I’ve so far done18 external radio sessions out of 25, and have 2 brachytherapy sessions also due, one this coming Tuesday and one the following Tuesday (no external those days). I had my pre-brachy chat from a lovely young nurse this week where she presented me with my pack of NHS dilators neatly disguised in a generic cosmetic bag. Thankfully she wasn’t embarrassed and the chat was fine with her explaining about using them from 2-4 weeks after the brachy, starting with the smallest one, just doing 2 mins at a time, gradually increasing to the next size if it was comfortable, but not needing to try the biggest one if it was too much. She also talked about the lubricant they supply, and said it was kiwi fruit based and was I okay with that or might I be allergic? I was tempted to say “I can eat them but have never attempted to put one up there so I don’t know!” but kept that to myself!
She was fabulous, and I totally understand the need to gently stretch things (risk of vaginal stenosis from the treatment can make things dry and narrow and make future examinations or intimacy painful) but oh my the dilators! Rigid smooth plastic that’s so clinical that it would be like inserting a kitchen utensil! It’s as if the NHS have gone for stretch without stimulation! The nurse and the leaflet said that a vibrator or actual sex would achieve the same purpose. I’m not ready for sex yet with all the emotional roller coastering and physical pokes, prods and medical intrusions of the last 8 months, plus it would be good to be in control and be able to stop if needed without risking upset. I’ve never even considered a vibrator before but can’t help thinking it might be nicer to have something not so rigid, with some texture maybe, and not shaped like a test tube!
So does anyone have any comments about dilators, good or bad? Pics of what the NHS gave you would be interesting to compare. Does anyone have any recommendations for vibrators which you’ve used for this purpose, giving company name and model name too please? Pics too would be good. And also lube recommendations too as I’m pretty sensitive down there (I get thrush if any bubble bath is too fragranced for example).
