The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Dilators for Vaginal Atrophy – Vuvatech

Vaginal atrophy, or atrophic vaginitis, occurs due to a decrease in estrogen levels, which leads to dryness, inflammation and thinning of the vaginal walls. Symptoms often include itching, burning and pain during intercourse. It is a condition that is not only physically uncomfortable but can also affect emotional well-being and intimacy.

Symptoms associated with Vaginal Atrophy, also known as GSM, are often uncomfortable and can vary greatly from person to person. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Itching in the genital or vulva area
• Dryness in the vulva and vaginal areas
• Increased cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Painful contact
• Light bleeding after sexual activity
• Unusual tightening of the vagina
• Frequent urination or an urgent need to urinate
• Decreased natural lubrication during intercourse

Don’t dismiss these signs. It is important to recognize and treat any discomfort associated with atrial atrophy.

Vaginal dilators are medical devices designed to stretch the vaginal muscles, relieve discomfort and facilitate easier and less painful intercourse. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials, offering a non-invasive way to treat and manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy.

When choosing a vaginal dilator, consider:

1. Size: Starting with a size that feels comfortable is vital, with the option to move up to larger sizes as needed. Here is a size chart for reference.
2. Material: Plastic dilators allow for magnets inside that create blood flow and help with natural lubrication. Plastic expanders are easy to clean. Make sure they are made in the USA with FDA approved material for your safety.
3. Comfort: Look for dilators with a smooth surface to ensure the most comfortable experience.

Several brands stand out on the market for their quality and effectiveness:

1. VuVa™ Magnetic Vaginal Dilators: This brand’s unique magnetic technology was shown in a double-blind placebo study to significantly reduce pain and discomfort for 80% of participants. Users experienced a 30% reduction in pain levels during a standardized tampon test, indicating a significant improvement in pain associated with intercourse.
2. Other brands: While this post focuses on VuVa™ due to its evidence-based success, there are many other options available. It is important to research and find what best suits your individual needs.

Instructions before using VuVa™ vaginal dilators

1. 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

2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

9. Wash vaginal dilators after use with mild, unscented soap and warm water. Let them air dry. (2)

Use a VuVa™ vaginal dilator the same size as 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.

Everyone is different. You need to have sex or stretch to keep the muscles from atrophying as you get older. If you have pain-free intercourse more often, it may not need to be dilated as much or at all. Your body will let you know if you should continue and how much you need. Some have more severe atrophy than others, so let your body guide you. If you have Vaginismus/Vulvodynia nerve pain or tightness, you may need to use it every time before intercourse, but some others may not need to use it at all once the pain subsides. Everyone has different nerve pain pathways and triggers that cause good days and bad days. Let your body tell you how much to stretch for your maintenance program.

In addition to dilator therapy, consider:

• Pelvic floor treatment: Regular visits with a pelvic floor therapist can help with atrophic vaginitis.
• Additional treatments: Discuss other treatments such as estrogen therapy with your healthcare provider.
• Regular checks: Keep in touch with your healthcare provider to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

The Mayo Clinic emphasizes the importance of vaginal dilators in treating atrophy, stating, “If painful sex is a concern, vaginal dilators may relieve vaginal discomfort by stretching the vagina.” They recommend dilators as an effective nonhormonal treatment option, possibly in addition to estrogen therapy for severe symptoms. (1)

Vaginal atrophy doesn’t have to define your sexual health or reduce your quality of life. With the right dilator, a consistent routine and support from health professionals, you can regain comfort and confidence. The VuVa™ Magnetic Vaginal Dilators study offers promising evidence that with the right approach, pain and discomfort can be significantly reduced, leading to a more positive outlook on sexual health.

Whether you’re exploring dilator therapy for the first time or want to switch brands, remember that you’re taking a powerful step toward better vaginal health.

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