It’s been a while since I last posted. Been using dilators since June following brachytherapy with no problems . Developed a uti about a month ago so rested dilators for a week or so , on restarting have developed very sore , red raw vulva area , used sudocrem as other creams seem to aggravate . My cancer nurse just said I must continue dilators but try just once a week . I use Yes lubricant with dilators as our pharmacy cannot source Sylk . Both nurse and GP say to use emollient , aqueous cream etc but nothing helping . Also have a bladder prolapse which adds to the situation . Has anyone else had this problem or suggestions as to what to use ?
Hi Rethead
I am sorry to hear that you have had a UTI and have now developed some very sore skin in your vulval area. It sounds really uncomfortable and you have done the right thing in getting checked out.
How are you cleaning the dilator? I wonder if there is any irritation due to any soap product or even a change in washing powder.
I have found some general advice here.
Vulval care advice - Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
It may also be worth posting your question directly to the nurses.
Ask a cancer expert | Macmillan Online Community
I hope that you can find something that helps very soon, but if it continues I would advise going back to your GP. It may be that something different needs to be prescribed to heal the soreness before returning to your normal routine.
Jane
Thankyou Jane , dilator cleaned with soap and water but now just using water . No change in washing powder etc only use water to wash so feel like I’m doing all the right things . If no improvement will brace myself for the Monday morning scramble for a GP appointment !!
Just to say that it’s possible that the soap could have been the original irritant. I was advised to use only water from the start so I just ran it under the hot tap after use.
If you want to try Sylk, it’s available on eBay - that’s where I get mine from. Both Yes and Sylk contain plant based ingredients - but have different main ingredients.
Oh bless you that’s horrible. It’s quite possible your urine is causing the soreness. I have vaginal atrophy and sometime my vulva gets really sore and when I wee it’s agony. I use Vaseline or a barrier cream to try and protect it I also drink loads of water and cranberry juice …
Linda xxx
Whatever cancer throws your way, we’re right there with you.
We’re here to provide physical, financial and emotional support.
© Macmillan Cancer Support 2026 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007