Vaginal Dilators: How They Can Help Improve Tolerance to Vaginal Penetration.
If penetration is painful, the idea of using a vaginal dilator may feel intimidating. But when used appropriately, vaginal dilators can be a helpful tool in pelvic floor physical therapy for gradually improving comfort with vaginal penetration (pain with gynecological exams, painful intercourse, pain with inserting tampons or menstrual cups).
What Are Vaginal Dilators?
Vaginal dilators (also called vaginal muscle trainers) are smooth, tube-shaped devices that come in a variety of sizes. They are commonly made of medical grade silicone. Dilators are typically used progressively, starting with a size that feels comfortable and gradually working toward larger sizes as your body becomes more comfortable.
Dilators are not meant to be painful. The goal is to help your pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues become more comfortable with gentle pressure and stretching. Think of it as a tool to help desensitize your pelvic floor muscles response to being stretched.
How Do Dilators Help?
When penetration has been painful, the pelvic floor muscles may tighten or contract as a protective response.
Dilator therapy can help by providing a controlled and gradual way to introduce pressure and stretching.
Depending on your individual needs, dilators may help you:
Improve your ability to relax your pelvic floor muscles
Gradually increase tolerance to vaginal penetration
Reduce sensitivity to touch or pressure
Become more comfortable with penetration during sexual activity or medical examinations
What Does Dilator Therapy Look Like?
Your pelvic floor physical therapist can help determine whether dilators are appropriate for you and teach you how to use them.
The process should not be forced. Mild stretching or pressure may be appropriate, but sharp, burning, or significant pain is a sign to pause and allow your body a chance to adapt. This is a gradual process and may take several days to weeks to move up to a different size dilator.
As your comfort improves, your physical therapist may recommend gradually progressing to a larger size.
Do I Have to Use Dilators?
No. Dilators are just one tool that may be used as part of pelvic floor physical therapy. Your treatment plan should be based on the underlying cause of your symptoms, your goals, and what feels appropriate for you.
Other treatments may include pelvic floor relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, hands-on treatment, or a pelvic wand.
Ask Your Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist if Dilators are For You.
A pelvic floor physical therapist can help you understand why you're experiencing pain and determine whether vaginal dilators or other treatment strategies may be helpful.
Remember to always perform dilator training under the direct supervision and direction of a pelvic floor physical therapist.