Vaginal Dilation - Sexual Health - Women Message Board

jj2280 · 03-13-2008, 10:09 AM

Hi everyone,

I'm attempting to find some answers. I have recently begun the process of vaginal dilation. I don't believe I have a full case of vaginismus, as I am able to have a gyno exam and Pap smear (with pain, but my doctor says the vagina is normal, etc). I've also started doing Kegels religiously and am now moving onto the dilators. I am a little puzzled, though. I seem to be running into the same problems I have with tampons, etc. I can get it in, maybe about an inch of the way, and then seem to encounter some resistance. I'm perfectly relaxed, I can do the Kegels, so I know my muscles aren't contracted. Is this just "part of the process"?? Should I leave the dilator to where I can get it for as long as possible, and this will serve to open the rest up? I'm not encountering any real pain persay, I guess I'm just worried that if I push it further in, I'm going to hurt myself. Any tips on the dilation process in general would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

wholegrain · 03-13-2008, 01:49 PM

There's no such thing as a "full case of vaginismus". Vaginismus can mean ANY resistance or pain without physical problem. I would say you just have a less severe case. Many women with vag are able to have a gyno exam or use tampons but can't have intercourse.

My best guess for the dilator problem would be one of three things: either you are tilting it the wrong direction, your muscles are contracting without you realizing, or your vagina gets slightly narrower there and you're afraid. For the direction thing, your vagina is slanted slightly toward your lower back. You may be feeling resistance because your dilator is just pushing against a vaginal wall. Try pointing in the direction of your lower back and see if that helps.

Next, involuntary spasming. It could happen even with your kegels and stuff. May be that you just aren't ready for this level of dilator yet. I would try leaving it in as far as it'll go for a little while, 30 minutes or so just to get used to it. If you're past your first dilator, try the smaller one again. Just take it slow.

And finally, honestly I think this is most likely, your vagina just narrows right there and you are afraid to push anything in further. Even if it doesn't get narrower, you could still have tighter muscles there, or even just simply be afraid.

If you're being gentle and your PCs are relaxed, you definitely aren't going to hurt yourself. The vagina is made to accept things inside. Just try again without fear or anxiety over pain or injury. Eventually you'll get used to going past that point and probably won't even notice the resistance anymore, or it'll be gone.