Pelvic radiotherapy - vaginal dilation

I was struggling with the second size and someone suggested starting with the smallest and then after a couple of minutes try the second one. That worked for me. But the third size was overwhelming until someone suggested trying a vibrator instead. I found an old one that was pretty much the same size as number 3 but the difference was a slighlomore tapered point. That worked better and although it was a bit of a struggle at first there wasn’t any pain. Maybe give that a try. xx

Hello podgeeadb9e1 

Ah yes - THAT kit!  I have one of those too.  I needed dilators for anal dilation and I had a look online and ended up first trying silicon ones on Amazon which are very very cheap.   They are really extremely soft and would probably bend if pushed too hard.  I use them - well the smallest one - but can't get past the smallest size.  They are more pointed than the NHS equivalent but not sharp. 

Sorry, I only tried vaginal dilators in the beginning but my main problem is extremely fragile skin.  I hope others come up with better solutions for you.

Good luck

Irene xx

Ann, 

I bought some soft silicone dilators but still found them difficult and so kind of kept putting it off. When I did try again I think I had formed a lot of scar tissue. My advice would be keep going, even if it's just with the small ones.

As Crystaltipps has suggested, using a small vibrator is also quite effective and a bit more enjoyable (!). I don't know which moisturiser you are using, but I would think about using proper vaginal lube when using the dilators, or the vibrator, and keep the moisturiser for everyday use. My GP has given me some oestrogen pessaries called Vagifem and they help with lubrication a lot too.

Don't give up tho, even if the smaller ones are all you can manage. xxxx

Hi

I bought some silicone dilators but found them really hard..

I bought another small vibrator from Anne summers which was much better..

I then had a trip out to look at a diffrent one.. its trial and error to see which one makes you feel the most comfortable.. 

I also bought YES water based lubricant which is much better..

Dont put too much pressure on youself.. im a year in recovery and its still a little painful...

I hope you manage to find something that is not so painful for you  x

Hello Ann

I'm three years out now and after lots and lots of perseverance I can finally take the largest dilator. I do feel for you. I remember how challenging those early days can be. Don't give up. 

I found the huge game changer for me was the use of Estriol 1mg cream. It comes with a long syringe. Inserting it about half an hour before attempting to insert my dilator made the whole experience much easier and less painful. Your doctor should prescribe it or it is available online. 

Also, through Maggie's, I attended an Intimacy With Cancer workshop which was hugely helpful. 

Hope that helps. 

S xxx