So, What IS a Dilator?!
A dilator is essentially a tube shaped device designed to help gently stretch your vagina. They help to restore and expand your pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues. After menopause, due to declining estrogen, your vagina becomes drier, less elastic (stretchy), narrower, and shorter, which is often why the (somewhat annoying) phrase 'use it or lose it' comes into play. That painful tightness, a combination of atrophy and vaginismus, can often lead to apprehension around penetration.
If you want to check out some options, we recommend:
These vary (a lot) in price and style, so it helps to know what your needs are.
Your Needs:
How To Use a Dilator:
The goal is to work your way up the sizes until you are more comfortable with the larger sizes of dilator. This is NOT just about sex. It is easy to think that the sole purpose of a dilator is so you can have penetrative sex, but that dismisses the fact that many women enjoy penetration with toys, and the more important point - it hurts! Atrophy and vaginismus can hurt regardless of sexual activity - and there's always the dreaded speculum... So, using dilators to maintain vaginal health is something you can do for you!
This study is an excellent resource as well, but if you don't feel like reading, the TL;DR version goes like this - if you use dilators, consistency of use, alongside meditation, you can improve vaginal discomfort > "Factors that showed trends toward improved patient outcomes were length of dilation treatment (greater than 3 months) and use of meditation and soothing music."
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.
Parlor Games, LLC ● kate@parlor-games.com ● 5304 River Rd N Ste B ● Keizer OR 97303
Disclaimer: The information provided above is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.