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Use of a Dilator After Radiation

If you are undergoing pelvic radiation treatments for cervical or uterine cancer, your doctor may recommend the use of a vaginal dilator to help increase and restore elasticity to the tissue in your vagina. Because radiation therapy may cause a buildup of scar tissue and a drying of the skin in your vaginal wall, pelvic examinations may be difficult, and sex can be uncomfortable or even painful. The vaginal dilator can help to alleviate these problems.

  1. When to Use

    • Start using your dilator a few weeks after your last radiation therapy treatment. By that time, the irritation to your vaginal tissues should have decreased. Use the dilator, which resembles a thick plastic tampon, every day for the first month, and then taper off usage to five days a week during the second through the sixth month after radiation therapy has ended. You may need to continue using the dilator up to three times a week for life to keep your vaginal tissues soft and elastic.

    Wash

    • Before the first use, wash your vaginal dilator in warm, soapy water to remove any germs that might cause an infection in your vagina.

    Lubricate

    • Smear a lubricant over the tip of the dilator and on your vagina to facilitate easy entry. Be sure to use a lubricant that is water-soluble, as oil-based lubricants may damage the plastic of the dilator over time and may attract bacteria.

    Position

    • Lie on your back in a squatting position--with your bent knees parted and your pelvic muscles as relaxed as possible. You may need to take a few deep breaths to help relax your pelvic muscles.

    Insert

    • Use two fingers to open your vaginal opening and, gently but firmly, insert the rounded tip of the dilator into your vagina. Use a steady pressure to push the dilator as far as you can, rotating it slowly if you feel your vaginal muscles tensing to expel it.

    Hold

    • Remain in a prone position and hold the dilator inside your vagina for 20 to 30 minutes, breathing deeply to relax. Gently squeeze the walls of your vagina around the dilator for several seconds at a time, and then relax for several seconds. Alternate the gentle pressure and relaxation until it is time to remove the dilator. This will help to restore elasticity in your vaginal walls and will also encourage healing blood flow to the area. Repeat the exercise three to four times a day.

    Considerations

    • You should begin to feel an improvement of your vaginal tightness and dryness within eight to 12 weeks after beginning your dilator exercises. Call your doctor if you notice any signs of infection, including itching, pain, fever or discharge, or if you have unusual bleeding after beginning the dilator therapy.

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