Why should I use a vaginal dilator?

Cancer treatments can cause changes to your vagina. Surgery and radiation may cause your vaginal opening to shorten or narrow. The tissue in your vagina may also become thin. You may have lower levels estrogen if you had chemotherapy, surgery or radiation. This can make your vaginal tissue thin, dry and less elastic (stretchy). All of these changes may cause discomfort in your vagina.

Using a vaginal dilator can help to:

• Stop scar tissue from forming. If your vagina has become narrow and you have scar tissue, a vaginal dilator can help break down the scar tissue. This will also help to open the vagina.
• Increase blood flow in your vagina.
• Heal the top of the vagina.
• Keep the vagina open, which will help you have a vaginal (pelvic) exam without too much discomfort.
• Make sexual activity and intercourse (sex) more enjoyable and less painful. Try to talk to your partner(s) about the changes you have from your treatment and what that might mean for sexual activity and intercourse (sex).