Vaginal dilators they come in many shapes, sizes and even colors. They look like a phallic shape, like tampons and can be plastic or silicone. They vary in length and thickness and are used to stretch your vaginal tissue. If you have pain during sex, pelvic floor dysfunction, menopause, or have had gender confirmation surgery, dilators may be recommended.
What is the purpose of dilators?
The dilators work to gradually make the vagina more flexible, strengthening the pelvic muscles to make penetration more comfortable.
One of the most popular treatment plans for creeka condition that causes involuntary muscle spasms and leads to painful sexis the use of expanders.
Dilator therapy, when used correctly, can lead to relaxation and improvements in tightness and can help the patient towards a better, healthier and safer sex life.
So, let’s dive into the vagina and why dilators could be the cure you’ve been waiting for.
What is Vaginismus?
Before we learn about dilators, let’s learn about the condition they can treat.
Urinary incontinence is classified as dyspareuniawhich is painful intercourse that is long and repeated. It is unclear how many women struggle with vaginal yeast infections due to a misdiagnosis or misunderstanding by a doctor and patients who do not discuss their pain with their doctor.
A 2016 study said that 12% of women in the US sexual pain disordersincluding coveting, while another literary work wrote this .5%-1% of women have vaginal discharge. However, women suffer and many suffer in silence.
The main symptoms of sinusitis are tight muscles, preventing anything and everything from entering the vagina. If something is forced in, it can sting and burn, possibly leading to tearing and further pain.
Pain may occur when inserting a tampon, inserting a finger, sex toy or penis. Some people may feel pain if an object is near the vagina due to the fear of penetration. The vagina is uncontrollable, meaning that even if someone wants to have sex, the muscles can contract and tighten regardless of the desire.
The cause of sinusitis is not always obvious to either the patient or the doctor, which means it can be a frustrating situation, leaving the patient at a loss as to how to find a cure.
Some reasons may be anxiety around sex, a traumatic experience with sexsexual assault, abuse, medical exam gone wrong, giving birthnegative thoughts about sex or a painful situation unrelated to sex.
How to use a dilator
Dilators are usually used at home without a prescription from a pharmacy or online site. However, you can also use one with your own physical therapist or doctor.
Expanders are available in a package and range from 2 inches to 7 inches in length and 0.5-1.5 inches in thickness. No matter how confident you are, don’t start with the biggest dilators when you start your treatment. It is better to start slow and smallreaching up to the largest expander in the case.
Don’t rush or force sizes, take your time with each size so you are comfortable and pain free. If you can start with just the tip of the smaller dilator for a week, that’s perfectly fine. It’s a slow process that can potentially be very rewarding.
Dilators come in silicone and plastic – many people have to figure out their preferences. Plastic is usually tight and hard, which can help stretch the vagina faster, however, silicone is softer and softer. It’s also more flexible, meaning it won’t cause as much pain.
Patients can also purchase magnetic dilators, which are made of plastic but have a magnet inside that helps increase blood flow inside the vagina.
If you’re overwhelmed with options – and since dilators aren’t cheap – see your healthcare provider for recommendations or to get an exam to see which option would work best for your body.
How to install a dilator
First, remember that this process can be a little unsettling or uncomfortable at first. The whole process will not take more than 20 minutes, but listen to your body. If you can only do 2-5 minutes, then that’s perfectly fine.
- Create a comfortable space. Prop up pillows, light some candles, put on some relaxing music or your favorite TV show.
- Make sure you have a water-based lube, not an oil-based lube, and that you start with your smallest expander.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent.
- Starting with the smallest expander, insert it slowly. If it causes pain, stop. Don’t force it. If you just need to hold the expander close to the opening, that’s enough. As long as your body is comfortable with the feeling of something being inserted or about to be inserted.
- If you can insert the dilator halfway or all the way in, sit there for 5-10 minutes with it in place. Move it slowly and lightly.
- Don’t forget to breathe! Using long, deep breaths can calm anxiety.
- Gently remove the expander and clean it with warm soapy water. Let it air dry until you use it again the next day.
With enough patience, you will eventually increase in size and be able to graduate using a penis, sex toy, or strap-on. For some it may take several weeks, while for others it may take months or years.
Dilators carry no risk, but a common side effect is light, pink bleeding. If you experience heavy bleeding that lasts more than 24 hours, contact your doctor for further evaluation.
Alternative vaginal treatments
In addition to dilator therapy, patients should consider various other forms of treatment or therapy. Typically, dilators cannot resolve a hernia on their own and multiple exercises should be used to recover from the condition.
Other treatment plans include psychosexual therapy, where a therapist can help the patient understand their feelings about their body, and sex or physical therapy for exercises at home.
In addition to these exercises, expanders must also be used coupled with recovery.
In general, sex should not hurt. If you feel pain during intercourse, it could be a vaginitis or another condition. Talking to your healthcare provider can help rule out any serious conditions.
Vaginal dilators can help you recover from tight vaginal muscles and will ultimately lead to natural lubrication and a huge improvement in your budding and promising sex life.
