Vaginal Dilators
What is a Vaginal Dilator
A vaginal dilator is a device that’s used to stretch the vagina. They’re usually made of plastic or silicone and come in kits with graduated sizes. They often come in kits that includes different size dilators ranging from small (about the size of a finger) to large. Whether you use harder plastic or silicone will depend on recommendations from your health professional, and personal reasons for needing vaginal dilator therapy.
A vaginal dilator is a device that’s used to stretch the vagina. They’re usually made of plastic or silicone and come in kits with graduated sizes. They often come in kits that includes different size dilators ranging from small (about the size of a finger) to large. Whether you use harder plastic or silicone will depend on recommendations from your health professional, and personal reasons for needing vaginal dilator therapy.
The amount of time you will need to do vaginal dilator therapy depends on many factors, working with Dr Petrina or your chosen health provider will assist you in determining the effectiveness of the therapy.
Vaginal dilator therapy is extensively used in the following scenarios and conditions.
Vaginal dilator therapy is extensively used in the following scenarios and conditions.
Menopause
After menopause many women experience dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Associated with a drop in oestrogen, the tissues in the vagina and surrounding area become thinner and dryer, making women suffer from vulvovaginal atrophy or VVA. This is the most common form of dyspareunia in women over 50. As well as dryness, during post-menopause sex, many women experience sexual pain, tightness and an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Continued experience without treatment can trigger performance anxiety and possible pelvic floor myalgia (involuntary tightening of the women’s pelvic floor) or even vaginismus. The regular use of vaginal dilators can be helpful.
After menopause many women experience dyspareunia (painful intercourse). Associated with a drop in oestrogen, the tissues in the vagina and surrounding area become thinner and dryer, making women suffer from vulvovaginal atrophy or VVA. This is the most common form of dyspareunia in women over 50. As well as dryness, during post-menopause sex, many women experience sexual pain, tightness and an uncomfortable burning sensation.
Continued experience without treatment can trigger performance anxiety and possible pelvic floor myalgia (involuntary tightening of the women’s pelvic floor) or even vaginismus. The regular use of vaginal dilators can be helpful.
Vaginal Stenosis
Vaginal stenosis is the narrowing and/or loss of flexibility of the vagina, and it occurs as a side effect of radiotherapy and/or genital surgery. In most cases, it’s also accompanied by the dryness and loss of resilience of scar tissue.
Vaginal stenosis is the narrowing and/or loss of flexibility of the vagina, and it occurs as a side effect of radiotherapy and/or genital surgery. In most cases, it’s also accompanied by the dryness and loss of resilience of scar tissue.
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is the involuntary spasm of a woman’s pelvic floor muscles which surround the vagina. These spasms can be so severe that the vagina closes, leading to dyspareunia and sometimes even an inability to have penetrative sex, painful tampon insertion and difficult and painful pelvic examinations. Progressive dilator therapy, often with the help of a physiotherapist, helps women learn to relax these muscles.
Vaginismus is the involuntary spasm of a woman’s pelvic floor muscles which surround the vagina. These spasms can be so severe that the vagina closes, leading to dyspareunia and sometimes even an inability to have penetrative sex, painful tampon insertion and difficult and painful pelvic examinations. Progressive dilator therapy, often with the help of a physiotherapist, helps women learn to relax these muscles.
Dyspareunia
Dyspareunia is a feeling of pain during or after sexual intercourse. It is sometimes confused with vaginismus, but it is different, as in vaginismus the pain is caused by involuntary spasms of the pelvic muscles which surround the vagina.
Dyspareunia is a feeling of pain during or after sexual intercourse. It is sometimes confused with vaginismus, but it is different, as in vaginismus the pain is caused by involuntary spasms of the pelvic muscles which surround the vagina.
Vuvlodynia
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes discomfort with any kind of pressure or touch to the area surrounding the vagina. This condition is known by several different names such as vestibulodynia, vulvar vestibulitis syndrome and recently as localised, provoked vulvodynia.
Vulvodynia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes discomfort with any kind of pressure or touch to the area surrounding the vagina. This condition is known by several different names such as vestibulodynia, vulvar vestibulitis syndrome and recently as localised, provoked vulvodynia.
Postpartum Pain
Many new mothers experience painful intercourse. It is extremely common but needn't be a chronic ongoing problem. Dr Petrina will check and assess for any causative factors. Your chosen health provider should rule out any complications post birth with yourself and as deemed necessary treat. For too long women's comfort has been a secondary consideration.
Many new mothers experience painful intercourse. It is extremely common but needn't be a chronic ongoing problem. Dr Petrina will check and assess for any causative factors. Your chosen health provider should rule out any complications post birth with yourself and as deemed necessary treat. For too long women's comfort has been a secondary consideration.
Radiation Therapy
Cancer radiation therapy to the pelvic area can reduce vaginal health and effect sexual performance and enjoyment. The scarring that occurs after pelvic radiation can shorten or even narrow the vagina. Vaginal dilators may promote an active and enjoyable sex life as well as facilitating a reduction in the development of adherent scar tissue forming.
Cancer radiation therapy to the pelvic area can reduce vaginal health and effect sexual performance and enjoyment. The scarring that occurs after pelvic radiation can shorten or even narrow the vagina. Vaginal dilators may promote an active and enjoyable sex life as well as facilitating a reduction in the development of adherent scar tissue forming.
Chemotherapy
Women undergoing chemotherapy for cancer will often experience symptoms of early menopause. Some chemotherapy medications irritate all mucous membranes in the body, including the lining of the vagina, which may become dry and inflamed. Vaginal dilator therapy with appropriate consideration and application of a lubricant can assist.
Women undergoing chemotherapy for cancer will often experience symptoms of early menopause. Some chemotherapy medications irritate all mucous membranes in the body, including the lining of the vagina, which may become dry and inflamed. Vaginal dilator therapy with appropriate consideration and application of a lubricant can assist.
Mullerian Agenesis
Mullerian Agenesis is a rare congenital condition that is characterised by the abnormal development of the vagina and uterus. First-line treatment usually consists of a non-surgical approaches. This is usually utilising progressively-sized vaginal dilators to gradually expand the vaginal opening. If surgery is necessary, vaginal dilators are useful in post operative treatment.
Mullerian Agenesis is a rare congenital condition that is characterised by the abnormal development of the vagina and uterus. First-line treatment usually consists of a non-surgical approaches. This is usually utilising progressively-sized vaginal dilators to gradually expand the vaginal opening. If surgery is necessary, vaginal dilators are useful in post operative treatment.
