Hello all, I’m after some advice about vaginal dilators.
I had endometrial cancer with radical surgery in 2020. My vagina was shortened during the surgery because the cervix was removed.
All went well, although I have been a bit sore. However all is extremely tight around the vaginal opening, and I can’t take more than digital penetration during intimacy, although it was fine in 2023. I am able to apply YES vaginal moisturiser. I can’t use oestrogen because my cancer was hormone dependent.
I saw my gynaecologist this week, and she said that there was some thinning, irritation and atrophy at the opening. Inside things are normal and flexible. She has prescribed some steroid cream and suggested using large diameter but short vaginal dilators. She suggested looking these up on the internet.
Does anyone have any experience or advice for me? I’m not really sure where to start with this.
Hi Mum60
I had pelvic radiotherapy for endometrial cancer in 2022.
It is normal for vaginal dilators to be used afterwards to prevent stenosis and atrophy.
This link has some info about how to use them.
I was given femax dilators on the NHS by the radiotherapy consultant. You can also buy these via Amazon. The NHS ones are hard plastic but there are other alternatives that are made from silicone that can be more comfortable. There are likely to be other places to be able to purchase them however there is a good selection on Amazon and it may be an idea to have a look to see if any might be suitable. If you type in vaginal dilators it will come up with different options.
Hopefully the dilators will help but if not you could ask whether it is worth being referred to a physiotherapist who specialises in pelvic floor to see if any exercises etc may help.
You could also give the Support Line a call and talk to one of the nurses for further advice.
Jane
