Vaginal dilators- advice please

Hi, I’d suggest looking on Amazon at “silicone dilators” and checking the lengths - there’s a few sets I can see there which might be suitable if you used the bigger diameter ones. 

A good water-based lubricant like Sylk is also important.

Another thing that might be worth considering is a silicon vibrator with a large head and using it on the labia and vaginal opening/clitoral area as part of foreplay. That may help dilation. 

Thanks so much

Hi again

Good place to post your question as most ladies on here who have had radiotherapy will have been advised to use dilators. 

Mine were given to me by the hospital and they came in 4 sizes. The idea is that you start with the narrower one and then slowly work up to using the next size. The hospital ones have a slightly rounded end but I would not call them tapered. The NHS ones are screwed together and only part is inserted- so if you need to focus on the outer area then only the end part would be needed. 

As Marmite fan has suggested some ladies find the silicone ones more comfortable. Its your choice really as to what you prefer. There is a good range on Amazon. 

Jane

Hi Mum60

I have exactly the same problem I have a shortened vagina and vaginal atrophy. My consultant suggested dilators because when she tried to examine me internally I bled and she couldn’t see anything properly. The hospital gave me a set of dilators which are very hard plastic but having read posts on this forum I got a silicone set from Amazon. I started with the very thin one and worked up to the second biggest which was very uncomfortable lol. I use lots of water based lubricant and insert them very gently it was difficult at first but be patient they do work! Feel free to ask me anything! 

Linda xxx

Just wish there was more information and advice around about this.  Each hospital has their own approach about dilator use and NHS info varies. As do we! I eventually went with silicone mail order. 

Hello Jane and thank you.
 I don’t think I am eligible for NHS ones due to the speculum size which can be used, unfortunately, (because I am on a pension which is not generous and have to take care with spending).

Basically, speculums are ok, so to some degree I’m fortunate. Intimacy with penetration is just impossible at the moment, so that’s where I need to focus.

I wasn’t given any information on dilators at all because for the first few years, nothing seemed wrong. I have looked on the internet, and the advice from NHS websites on how to use varies quite a bit, so it’s confusing.

Mine were given to me at one of my radiotherapy reviews during treatment. One of the CNS showed them to me and showed how to use them. 

I wonder if it is worth making an appointment at your GP's with your practice nurse and getting some advice. They would also know which type and whether you could get an NHS one. 

I’m waiting for some silicone ones which I ordered with a generic Black Friday discount, so hopefully they will help. If not, I’ll go to either the specialist gynae oncology nurses (I haven’t been discharged yet) or my GP. 

Hello Linda,

Can I ask how many times a week you used them and long you left them in for? I know everyone is different but it would give me a baseline to start from.

Thank you.