How do I use a vaginal dilator?

To use the dilator, please follow the steps below.

Get ready to use the dilator:

Find a quiet time of the day when you are alone and can relax.
Get your dilator or dilator kit. If you have a dilator kit, start with the smallest dilator.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wash the dilator with warm water and unscented (no smell) soap.
Put the water soluble or water-based lubricant (lube) on the dilator. Make sure you cover the areas that will be inside your vagina (size of a quarter or more if needed).

Do not use Vaseline or other oil-based products as lubricant (lube). These products are not water soluble (do not dissolve in water) or water-based and may cause an infection and/or ruin silicone dilators.

You can put some lubricant (lube) on the opening of your vagina. This may make it easier to insert the dilator.
Lie on your back. Bend your knees and spread your legs about shoulder-width apart. Relax.

With one hand, spread your labia (the folds of skin at the opening of your vagina).
Take a deep breath. Slowly blow out air through your nose or mouth and at the same time, gently slide the dilator into your vagina as far as it will go with your other hand. Blowing out air will help relax the muscles around the opening of your vagina and make it easier to insert the dilator.
Keep the dilator in place. After a few seconds and if you don’t feel too much discomfort, take a deep breath and as you blow out, gently pull the dilator further into your vagina. Do this until you feel it is in far as it can go.
If you do not have any pain, hold the dilator in place until you feel it is in as far as it can go. If you have pain, gently slide the dilator out of your vagina and try again the next day.

If you find it hard to hold the dilator in place, roll up a towel and put it against the dilator. Close your legs. This will help to hold the dilator in place.

You can also buy a dilator with a handle (such as the Vaginismus Vaginal Dilator).

If you do not have pain, keep a bit of pressure on the dilator so that it pushes to the very top of your vagina.
Once the dilator is in as far as it can go, try to gently wiggle it side to side and up and down. This will help to stretch and open the vagina.

Vaginal dilator removal

Gently slide the dilator out of your vagina. It is normal to have some spotting (bleeding) from your vagina after you use the dilator.

Wash the dilator with warm unscented (no smell) soap and water. This will help to remove any lubricant (lube). Rinse it well. Let it air dry and store it in a clean and dry place.
Wash your hands.

If the dilator goes in easily and does not cause you any pain, you can use a bigger dilator next time.

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