These plastic devices, also called “candles”, look like two drops of water like tampons. They have the shape, long and tapered, the diameter (variable according to the size) and the ease of use. Their objective ? Allow mechanical dilation of the vagina thanks to their gentle intromission inside and the use of gradually increasing sizes.
Vaginal dilators are useful for women who suffer from vaginismus, namely involuntary contractions of the muscles of the perineum of psychological origin. “The panic fear of being penetrated in this case triggers a reflex so powerful that even the gynecological examination is impossible”, explains Dr Sylvain Mimoun, gynecologist, sexologist and psychosomatician, co-author of “Coté cœur, cote sexe” ( ed. Albin Michel).
These “candles” were the first treatment for this disorder. They allow the woman totame penetration. Associated sex therapy promotes awareness of the genital area. It is based on exercises of contraction / relaxation of the perivaginal muscles and relaxation sessions.
It relieves pain during intercourse
The other big indication for vaginal dilators is pain during intercourse, especially intimate drought, important that spaced intercourse for a while. The application can be optimized by the use of lubricants (Replens, Monasens, Ménophytéa intimate hydration …).
A therapy with a sex therapist is recommended so that the report becomes a pleasure again. Vaginal dilations may also be advised in the aftermath of gynecological cancer (after radiation in the pelvic area or after surgery of the vagina), or, but this is exceptional in the event of a malformation of the vagina, which is too small at birth due to Rokitansky syndrome, a rare disease.
It is very easy to use
When suffering from vaginismus, the goal is for intromission to become commonplace, so the exercise is simply to place the dilator in the vagina once a day and pull it out. For other indications where the vaginal walls are joined, the device should remain in place for 2 to 3 minutes. 15 days to a month later, you have to upgrade to the next size and so on for a few weeks or months.
Even if it is easy to order your equipment on the Internet and to fend for it on your own, it is better to consult a specialist. “It will help tame the object and understand how it works,” says Sylvain Mimoun. Depending on the gynecological examination, the doctor will assess the diameter to be used for the first time and the following times, he will show how to insert the device: lying on your back, respecting the oblique orientation of the vagina (like a slide, from bottom up inward). This guiding presence is all the more useful as these women need to be reassured because they are so afraid, especially following cancer, heartbreak, pain …
Vaginal dilators can be obtained without a doctor’s prescription. They are not reimbursed. For their use and possible prescription, the most suitable contact is a gynecologist, or even a sex therapist, who will refer, if necessary, to a physiotherapist specializing in perineal rehabilitation.
Online stores: www.perineeshop.com ; www.amiellecomfort.com and forum; forum-vaginisme.xooit.com
