How to Use a Vaginal Dilator

At first, vaginal dilators may seem intimidating, so if help from a pelvic floor therapist is preferred, please do so. If you feel confident trying it alone, get comfortable in a safe setting and follow the below steps.

You will begin with the smallest dilator in the set, it should feel snug but not painful. If not, we recommend trying the next size up. The following steps should take around 10 to 15 minutes:

• Ensure your hands are washed thoroughly before continuing
• Use a generous amount of lubricant for your entrance and the dilator itself, we recommend a water-based, glycerine free lubricant
• Separate your labia with one hand to the side and use the other to slowly insert the round end of the dilator. Angle it toward your tailbone so it moves along your vaginal canal. Pause if you feel significant discomfort or resistance and allow the muscles to relax
• The dilator should stay only as far in as is comfortable. When it’s in as far as it will go, gently move the dilator inside your vagina for 5 to 10 minutes, using up and down, and side to side movements
• After the 10 minutes, remove the dilator and clean thoroughly before storing it away

How to Find the Right Size

Start with the smallest dilator and work your way up to larger sizes. At first, a small size dilator may feel snug but should not cause pain and discomfort. You should never go over a 3 or 4 pain level out of 10 when you are dilating.

It’s common to wonder how long it will take to move up in size. This depends on your condition and your body’s response as everybody is different. Some women struggle with even inserting a small-sized tampon into their vaginas. Wherever you are in the process, it’s okay. And what will help is practicing every day with the right size for your vagina.

When you are choosing a dilator, you may want to order multiple sizes as you won’t know for sure which size is right for you.

How Vaginal Dilators Can Help

There are several ways in which vaginal dilators can help. They can be very effective to help women with the following:

• Dyspareunia
• Vaginismus
• Vaginal tightness
• Vaginal Atrophy
• Vaginal Stenosis
• Vulvodynia
• Those recovering from surgery or radiotherapy

Vaginal dilators can also be used to eradicate painful internal discomfort and help keep vaginal muscles supple and free from scarring.

You should use dilators for as long as you need to, it will all depend on the condition you are treating and will vary for everybody. If any additional advice is needed or you are not seeing the results you expected we always recommend you contact your doctor.

Vaginal Dilator Training & Techniques

We’d suggest you work with a medical professional on a training regime that suits you. Typically, training can be anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes 5 or 7 times a week. Yet, an official training regime with an expert is always recommended first.

If you are having difficulty inserting your dilators you could try an alternative position, typically patients are instructed to lie supine in a semi-reclined position when using dilators.  This is a very easy position to start with simply because it is easy to reach the vaginal opening. 

To help relax the pelvic floor muscles further, try bringing one knee up towards your shoulder and then insert the dilator. Laying with both lower legs supported on a chair or ottoman may help you keep your hips and pelvis relaxed while you insert your dilator.

Laying on your side is another position you can try when inserting a dilator. Lay on one side with your knees up towards your chest and a pillow between your knees to relax your hip and leg muscles. Then gently insert the dilator into the vagina from behind.