Do I need a vaginal dilator after radiation therapy?
Use of a vaginal dilator is considered health maintenance after completing radiation therapy. Your providers can answer any questions or concerns you may have. Don't hesitate to ask them. Why are vaginal dilators needed?
How often should I use a dilator after cancer treatment?
This timeline will depend on whether you're experiencing any pain from the cancer treatment and the recommendation of your doctor. A healthy sex life can replace dilator use, but sexual intercourse should be consistent (3-5 times per week). How should I use a dilator after radiation?
How often should I use Vuva™ Vaginal dilators?
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.
When can I start radiation treatment after radiation?
Health professionals recommend starting treatment four weeks after your last radiation session. This timeline will depend on whether you're experiencing any pain from the cancer treatment and the recommendation of your doctor.
How long do you use a dilator after radiation?
We recommend that you start using the dilator about three to four weeks after your last treatment. If you still feel sore and uncomfortable then leave it longer; sometimes this could be up to six weeks. We advise you try to use the dilator around three times a week for about six months to a year after your treatment.
What happens if you don't use a dilator after radiation?
After radiotherapy, your vagina can become less stretchy and narrower over time. Your nurse or radiographer will give you vaginal dilators to use regularly after treatment. These gently stretch your vagina and help to stop it narrowing. If you don't use them, it can be difficult to have sex comfortably after treatment.
How long do you have to use a dilator?
You should do dilator therapy 3 to 4 times per week, but don't do it 2 or more days in a row. Doing dilator therapy many days in a row may cause pain or irritation. Try to do Kegel exercises on the days you don't use your vaginal dilator.
How do you use vaginal dilators after radiation?
Leave the dilator in your vagina for 5-10 minutes. (The amount of time may vary; follow the instructions given by your provider). Gently squeeze the dilator with your pelvic muscles (don't squeeze so hard that you push the dilator out), and then allow those muscles to relax. Repeat this a few times.
How far should you insert a dilator?
Continue to insert the dilator until approximately 3⁄4 of its length is inside the vagina. Depending on the dilator's length, it may not fit completely inside. Once you have it inserted, you can use a rolled towel to help keep the dilator in place so you don't have to use your hands and can relax more completely.
How long does it take to recover from pelvic radiotherapy?
If you develop a severe reaction, your nurse will apply special dressings or creams and teach you how to care for your skin. Your skin will gradually heal, but it may take 3 or 4 weeks after your treatment is finished.
Do I need a vaginal dilator?
The bottom line. For some people who have pain with vaginal penetration or intercourse, dilator therapy can be useful. It helps keep the vaginal tissues pliable and the vagina open, and reduces pain, anxiety, or both surrounding penetration. If this is something you think might help you, talk with your doctor about it.
How do you clean vaginal dilators?
Use warm water and a gentle, fragrance-free cleaner, such as dish washing liquid or hand washing soap. Rinse and gently pat it dry with a paper towel. Store your dilator in a plastic bag in a cool, dry environment such as a drawer or closet.
Can your vagina close after radiation?
In rare cases vaginal ulcers or open sores may develop, which may take several months to heal after radiation therapy ends. When treatment ends and the irritation heals, there might be scarring. The walls of the vagina may become leathery and tough. Treatment can also shorten or narrow the vagina.
How to use a dilator for vagina?
Using gentle pressure, slowly insert the round end of the dilator into your vagina. Always insert it straight toward your spine (backbone) or at a slightly downward angle, like you’d insert a tampon. Keep inserting the dilator slowly until you feel slight discomfort or muscle tension, then stop. Never use force.
What is a vaginal dilator?
A vaginal dilator is a tube-shaped device that’s used to stretch your vagina. Vaginal dilators come in kits with different size dilators ranging from small (about the size of a finger) to large. Some kits also come with a handle to make it easier to hold the dilator while you’re using it (see Figure 1). Figure 1.
How to narrow your vagina?
This will help you relax your pelvic floor muscles and insert the dilator a little further. Your vagina will narrow when you contract your pelvic floor muscles and open slightly when you relax them. It may be easier to insert the dilator further when you’re relaxing your muscles.
What happens to your vagina after menopause?
After menopause, your vagina becomes drier, less elastic (stretchy), narrower, and shorter. This process can happen sooner if you had cancer treatments or a surgery to lower your risk of cancer. Using a vaginal dilator and starting vaginal dilator therapy can help with these changes. Back to top.
How to see your vaginal opening?
Make sure you can easily touch the opening of your vagina with your hand. Use a hand mirror to see your vaginal opening if you need to.
Do you need to wear a panty liner after dilator?
You may want to wear a panty liner after dilator therapy. If you have a lot of bleeding, such as bleeding that soaks a sanitary napkin (pad), or if the bleeding continues for longer than 1 day, call your healthcare provider.
Can you insert a dilator in your pelvis?
Then, refocus on relaxing your pelvic floor muscles and try to insert the dilator a little further. Don’t worry if you can’t insert the dilator completely. Over time, you may be able to get the dilator in a little further. If you still can’t insert the dilator, talk to your healthcare provider.
Why do women need a vaginal dilator?
For women receiving pelvic radiation therapy, your healthcare professional may recommend that you use a vaginal dilator to improve vaginal elasticity. Vaginal dilators make examinations more comfortable, ease discomfort during sexual activity, and help stretch scar tissue caused by pelvic radiation. It's essential that you consider dilator therapy ...
What is a VuVa dilator?
VuVa vaginal dilators are smooth plastic devices similar in shape to a tampon. They come in different sizes with the smallest about the size of a finger. It's recommended to begin with the smallest size. Vaginal dilators help stretch the vagina and soften scar tissue by increasing blood and breaking up scar tissue.
What is the best treatment for cervical cancer?
Radiation therapy is the most common treatment for cervical cancer. The high energy rays may kill the cancer cells, but radiotherapy treatment could cause healthy vaginal tissue to become irritated and sore. As the abrasions heal, they form scar tissue on the pelvic floor. The scar tissue can make the vagina shorter and narrower.
How to stretch a vagina?
Lay on your back with your knees bent, and legs open wide. Rub water-based lubricant on the vaginal dilator. Slowly insert the dilator along the vaginal wall. Move back and forth to help stretch the vagina.
Is it normal to bleed after radiation?
At first, there may be some bleeding after using the dilator or having intercourse. This is normal but speak to your doctor if the pain is excessive. Using a vaginal dilator after radiation is a conventional treatment for women's health.
Vaginal Dilators for Cancer Treatment Recovery
Cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, help women battle gynecological cancers but oftentimes result in painful pelvic side effects. Many women experience reoccurring pelvic pain and penetrative discomfort caused by radiation-induced menopause and vast hormonal changes.
Premium Vaginal Dilators for Pelvic Health
Designed for smooth and easy insertion to optimize comfort, BioMoi™ medical-grade vaginal dilators are made with US Platinum silicone. Available in a convenient dilator set or sold separately in 6 graduated sizes, our products offer women a non-surgical, natural, and safe option for alleviating pain.
How to get rid of a dilator in your vagina?
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.
How long does it take to dilate?
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.
How much pain does a vaginal dilator cause?
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. Lubricate the VuVa™ Vaginal Dilator and vagina canal opening generously with a lubricant your choice.
Is it normal to bleed after a 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.
Can you push a dilator out?
You may have to hold dilator in place, as your vaginal muscles may try to push it out. 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.