| Caroline Knight
How long should I keep a dilator in?
How often should I use a dilator?
What happens after I use it? And for how long should you use a vaginal dilator? Learning about dilator therapy can be confusing, so VuVa Dilator company wants to help with teaching you how to properly.
How long should I use a dilator?
When you order dilators, or you see your physical therapist, they usually give you instructions for dilator therapy. Our instructions state to use dilators 20-30 minutes 1-2 times a day, but just because it states this, doesn't mean you have to dilate that long right off the bat.
Dilating can be painful in the beginning. If you can only do a few minutes during your dilating sessions that is fine. You can work your way up to 20-30 minutes. If this takes weeks or months, that is fine. The simple fact that you are dilating is great so do not get discouraged.
You should always take with your doctor or therapist before starting dilator therapy.
How do I use vaginal dilators?
These are instructions that we created with the help of Dr. Robert Echenberg. Dr. Echenberg is the founder of the Echenberg Institute for Pelvic and Sexual Pain in Allentown, PA.
For the best sexual health results use VuVa™ vaginal dilators 1-2 times a day.
Directions Before Use: Wash dilators with a mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let the dilators air dry.
Start by testing the smaller size VuVa™ Vaginal Dilators to see which vagina dilator size you are comfortable inserting. You may find that when you are first starting to use dilators, you can only tolerate the tip and that is normal. Increase dilator size only after you can insert current size dilator with ease. When you insert the dilator, do not go over a 3-4 pain level. Using vaginal dilators will be uncomfortable at first, but you will feel the pain subside as the muscles relax around the vaginal canal.
To get started:
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Lubricate the VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator and vagina canal opening generously with a lubricant your choice. IMPORTANT: Do not use petroleum jelly (e.g. Vaseline)
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In a private place, preferably a bed, lie on your back or in the fetal position. Bend both knees and spread your legs apart. Taking calm breaths, relax your body. Using gentle pressure, insert the smaller round end of the dilator into your vagina canal. Make sure that the dilator shaft is inserted as deeply as is comfortable for you. Do not insert entire dilator: leave larger, round flat end outside of vaginal opening.
IMPORTANT - WOMEN: Do not walk around with dilator inserted. Do not use dilators during sexual intercourse.
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Remain lying on your back while the VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator is in place. Leave it in for 20-30 minutes (the longer the better) before taking it out. You may have to hold dilator in place, as your vaginal muscles may try to push it out.
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When you can insert smaller dilator with ease, you may progress up to the next size within the same session. Your muscles should be relaxed. Moving to the next size dilator should then be easier. Note: progressing up in size may take days or weeks to complete comfortably before engaging in sexual activity again.
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Wash the vaginal dilators after use with mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water. Let them air dry.
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Important Tips: If you cannot use your dilators for 20 minutes the first time, do not get discouraged. When you are using dilators for a pelvic pain condition, everyone will progress at a different rate depending on the severity of your condition. If you can only do one minute a day for the first week or two, that is fine. During vaginal dilator therapy, you should not go over a 3-4 pain level out of 10 when you are dilating. If you are having trouble progressing up to the next size, ask your pelvic floor physical therapist to check your muscles to pinpoint what could be causing the pelvic pain issue. Pelvic floor physical therapists can be very helpful with your vaginal dilator set. You can also rotate your dilator slightly to help loosen pelvic muscles a bit more. *You may also benefit from sex therapy.
Will I bleed after using my dilator?
There can be a small amount of bleeding while using the dilator or after you’re finished using it. This is normal, so do not be alarmed or scared . Wearing a panty liner after therapy can be helpful. If you continue to bleed and it becomes heavy, contact your healthcare provider asap.
Should I pee after using a dilator?
Yes, it is always good practice to pee after dilator therapy. Especially if you are prone to urinary tract infections.
If you have any questions or problems, talk with your healthcare provider at your next appointment.
Increasing Your Dilator Size
When you can insert a smaller dilator with ease, you may progress up to the next size within the same session. Your muscles should be relaxed. Moving to the next size dilator should then be easier. Note: progressing up in size may take days or weeks to complete comfortably before engaging in sexual activity again. You never want to go over a 3-4 pain level when progressing in sizes or dilating in general.
Do you need dilators? Visit the VuVa Dilator Company store here.
VuVa Helpful Links:
7 Reasons for a Tight Vagina and How to Loosen
How to Relax Vaginal Muscles, Vaginismus & Sex
Vaginal Stretching - Keeping in Shape with Dilators
Do Dilators Really Work? Yes, and They can Improve Your Sex Life!
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