Dialators

Hi Piglet1977and welcome!
Sorry to see you’re having issues with the dreaded dilators. I’ve yet to find anyone who enjoys using them! If your consultant thought you had not been using them properly, did he give you instructions on how you should be doing it? If not-he should have! 

The critical thing in their use, as I understood it, is to break up scar tissue and ensure that everything is kept open so that you can undergo internal examinations at future check ups especially if you are not having sex. So I don’t think it’s all about how far up it goes, but more about moving it around once it is up there!

Unfortunately scar tissue can build up and close your vagina, which is extremely difficult to reverse, even if at all, so it’s worth persevering. If you are using the ones provided by the nhs, you may find it easier to use another type-I see silicone ones recommended by ladies often as being more comfortable and easier to cope with-you can find these types on sites like Ann Summers. Though if you struggle with anything going there, it may still be difficult. Perhaps some counselling could help if you believe you have ptsd? 

I know they’re not nice, and horrible to use, but they do need to be used regularly to keep things open there. You still need to be able to have the internal checks, and it will be so much easier if you use them a few times a week.

I’m hoping that some of the other ladies might come along and post, since it’s a very long time since I used the dilators due to now having no vagina at all after surgery for my recurrent cancer.

Sarah xx

Hi Piglet....I hate the things!!  I try to use them twice a week for ten minutes but privacy and opportunity are a real problem... However I have just recently progressed to the largest size and it can get a little uncomfortable after around five minutes.  I started by using the size below for five minutes, and then changing to the largest size for the last five minutes but now I can manage just the largest.  I just can't manage the recommended three times a week for ten minutes each time but I really try for twice a week.  I agree with Sarah that anything that is breaking down the scar tissue is a good thing so just do it regularly even if you don't manage the ten minutes.  I sometimes only manage 7 or 8.  Good luck xxx

Hi Piglet1977

I struggled with the dilators but I gained some confidence with them after seeing a women's health physiotherapist who taught me step by step how to use them.  If interested you could ask your oncologist (or GP) to refer you.  

I don't know if it's so effective but I found a vibrator much easier and more pleasant to use than dilators.  I chose a vibrator that matched in size with the dilator I was using.  You could maybe alternate using a vibrator and dilators - check with your oncologist what their opinion is on the use of a vibrator for vagina 'rehab' .  I got my vibrator from Jo Divine who I consider sell good quality products: https://www.jodivine.com/