Are you concerned that your vagina is too tight? Is sex painful or uncomfortable? Do you have trouble using tampons or with penetration during intercourse or during gynecological exams?
If you answered yes, you’re not alone. A tight vaginal opening or canal is a common issue many women face, often alone. Although this condition can be embarrassing and less discussed, it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
The good news is that there are safe and effective treatments you can do at home to reliably stretch the vagina, increase comfort, eliminate pain and have a better overall quality of life.
Who Might Vaginal Stretching be a Good Fit For?
Vaginal stretching is a technique that can be safely carried out at home with the use of a vaginal dilator (more on that below). But who is it right for?
Vaginal Dilators Are Commonly Used to Address Issues Such As:
- Dysparenuia (painful intercourse)
- Muscle spasms
- Pelvic Pain
- And other symptms related to Vaginismus
Tight? Start here!
Tight? Start here!
Vaginal Dilators
Vaginal dilators, also sometimes referred to as vaginal trainers, are smooth, tube-shaped, tapered medical devices similar in appearance to the shape of a tampon or dildo. They are available in various lengths and thicknesses to suit any body type.
For those living with vaginal tightness, discomfort or any other sympthom related to vaginimus, vaginal dilators can aid in improving the shape, elasticity, integrity and pliability of the vaginal tissues and associated musculature. In doing so, it can greatly reduce or eliminate pain associated with intercourse, tampon insertion, gynecological exams and more.
These dilators may further help to strengthen the pelvic floor musculature, while lowering vaginal and vulvar sensitivity over time.
The Intimate Rose Vaginal Dilators are cleared to treat the symptoms of Vaginismus such as painful intercourse, known as dyspareunia.
Vaginal Dilator Therapy
A type of physical therapy, vaginal dilator therapy is an often-employed treatment that is considered both safe and effective to improve symptoms and physiology associated with narrowing and tightening of the vagina.
Similar to other muscles, those of the pelvic floor can become tight and painful. Triggers ranging from psychological to physical can exacerbate this condition, causing pain, discomfort and an inability to achieve penetration.
Types of Vaginal Dilators
Available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials, vaginal dilators have come a long way over the years, going from rudimentary medical devices, to comfortable and pleasant to use at-home therapeutic tools any woman can use.
Magnetic Vaginal Dilators
These dilators are engineered from medical-grade polycarbonate plastic and available in a selection of graduated sizes. They come equipped with various magnets that assist in gently stretching the vagina. Magnets may also provide synergistic benefits such as increasing the flow of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood into the vaginal tissues to aid with rejuvenation and healing.
Plastic Dilators
Plastic dilators were a once-favored material for dilators. However, plastic can be uncomfortable for some women due to its rigidity and lack of flexibility.
Silicone Dilators
Medical-grade silicone dilators are a commonly preferred dilator for women. They are among the most comfortable vaginal dilators, offering a firm, yet flexible form, with a smooth and gentle texture.
Benefits of Silicone Dilators Include:
- A softer more natural feel that resembles body tissue
- Sturdy, yet flexible, contouring to your vaginal canal and providing just the right amount of resistance
- Better temperature control, enabling the user to both warm or cool the dilator prior to use
- Durable and easy to maintain
How does a vaginal dilator work?
How a Vaginal Dilator is Used
The wonderful thing about dilators for vaginal stretching is that they can be used in the comfort, quiet and serenity of your own home. This added privacy provides an additional element of comfort that can make the experience easier.
A water based lubricant should be used with the dilators to maximize comfort.
Lay in a comfortable position on your back with legs bent at the knees. Begin by gently inserting the dilator using the smallest size comfortable without experiencing too much discomfort or pain. Repeat this 1-2 times daily, keeping the dilator inserted for between 20-30 minutes each time.
As you are able, aim for a deeper insertion and/or a thicker dilator size. Over time, you’ll notice that you can more easily penetrate and maintain penetration of a larger sized dilator for periods of time.
Find more training, videos and inspiration within our Dilator Hub!
When Might Dilator Therapy for Vaginal Stretching be Advised?
Vaginal stretching can be an effective therapy for a wide range of conditions and symptoms experienced by women. Many gynecologists and doctors prescribe such therapy with the use of a vaginal dilator to great effect.
Below are a few of the most common conditions that dilator therapy may help improve…
- Dyspareunia: Pain of the vulva prior to, during or after sexual intercourse.
- Changes to the Vagina: Morphology (physical structure) of the Vagina or Vaginal Canal can change with age, childbirth, injury, and hormonal fluctuations (such as with menopause)
- Vaginismus: Marked by uncontrollable spasms of the vagina causing pain and discomfort. Spasms may be caused by emotional or physical triggers.
Final Thoughts on Vaginal Stretching
For those who struggle with the symptoms of an uncomfortably tight vagina, finding the right treatment option can be a life-changer. At-home treatment with the use of vaginal dilators offers a safe and reliable way to tackle symptoms head-on.
Although not the right fit for everyone or every case, for those who may benefit, this treatment is both a practical and affordable option to explore.
Tight? Start here!
