Dilator

monty gizmo

Being a sexually active women I worry about the effects of radiation on my sexual organs.
Heard that some women need a dilator to prevent perminent damage to the vaginal area.
I'm just in the first week of radiation and chemo. Would like to have some input as
to the necessity for this device in the near future. Never have had a problem with
control or disfunction. Is this inevitable?????? Any helpful adise would be greatly
appreciate.

mp327

Hi Monty
Radiation can cause vaginal stenosis, which is a shrinking of the vaginal canal, both in length and width. Using a dilator keeps the canal open, but it must be used on a regular basis to be effective. My radiation oncologist gave me one to use. Once that one was no longer uncomfortable, I bought a set of 4 in graduated sizes and began to go up in size as I could tolerate. I have been able to get up to the next to largest (the large one is quite large, so I'm not even trying that one!). Keep in mind that not only does keeping the vagina open allow for sex, it also allows for normal gynecological exams in the future. Please ask your rad onc about this (or your gynecologist).

sandysp

Get a dialator asap
Mine was provided to me by my radiologist.. It is made by Amielle Care. This may not be the case at other cancer treatment centers. It is a pouch with various dilator sizes and a lubricant. I need to be using mine more but try to spend time with it a couple times a week or more. As others have pointed out, it's about more than sex. It's about our exams in the future, etc. So do get one. Maybe you can find one on the internet.

taradise84

https://csn.cancer.org/discussion/223283/dilator

I totally understand why you’re worried—it’s a lot to take in during those first weeks of chemo and radiation. Everyone’s body reacts a little differently, but radiation to the pelvic area can sometimes cause changes in the vaginal tissue. Things like dryness, loss of flexibility, or even some narrowing can happen because of scar tissue. Not every woman experiences this, but it’s common enough that most cancer centers bring it up early.

That’s where vaginal dilators come in. They’re basically smooth, medical devices that help keep the vaginal walls flexible and prevent scar tissue from causing problems down the road. A lot of women use them after radiation, and doctors often recommend them even if you haven’t had issues before—kind of like a proactive way to protect your sexual health. Memorial Sloan Kettering even has a whole patient education page about them, so it’s definitely something taken seriously in cancer care.

One option a lot of women like are the VuVa magnetic dilators. They start very small, come in different sizes so you can move at your own pace, and are designed specifically for women going through things like radiation or surgery. Many pelvic floor therapists and oncologists recommend them.

It doesn’t mean problems are inevitable for you—plenty of women finish treatment without major sexual side effects. But being proactive with moisturizers, lubricants, and maybe starting dilators when your doctor says it’s safe can make a big difference in protecting your comfort long-term. I’d definitely bring it up with your radiation oncologist, just so you can have a clear plan that fits your situation.