We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Procedures

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Vaginal Dilator?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 57,940
Share

A vaginal dilator is a tool used to enlarge the vagina. Tissues in the vagina can change over time, as well as due to some medical treatments and conditions. These changes can make activities like sexual intercourse or gynecological exams uncomfortable or even painful. A medical professional may recommend that a woman use a vaginal dilator to help expand the vaginal tissues to a more normal size, helping to alleviate this discomfort.

Different medical conditions can cause a woman's vagina to shorten or become more narrow. Vaginal surgery, radiation treatments, and conditions like vaginismus and vulvar vestibulitus may all be treated with a vaginal dilator to help open and expand the vagina and make penetration more comfortable. In cases where surgery has caused the vagina to narrow, a dilator may be recommended to keep the tissues pliable and healthy.

Dilators are typically made of medical-grade plastic and include a tapered or rounded tip to allow for a smooth insertion. Some vaginal dilators include a separate handle or grip to make it easier to hold the device in place. They may also be available in different sizes so that a woman can start with the smallest dilator and slowly work her way up to larger sizes over time as her vagina relaxes and expands.

Using a vaginal dilator is not difficult, but may be uncomfortable for some women. Before the dilator is used, it should be washed with soap and water, or as recommended by the manufacturer, and rinsed thoroughly. A water-soluble lubricant may be applied to the tip; this will allow the device to be inserted more comfortably, especially since the vaginal tissues may be dry. The woman should lie down on her back with her knees up and apart, and try to relax as much as possible.

She should then insert the vaginal dilator to the depth and for the length of time recommended by her doctor, which will vary depending on the woman and the condition for which she is being treated. For example, the dilator may be inserted as far as comfortably possible and left for 20 to 30 seconds, then removed and the process repeated several times over a 10 or 15 minute period. Although using the dilator may feel strange or be slightly uncomfortable, it should not cause serious pain; if it does, a medical professional should be consulted. The dilator should be washed again after use.

Many women experience slight bleeding or discharge after using a vaginal dilator, which is normal as the tissues are stretched. This may occur every time the dilator is used, but if a woman is concerned, she should talk to her doctor about it. In cases where use of a vaginal dilator is suggested, regular follow up visits are usual; it is typically recommended that a woman not use the dilator for several days before a pelvic exam.

The dilator should be used for as long as is recommended by the woman's medical provider. For some conditions, only short-term treatment may be needed, but for surgery and radiation patients, it is often necessary to use the dilator regularly for several years. Early in treatment, the dilator should often be used every day, sometimes for a month or more. This may be decreased to several times a week after the first month, and may continue for two years or longer to keep the vagina healthy.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Jan 27, 2014

My doctor prescribed me a set of vaginal dilators. Did anyone here know that they are available by prescription? It may not be necessary to buy vaginal dilators, but it depends on the insurance company.

I'm so glad I am being treated with these. I was very depressed about my sexual life before I spoke to my doctor because intercourse was very painful. I've never had children, I'm in menopause and I was sexually inactive for many years. So when I recently started a relationship, I had to face a not so good surprise. Thankfully, there is a treatment and it's actually very easy. If anyone out there is having the same issues, please don't be scared to tell your doctor about it.

By SarahGen — On Jan 26, 2014

@donasmrs-- I have never heard of anyone using a vaginal dilator during pregnancy. I don't think that would be safe. Ask your gynecologist to be sure.

I'm using a vaginal dilator to treat vaginal tightness, a problem that I've been dealing with for several years. The dilator I have comes in different sizes so I can start with the smallest size and slowly move up sizes when I'm ready. I use them three or four times a week for five to ten minutes each time depending on my comfort level. I have moved up to the third size now, so it's definitely working.

There is some slight pain when moving up to a larger size, but it does not last long. I also have not experienced any discharge or major discomfort. I would not be using these if I did. I do use a vaginal lubricant cream to prevent irritation.

My gynecologist recommended the specific dilator I'm using. Everyone should speak to their gynecologist first before trying a vaginal dilator.

By donasmrs — On Jan 26, 2014

Can a vaginal dilator be used before natural birth to make the process easier? Is this safe?

Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-a-vaginal-dilator.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.