Vaginal Dilator and/or Pelvic Floor Muscle Tone rehab Physical Therapy

I was told to wait till 4 weeks post treatment to use the vaginal dilator. 

My Doctor has had me use a dilator since day 1. So far, so good.  I am on my 4th week of treatments, and really don't have any side effects yet. I just have to be cautious of what I eat so I don't have diarrhea.  I started drinking Enterade a few days before starting treatments, and continue drinking it. It's not cheap, but I believe it's helping. 

OMG  there was no way I could have used a dilator during my treatment!!! If you read my post I'm still using the first tampon size after 2years. My Radiotherapy burns were both inside and out as many on this site will know and so NO I did not use a (trying not to swear) dialator) during treatment!

Just wondered why a dilator was not mentioned to me by my oncologist so iv never used one because I didn't no about them 

Yep me too but don't worry if you can't, got some catheter gels from my Dr to help as it can be a bit uncomfortable xxx

I'm astonished yet again at all the options that I never heard about! I started off at a disadvantage, as apparently my back passage is a pinhole. I couldn't take the anoscopy prior to diagnosis and had to be anesthetized for the exam and biopsy. Since then my gastroenterologist always whips out the anoscope (apparently y'all in England aren't subjected to this particular misery) and then gets frustrated with me because I just. Can't. Take it.

There's for sure some vaginal stenosis too. I'm able to very occasionally use the old girl as she's designed to be used, with no pain during sex, but almost always a few bad days for pain and some bleeding (anal) afterwards.

No one has ever mentioned or suggested dilators for either passage.

So I read all these messages with intense interest.

Thanks for bringing it up!

Suz

Hey Suz, here in the UK the dilator conversation usually come either towards the end or at the end of treatment. I had an appointment with a nurse in clinic & she provided me with a set of vaginal dilators of various sizes & told me to begin using them when things began feeling a bit more comfortable down below, smallest first working up size by size as & when it felt ok. The NHS ones are hard plastic but I’ve heard many women say they’ve gone on to buy silicone ones that have been much more comfortable to use. I think the key is to get a good water based lubricant to use & use plenty of it.

Nicola

Thanks to everybody for sharing their experiences. 

In my last week of treatment, which is now six weeks ago, anurse provided me with a Femmax dilator kit along with a chat and explanation of how to use it  The kit consists of four different sizes. Mine came courtesy of the NHS but I see they are available on Amazon. The advice was to wait until everything was feeling less sore. I waited three weeks and then took things very gradually. 

Of course the NHS will opt for utility but I can't help wondering why the plastic used couldn't be smoother? Yes, lots of lubricant and I find setting aside plenty of time to relax helps and then slowly and gently make the insertion. Small circular movements seem to help to prepare for the next size. I made good progress with the first three sizes but I'm now finding the largest one way too challenging. 

Prior to diagnosis I was enjoying an active sex life even though I'm in my mid sixties. My partner has been throughout and continues to be patient and understanding but I'm wondering if our intimate relationship will ever be the way it once was. 

Do I just need to persevere? Any advice gratefully received. 

Hi Stella

I too was given the plastic dilators by the nurse and started using after my 6 week check up when Oncologist said I must start! It took me 3 months to get to the third size and definitely won't be using the largest - no way! It doesnt help that they are so hard and the end is as wide as rest!!  Still feel a bit sore using the third size and I am 6 months post treatment!

My nurse on my last catch up call suggested Jo Devine's website where you can purchase YES lubricants and moisurisers. I have bought both and they are much better than the lubricant provided by the hospital. If you look around the website there is some good info on the blogs and you can buy silicone dilators (among other things - say no more!)

I am in my 60s same as you was having an active sex life with my hubby but just cannot imagine when we will again! Just cuddles for now!. 

So sorry no further advice but you're not on your own!

Carole x

You're still awfully early on, Stells. I'm happy to say my husband is also patient and supportive about it all, and when we do (weeks between romps as of yet) it's terrific. I'm not even sure the pain afterwards is due to the fun, as pain and bleeding also randomly show up when there ain't no action.

I say persevere.

Hugs

Suz