Dilators

Hi Yonie, like you I didn't try the dilators until about 8-10 weeks after treatment as I was so sore and could not face it. At first, only the second dilator fit but not the third.  It took some weeks to work up to the largest size. Lots of sugar free lube is needed so as not to cause thrush.  I use Yes water based lubricant) before I could squeeze the largest size up there and resume having sex.    I also use Yes vaginal moisturiser throughout the week -this doesn't come with an applicator so I had to buy one online. My GP prescribes both for me.  You could always ask your GP if it comes in a pessary form.   Unfortunately, the end of treatment I think has coincided with the menopause which is causing vaginal dryness-not helpful!  The hard plastic dilators provided to us at the end of treatment are not great, I have heard silicone ones are better. Hopefully someone can comment on this issue as I haven't personally used them myself.

You could ask to be referred to a woman's health physiotherapist. Quite some time ago I watched a webinar from the Anal Cancer Foundation in the USA and they covered the topic of vaginal stenosis. One of the speakers was a women's health physiotherapist who  provided treatment to palpate and gently stretch the vaginal muscles.   I would consider speaking to your GP  about a referral.  Hope this helps.  Bev 

Hi Yonie, I am more or less post treatment where you are at now. I started using intimate rose silicone dilators which I purchased from Amazon which are the first size set of four. I was considering buying the next set up but they are not cheap! I read on a American cancer website that some hard dilators are too wide at the tip to insert which I think is the case with the British dilators they give you after your treatment. I too cannot insert the largest of the plastic as the tip seems too large and I am not going to force it. What the pelvic floor therapist say is that the hard plastic ones are more effective at stretching than the silicone but if you cannot get them in at all then you are not going to stretch. I wonder if hard dilators that have a tapered edge  would be better? I am going to ask my oncologist when I see her at the end of this month. Either that or I am going to get the next sizes up of the silicone ones which have been really comfortable and easy to use. I hope this is helpful

Hi Yonie I’m 5 months post treatment. I bought the silicone version as had heard the plastic ones weren’t so kind!  I bought these ones, they’re really tapered which helps and room temp so not cold! 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Inspire-Silicone-Dilator-Graduated-Strength/dp/B01CYQCNUW

Theyre very very comfortable to use. I haven’t even attempted the biggest (I’ve been a bit lazy!)  size yet but have worked my way through the others. However I’d say that if you’re having trouble don’t forget that maybe use this with your partner as natural arousal probably helps a whole lot more than just us in our own with some lubricant! You’re bound to be more relaxed. 

I also use the YES lubricant as recommended by everyone. To be fair my sudden drop into full menopause has put me right off all that shenanigans so it’s last on my list of things to do. I’m just going to take things slowly. 

Good luck x 

thank you so much, I've used your link and ordered them, I have also ordered pessaries from Boots , Balance Activ for menopause,you put one in every evening so I hope this helps with the stretching, I have also gone into the menopause and sex is the last thing on my mind but I don't want this issue to become a permanent one,my Oncologist said if I've not sorted it with in 2 years then it will be permanent. thank you again 

Oh yes! I meant to say the Balance Activ pessaries are fantastic. They do two types, I use both. Interesting info re the 2 years. I’d better stop being lazy and use them!  Fingers crossed xx