Vaginal dilators

Hi AsLu,

I learned about dilators here on this site. No one at my cancer center even mentioned them let alone siggested them.

I had some vaginal stenosis for sure, along with the predictable anal. Our early efforts were super careful and slow. Two plus years out, and things are fine now, although I still need to go carefully and slowly so as not to annoy the perennially fragile skin down yonder. 

I thought it was just a British thing, but since I've joined the Facebook support page, I see most patients here in the States are familiar with the whole dilator conversation. It just seems to have skipped me.

I'm sure more helpful folks will weigh in!

Hugs

Suz

Hello AsLu24

My anus took the brunt of the radiotherapy and I was left with stenosis leading to an elective stoma.  My husband and I did try sex but never achieved penetration, the skin in the perineum split.  I am ever hopeful that over time the area will toughen up!

Irene xx

Hi , 

I started the dilators 2 weeks after treatment , every other day for 10 mins .. I’m 8 weeks post and on the next to biggest one … i make a cup of tea , relax , and take time to rotate gently … don’t be in a rush to get to the finish line , 

take care 

Chrissie xx

Hi there,

I am almost three years post treatment and my vagina is almost completely sealed up. I may not have used the dilators as often as I should have, but I found it quite painful. I bought a set of silicon ones as I thought it was the hard plastic I was struggling with. I found the skin inside was very delicate and bled easily. We have given up on sex for now and TBH I'm not sure how that's going to change.

I would say listen to how they tell you to use them, and follow their instructions. I might just be in a situation of my own making.

Hi Aslu, I was given them 6 weeks post treatment. Was doing ok but then had really heavy period for 2 weeks! Just started again and have got to one from largest. However, tried to have sex for first time n there was no way that was going in lol!! Im 12 weeks post treatment now. Just have to go slowly, n be patient I think, good luck hun x