This page explains what vaginal dilation therapy is and includes a step-by-step guide to how to perform it. If you have any questions about the therapy or information provided, please talk to your healthcare team.
What is a vaginal dilator?
A vaginal dilator is a smooth cylinder-shaped plastic object that can help to prevent or treat vaginal tightness or shortness.
Why do I need vaginal dilation?
External beam radiotherapy and/or brachytherapy can cause scar tissue to form in your vagina. This can make your vagina narrow and short. Vaginal dilation helps to keep your vagina open, making the follow-up examinations more comfortable for you. It can also help you to maintain a comfortable and healthy sex life. We recommend that you use your vaginal dilator even if you are not sexually active.
When do I start vaginal dilation?
You will have an appointment with a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) four to eight weeks after completing your radiotherapy treatment. The CNS will:
- explain and show you how to use a dilator
- examine you to assess the correct dilator size
- ask you to use a dilator during the appointment to make sure that you understand what you need to do
- give you the correct size vaginal dilator, a lubricating gel and instructions on how to use and care for your dilator
- offer you a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) to help to identify and prioritise your needs and concerns. An HNA will involve completing an online or paper checklist, talking about your concerns with the CNS and creating a personalised care plan (if needed). For more information about the assessment, visit our web page Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA): Information for people affected by cancer and blood conditions.
Are there any risks of using vaginal dilators?
Rarely, the dilators can cause injury to the bladder or bowel if used incorrectly. Your CNS will teach you the correct way to use them to minimise this risk.
Are there any alternatives?
There are no alternatives to this treatment at present. If you decide not to use your dilator, your CNS will advise you how this may affect you.
Using the dilators – step-by-step guide
- Wash the dilator thoroughly with warm soapy water. Make sure that you wash all traces of soap away.
- Assemble the dilator and the handle provided. The handle fits all sizes of dilators.
- Lubricate the tip of the dilator and the opening to your vagina using the lubrication gel.
- Find a comfortable position, like when inserting a tampon. For example, lie on your back with your knees bent and legs slightly apart.
- Insert the dilator into your vagina as far as is comfortable for you. Don’t force the dilator, light pressure is acceptable.
- Move the dilator from left to right for two to three minutes. After that, if possible, move the dilator in a circle using the handle.
- Remove the dilator slowly and gently. If you are able, move the dilator in a circle or side to side as you remove it.
- Clean the dilator with warm soapy water and dry it.
- You should perform vaginal dilation three times a week.
How long will I have to use the dilator for?
The current recommendation for the dilation therapy is to be life-long. If you need support with using your dilator at any point of your therapy, or if you have any questions, please contact your CNS.
Are there any side effects?
- You may experience some discomfort the first time you use a dilator. This is normal and you can take a mild painkiller such as paracetamol to help with it
- A small amount of bleeding or ‘spotting’ after dilator use is normal. This is the breakdown of scar tissue. If you continue to bleed between dilator uses, contact your CNS for advice
- If there is a lot of new bleeding and pain during or after dilator use, stop using the dilator and contact your CNS
- If you experience vaginal dryness, you may use a moisturiser. There are different types of moisturisers and some may need a prescription, so speak to your GP. If you pay for your prescriptions, please ask your GP or a local pharmacist for an exemption form.
Contact us
If you have any queries or concerns about vaginal dilation therapy, please contact your CNS or key worker on 07977 726591 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm). If your CNS is not available to answer your call, please leave a voicemail message.
We aim to return calls within 48 hours. If you leave a message after 4pm on Friday, we will call you back the following Monday.
Page last updated: 22 August 2024
Review due: 01 August 2026