Dilators

I've just read online that the Amielle Care have been designed for after radiotherapy hence why not tapered like the Amielle Comfort. I would however still like to know if anyone knows of any increased risk of UTI's or yeast infections with use of the silicone dilators if they know please xx

Hi Debs P 

I stuck with the standard nhs ones and thought they were awful and very uncomfortable. I read about lots of ladies on other groups buying the silicone ones and haven’t read any reports of infections. 

When you’re using the silicone ones after treatment, each session is for a very short time, whereas in their normal usage (for other purposes) they might be used more often and for longer. If I had still needed to use them I personally would buy the silicone ones and be scrupulous about cleaning them.

Sarah xx

Hi SarahH21. Thank you very much your your speedy response. I will continue having a look at the silicone ones then. Hope you're ok and thank you again for your support xx

The ones we get are so horrible and I know it’s off putting to use them because I felt like that.

I would have preferred something more comfortable and if still had my vagina, I’d have been using them for up to 2 years, so would have bought the silicone ones.

Sarah xx

Would you? Thank you for being so supportive especially with what you've been through. I'm really so grateful for all your advice. Xx

I absolutely would have if I had been continuing long term with them as was planned. I think we go through enough with treatment and then have to use dilators to ensure the radiotherapy we had doesn’t cause us permanent damage.

I used to use mine a couple of times a week, and long term I would have wanted to feel at least comfortable doing that. I just didn’t get the chance.

Sarah xx

Hi all,

I'm at the stage that in a few weeks I will need to start using the dialators and I'm dreading it, this last stage of treatment is bad enough, intellectually I know it's happening to make me better but physically and emotionally it's very traumatic for me.  So knowing that for the next 2 years I have to endure this is very daunting, but piecing together your journey Sarah (I've also been told this may happen to me), I think I can live with it.  Stay strong ladies 

Hi Sarah

1. So I took your advice and bought a couple of the silicone dilators. I looked at various reviews. Some said they had a strong smell, others that the silicone wasn't as smooth as others. Some said they were medical grade silicone, but one woman's husband disputed that as he works with the company in China that makes them so I didnt go for those just in case. Anyway I opted for the intimate rose ones. They are a bit pricy though especially as I'm unable to work at the minute, but I guessed as I'll be using them for years it'll be an investment in my health. Definitely a better experience than those plastic ones the hospital gave me. The ends slightly more tounded too and no strong smell of plastic at all. Also I put it in warm water to heat it up a bit (obviously not too hot) and that also felt a bit more comfortable. I based the sizes that I ordered on 2 of the nearest ones I've been using in the ameille care pack. Hope that helps others that might be deciding whether to buy silicone dilators. Anyway as always thank you for your advice. Very much appreciated x 

Hi Mojosma

I'm not sure where you're at in your treatment, but I' finished my treatment 4 weeks ago. So my hospital attended a seminar about when to start using the dilators. I was given mine 2 weeks into my external beam radiotherapy to begin using for a few minutes each day. I think part of the reason is to get used to them before the brachytherapy which I'm glad I did. I know other hospitals give different advice on when to begin, but I thought I'd share my experience. I also watched some helpful YouTube clips on using them and one gave a good tip about deep breathing to relax you beforehand hand. I hope this helps  xx

Hi Debs P 

I’m glad you’ve managed to get something suitable-I’ve seen that company recommended by other ladies. 

Thanks for sharing your advice-it will be very helpful for other ladies to read this I’m sure. Anything better than the nhs ones is a bonus! I have read of other ladies being given their set after treatment had finished but I was given mine about halfway through my radiotherapy as you were. 

Hope you’re finding it easier to deal with your new ones.

Sarah xx