According to the National Health Service, painful sex (medically known as dyspareunia) refers to recurrent or persistent pain in the genital area before, during, or after sex. While the condition affects both men and women, it is more common in women, affecting 20% of U.S. women.
Dyspareunia can affect your sex life, fertility, and relationship with your significant other. Luckily, there is a solution that can alleviate the pain and help you achieve optimal sexual health. Below, we discuss how to use vaginal dilators to relieve painful sex.
How To Use Vaginal Dilators as a Remedy for Painful Sex
Here is a step-by-step process on how to use vaginal dilators.
Step 1
You want to insert the vaginal dilator behind closed doors. While your partner can help you with this, we recommend that you do this alone since sexual medicine can be a personal experience and may work best if no eyes are on you.
Step 2
Generously lubricate your vaginal opening and the vaginal dilator using a water-based lubricant. Bend your knees and spread your legs apart, then slowly insert the smaller rounded end of the vaginal dilator into your vagina.
Only insert the vaginal dilator as deeply as you are comfortable with into the vagina and leave the rounded flat end outside the vaginal opening.
Step 3
Once you have inserted the vaginal dilator into your vagina, leave it in there for twenty to thirty minutes. It is important that you leave the vaginal dilator in place for as long as you can.
At first, your vaginal muscles may involuntarily contract and push the dilator out; however, with time, you will find that you can keep the dilator in for longer.
Step 4
After the twenty or thirty minutes are up, take the vaginal dilator out and wash it with soapy water. Then, tap it dry with a paper towel or a clean towel and store it in a safe place.
Important Things To Know Before Using Vaginal Dilators
You may initially experience some light bleeding after inserting the dilator. This is normal; however, if the bleeding is heavy or continues with repeated use, consult a doctor.
If you use the dilator properly for twenty to thirty minutes, twice a day, and apply the right pressure, you will:
- Stretch,
- Widen, and
- Lengthen the vagina naturally.
After that, pain during sex will ease in about three to six months.
Vaginal Dilator Improves Sexual Experiences
Research shows that vaginal dilators help keep your vagina open and improve vaginal elasticity. This can reduce discomfort and pain during sex and help you achieve a healthier sex life.