4 Benefits of Vaginal Dilator use
I have observed in medical charts and heard directly from patients that physicians prescribe vaginal dilators, but often with minimal to no direction. Consequently, when patients arrive in my clinic, the dilators are usually collecting dust because they didn’t know how to use them, felt intimidated, or were unsure why they were prescribed. Keep reading to discover the reason behind and the benefits of using vaginal dilators. Don’t forget to look over the tips on how to use them at the end.
Vaginal dilators are typically prescribed because someone is experiencing some type of pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.
Common diagnoses include vaginismus, endometriosis, vulvodynia, interstitial cystitis, and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. However, dilators are also commonly prescribed in post surgical cases such as pelvic organ prolapse reconstruction surgery, hysterectomy, or gender confirmation surgeries. Additionally, dilators can be beneficial post-radiation to reduce vaginal stenosis or post-partum to help with scar tissue or muscle tension reduction
The four benefits I have identified that assist individuals with pelvic floor muscle dysfunction are:
Muscle Stretch and Relaxation: Vaginal dilators can improve tissue quality and provide muscle stretch, facilitating relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. This enhanced tissue mobility reduces tension and enables individuals to engage in penetrative intercourse or comfortably use tampons.
Desensitization: Gradual exposure to dilators being inserted into the vaginal canal helps individuals reduce discomfort or pain. By gradually exposing them to pressure, touch, size, or movement, this process aids in decreasing anxiety related to pain during activities or regular sensations.
Scar Tissue Management: Individuals who have undergone surgery in or around the vaginal canal or pelvic cavity, or have received radiation therapy, can benefit from using dilators. Dilators help maintain vaginal canal width and length, as well as manage any adhesions resulting from scar tissue.
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: Dilators contribute to general exercise and awareness of the pelvic floor. Many individuals require feedback to understand how and where to contract their pelvic floor muscles effectively.
Vaginal dilators can be very intimidating, which is why they often end up in a drawer, unused. Below are some tips to help make dilators more comfortable and successful.
Here are three overarching guidelines I provide to patients to use vaginal dilators:
Familiarize yourself with the dilators. Before inserting them into the vaginal canal, check in with yourself to see how your feel about the dilators. Touch them and assess if they cause any anxiety. Remember, the purpose of the dilators is not to evoke negative feelings but to serve as a tool to reduce pelvic floor dysfunction
When using the dilators, aim to keep your pain levels below a 3/10 or at mild pain level. Pain tolerance varies from person to person.
Use the dilators for about 10 minutes per session, although it may take longer to reach a relaxed state. Prior to using the dilators, you can perform stretches or breathing exercises to help with relaxation.
If you still feel intimidated or are not experiencing success with using vaginal dilators, pelvic floor physical therapy can help guide you in meeting your individual needs and teach your specific strategies to make the dilators successful.
🚨 This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Perform any exercises at your own risk or consult a medical provider before starting an exercise program. 🚨
Dr. Susan Miller PT, DPT, is a licensed pelvic floor physical therapist and the owner of Lotus Core Physical Therapy in Colorado. She welcomes both in-person and telehealth appointments for Colorado residents, as well as coaching calls for clients residing out of state.
Book at www.lotuscorept.com
