Vagina Dilation for Women Receiving Pelvic Radiation

 

Q1. What is vaginal dilation?

 

Vaginal dilation helps to keep the vagina healthy and maintain its function by preventing painful shrinkage.

 

 

Q2. Why do I need vaginal dilation?

 

When women have radiation treatment to the pelvis, the tissues and muscles of the vagina will often become stiff causing the vagina to become narrow and shrunken.

 

This narrowing often results in sexual intercourse becoming uncomfortable or even impossible.

 

Finally, this narrowing and shrinkage will make the routine vaginal examinations that you will require after treatment uncomfortable or impossible.

 

Regular vaginal dilation will prevent these changes and significantly improve your quality of life by allowing you to continue to have sexual intercourse comfortably and making visits to the doctor easy and comfortable.

 

 

Q3. What is a vaginal dilator for?    

 

A vaginal dilator is a smooth plastic cylinder, which you will use regularly for vaginal dilation.

 

 

Q4. When should I start using my vaginal dilator?

 

You should start using the vaginal dilator one-month post completion of your radiation therapy. If you are unsure, you can always consult your doctor or a nurse who will be glad to help answer any questions you might have.

 

 

Q5. Will there be any pain or discomfort while I am using the vaginal dilator?

 

There may be some discomfort when you first use the dilator.

 

 

Q6. How often should I be using my vaginal dilator?

 

You can use it as often and for as long as your doctor feels is necessary.   However, general recommendations for vaginal dilation are:

 

• Everyday as soon as your radiation treatments start.
• And after you have completed all your treatments,
• Everyday for three months then,
• Three times a week for the next three to six months.

 

During your visits after treatment, your doctors will work with you on how long and how often you should continue vaginal dilation.

 

 

Q7. How to use a vaginal dilator?

 

• Allow yourself uninterrupted time each time you insert the dilator. You may use it before or after a shower when you are more relaxed.
• Find a suitable space where you have privacy and are comfortable.
• Gather all your equipment:

1. Vaginal dilator,
2. Water-based lubricant gel,
3. A towel and
4. A hand mirror.

• Ensure there is sufficient lighting
• Examine the dilator before each use to be sure that it is smooth. If there are cracks or rough edges, do not use it
• Wash your hands and the dilator with soap and warm water. Dry the dilator with a clean towel.
• Lubricate the dilator well with water-based lubricant gel.
• Lie on your back with your knees bent and apart.

	Using a hand mirror may help you to see the vaginal opening better. Separate the outer lips of the vagina (labia). Insert the rounded end of the dilator gently and slowly upward and toward the back of your vagina, at an angle, as far as you can comfortably.
	Put your knees together, slowly straighten your legs, and relax. Keep the dilator in your vagina for 10 to 15 minutes.
	Bend your knees, move your legs apart, and gently remove the dilator. Gently cleanse the skin around the vaginal opening with warm water. Use a gentle non-soap based cleanser if you have to. Avoid using soap.

 

• After washing the dilator with soap and warm water, dry it. Keep it in a clean container or bag.

 

Avoid using Vaseline, baby oil, or other oil-based lubricants, which are water-soluble and can cause irritation to the vaginal walls.

 

 

Q8. Will the dilator go in too far?

 

The top of your vagina is closed so you cannot insert it too far. It is important for you to insert the dilator as far into the vagina as you comfortably can each time.

 

 

Q9. You may want to talk to your nurse if you experience the following:

 

• Pain
• Fever with temperature more than 38^oC
• Abnormal discharge from the vagina