By Jane Silverstein
What are vaginal dilators? Vaginal dilators or vaginal trainers are often made of medical grade silicone and resemble the shape of a penis but not
anatomically correct. The vaginal dilators come in pretty pastel color, similar to body tissue, and get larger with each size. A woman’s pinky finger is the smallest size and the biggest size is very large, erect penis.
Vaginal dilators are used at home and are a therapeutic device. They are inserted into the
vagina with lubricant to help train the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles to relax. Then,
stretch and expand.
Dyspareunia or painful sex is the most common reason to start using vaginal dilators. Inserting
dilators several times a week and gradually moving up in size can help the vagina relax and
stretch so that intercourse is no longer painful. There are tools available to stop the
pain cycle.
Women may experience painful intercourse due to lower estrogen levels that occur with
menopause. Women diagnosed with cancer and receiving radiation and chemotherapy may
experience intercourse pain. Often these treatments cause changes to the vaginal tissue as well as the development of scar tissue. Women suffering with Endometriosis, Vulvar Pain Conditions, Vaginismus, and MRKH Syndrome may benefit from dilator use as well as young mothers experiencing continued pelvic pain after childbirth. A pelvic floor physical
therapist can help you determine if vaginal dilators are right for you.
What is the difference between a silicone dilator other dilators?
Silicone is a body safe material that is both sturdy and pliable. Many medical products are made of silicone. It is the perfect material for this product as it resembles body tissue. Whereas other dilators might be made of a hard plastic or compound, silicone dilators can slightly bend. Silicone vaginal
dilators are beneficial because this slight bend and wiggle can allow for women to have a more comfortable insertion. They are also less intimate than hard plastic dilators. This is helpful to a woman who already has pain issues.
While silicone dilators are more pliable, they still hold their shape and structural integrity, allowing the user to dilate properly. Silicone is also really easy to clean. They can be washed with warm soapy water and air dried. They can also be dried using a hair dryer. For a deep cleaning place silicone dilators in boiling water. When using a vaginal dilator, be sure to clean your dilator with mild soap and water before and after use.
Many women find that running the dilator under warm water makes insertion easier and more comfortable as it retains the heat for a while. This is more comfortable than inserting a cold dilator.
It is important to always use a good quality water-based lubricant with your dilator. The World Health Organization researched lubricants and found that some of the common brands you find in your local retail pharmacy or big box store often cause dryness of the vaginal tissue. Find a
brand that has a PH level and osmolality level close to that of vaginal tissue. When using the lubricant always be generous and put lubricant on the dilator as well as your vulva. It is important to remember that you cannot use a silicone lubricant with a silicone dilator as it will
eventually damage the integrity of the material.
Vaginal dilators have helped millions of women achieve better pelvic floor health. Contact your health care provider with any questions regarding your pelvic health.
About the Author: Jane Silverstein
Jane Silverstein is the owner of Soul Source Therapeutic Devices located in Los Angeles.
She is committed to women’s health issues and to helping women worldwide regain and/ or maintain their sexual health. She is passionate about helping others and has always been involved in a multitude of charitable causes.
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