions that a vaginal dilator can help with.
There are various health conditions that can cause painful intercourse, including:
- Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can make sex uncomfortable or painful. This may be called Vaginal Atrophy or Atrophic Vaginitis.
- Blowing: This condition causes involuntary muscle spasms in the vaginal area during penetration. You may feel like your partner is hitting a wall. Dilators are a very beneficial treatment for the vagina.
- Dyspareunia: Persistent pain in the genital area during or after intercourse is known as dyspareunia.
- Previous radiotherapy or surgery for cancer: Some types of cancer treatment can damage the vaginal tissue, making penetration difficult and painful.
- Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome: This congenital condition affects the development of the vagina, making intercourse difficult. Expanders can help stretch and create a functional opening.
- Congenital conditions affecting the vagina or hymen: Some people may be born with conditions that result in a small opening of the vagina, making intercourse difficult. Treatment may include the use of vaginal dilators to help stretch the tissue.
- Atrial stenosis: This condition causes the vagina to open or close due to scarring or hormonal changes.
- Gender Confirmation Therapy: Dilators can also be used in gender confirmation therapy to support medical or surgical procedures that reconstruct the vagina.
- Vulvodynia: vulvar pain lasting at least three months without a clear identifiable cause. It is a diagnosis of exclusion and considered an idiopathic pain disorder. Bullodynia can cause pain that is severe, debilitating and devastating to sufferers.
- Atrial stenosis: a condition in which the vagina becomes narrower and shorter due to the formation of fibrous tissue. Vaginal stenosis can contribute to sexual dysfunction, dyspareunia, and make pelvic exams difficult and painful. The lining of the vagina may also be thinner and drier.
- Painful pelvic exams: Speculums are designed to be inserted into the birth canal, which can be uncomfortable but usually not painful. If they do, stretchers can help relax the muscles before the exam if you’re tense.
Choosing the right type of vaginal dilator
There are several types of vaginal dilators, including plastic and medical grade silicone. The hardness and material can affect the feel during use. It is your choice to decide which type of dilators will work best for you.
How to use vaginal dilators
Using vaginal dilators can seem scary at first, but with proper guidance and practice, it can become a simple and painless procedure. It is important to follow the steps carefully and start with the smallest expander in the kit. It is also recommended to use a water-based lubricant for easier insertion.
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, this is 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 pee and get it out without pain or irritation – not a bit), you need to use the next size up.
- 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.
The importance of consistency
Consistency is key when using vaginal dilators. It is recommended to use them at least one to three times a week for 5-20 minutes each time. It may take some time, but with regular use, vaginal dilators can help keep the tissues flexible and reduce the pain and discomfort associated with penetration.
Where can I buy vaginal dilators? What size do I need?
The VuVa Dilator Company has one of the smallest and longest medical grade plastic dilators on the market. They have a range of 7 sizes and a video you can watch to help you determine the size you need.
Here are the seven sizes:
- Size 1 Length 4 inches Diameter 0.375 inches Circumference 1.17 inches
- Size 2 Length 4.5 inches Diameter .5 inches Circumference 1.57 inches
- Size 3 Length 5 inches Diameter 0.75 inches Circumference 2.35 inches
- Size 4 Length 5.25 inches Diameter 1 inch Circumference 3.14 inches
- Size 5 Length 5.75 inches Diameter 1.125 inches Circumference 3.53 inches
- Size 6 Length 6 inches Diameter 1.375 inches Circumference 4.32 inches
- Size 7 Length 6.5 inches Diameter 1.625 inches Circumference 5.09 inches
What are the best types of vaginal dilators?
Medical grade plastic dilators are known to be more comfortable than silicone dilators. They are smoother, softer and less irritating to the vaginal tissues when pulled in and out. It is often best to use fixed hard plastic dilators because fixed plastic dilators move and stretch the muscles around your vagina (your pelvic floor muscles) better than silicone dilators.
Plastic dilators are much easier to clean and maintain than silicone dilators. They are easy to clean and do not attract dust and other particles that stick to the silicone.
Plastic dilators are generally more economical than silicone dilators. As a result, it is a better choice for women who are on a tighter budget.
VuVa magnetic vaginal dilators include neodymium magnets inside the dilators to increase blood flow and reduce pain.
Results of clinical trials for magnetic dilators
VuVa Vaginal Dilators vs. Placebo Dilators: A Double Blind Placebo Study
- Eighty percent (80%) of study subjects reported a reduction in overall pain after using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators.
- Subjects using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average of thirty percent (30%) reduction in pain levels on a standardized tampon test, which is a way of clinically measuring pain associated with intercourse.
- The cotton test evaluates eleven (11) different locations of the vestibule of the vulva for pain. Eighty percent (80%) of the study subjects reported a reduction in the total number of sites after using the VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators.
- Subjects using VuVa™ magnetic vaginal dilators experienced an average of twenty-eight percent (28%) reduction in pain levels using a standardized cotton swab test, which is a non-invasive measurement of vaginal pain.
Overall stress associated with vaginal penetration is significantly reduced in all subjects.
Subjects report feeling more confident about their sexual health in the future after completing the study.
People report that the VuVa dilator treatment is not a painful treatment.
For Full Study CLICK HERE
conclusion
Vaginal dilators are a safe and effective form of therapy for people who experience pain or anxiety with contact or penetration. It is important to consult a healthcare professional who can provide guidance on the correct type and use of vaginal dilators for your particular situation. With consistency and patience, dilator therapy can greatly improve the quality of life for people with these problems. So consider talking to your doctor about using vaginal dilators as part of your treatment plan. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your sexual health and well-being. So don’t hesitate to explore all the options available to you for a better and more comfortable experience. Let vaginal dilators be a useful tool in your journey to a painless and pleasurable sex life! Check out our recommended products below for some of the best vaginal dilators on the market. Remember, always consult your doctor before using any new medical device.
By continuing to learn and educate ourselves about topics related to sexual health and wellness, we can break down stigmas and empower ourselves and others to live happier and healthier lives. Remember that each person’s experience is unique and valid, and it is important to seek professional help when needed.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before using new medical devices or treatments.
