Vaginal dilator

A vaginal dilator (sometimes called a vaginal trainer[1]) is an instrument used to gently stretch the vagina. They are used when the vagina has become narrowed (vaginal stenosis), such as after brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers,[2] and as therapy for vaginismus and other forms of dyspareunia.[3]

There is mixed evidence for their use, and studies have reported psychological damage from dilator treatment. Rectovaginal fistulae have also been linked to dilator use.[2]

Vaginal dilators, also called vaginal stents, are used routinely in postoperative care for patients who have undergone sex reassignment surgery (male-to-female). The dilator is used immediately after surgery to keep the passage from healing, and regularly thereafter to maintain the viability of the neovagina. Frequency of use requirements decrease over time, but remains obligatory lifelong.[4][5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Vaginismus". National Health Service.
  2. 1 2 Miles, Tracie; Johnson, Neal (2014). "Vaginal dilator therapy for women receiving pelvic radiotherapy". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 9: CD007291. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007291.pub3. PMC 4171967. PMID 25198150.
  3. ↑ Idama, T. O.; Pring, D. W. (2000). "Vaginal dilator therapy-an outpatient gynaecological option in the management of dyspareunia". Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 20 (3): 303–05. doi:10.1080/01443610050009683.
  4. ↑ Rinzler, Carol Ann (12 May 2010). The Encyclopedia of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. Facts on File library of health and living. New York: Infobase Publishing. p. 195. ISBN 978-1-4381-2702-6. OCLC 223107099. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
  5. ↑ Georgiade, Gregory S.; Georgiade, Nicholas G. (1992). Textbook of plastic, maxillofacial, and reconstructive surgery. Baltimore, Maryland: Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-0-683-03454-7. OCLC 455225627. Retrieved 31 May 2018.
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