Vaginismus, Vaginismus Treatment, Vaginismus Causes, Vaginismus Cure, Vaginismus Symptoms, Painful Sex, Unable to Have Intercourse, Unable to Have Sex
Five Minutes is better than Zero Minutes for Vaginismus Dilating
My vaginismus patients have heard it many times during post-procedure counseling for vaginismus dilating: “Five minutes is better than zero minutes.” It is normal for the vagina to respond quickly to dilation once treatment for vaginismus has been done. Dilation has always been an important part of vaginismus treatment and was first described by Dr. Sims 150 years ago. Most clinicians who treat vaginismus rely on dilators to help stretch the vagina. Graded dilation advancing to the use of larger dilators allows the vagina to stretch enough to have pain free intercourse. It is thought that the Botox allows for easier and quicker stretching.
Vaginismus Dilating Post Botox Treatment Procedure
Every patient is given a set of Pure Romance silicone dilators to take home for her daily vaginismus dilating.
Following treatment for vaginismus, the patient returns home to continue dilation two hours a day and sleeping with a medium dilator every second night for about four to six weeks. As a patient progresses and becomes more comfortable with dilation the amount of time for dilation can be reduced first to about one and a half hours, then to about one hour a day. It is difficult to suggest a formula because each patient progresses at a different speed. This is the value of keeping a daily dilation log and corresponding with Dr. Pacik after Botox vaginismus treatment.
For a patient who struggles with finding the time to dilate, I stress again that with vaginismus dilating even “five minutes is better than zero minutes.” Post-procedure, it is important to become methodical in your dilation as you have made a big investment into your future and we need it to payoff.
VaginismusMD Forum post provide helpful tips on vaginismus dilating
Rachel writes: “I found sleeping with the dilators worked for me because I am a 12 hour shift worker. I certainly couldn’t wear them to work! lol I have had an idea though that may help some people just starting out. I was thinking that whilst we are at work on long shifts we could switch to inserting tampons. That way our vagina is still getting used to having something in there and our brains are getting used to inserting things too. They are discrete and easy to carry around and you don’t have to waddle and look like you have a bad back or are 9 months pregnant when you are walking around! Just a thought. Another thought is to treat your dilation treatment like a Pavlov dogs experiment! Pamper yourself and provide yourself with a treat whilst you are doing your dilation treatment. For example, when you have your dilators in watch your favorite movie or indulge in a big bar of chocolate or your favorite cake or a glass of red wine! That way you can look forward to sitting with your dilators in!”
Post procedure counseling on vaginismus dilating
Dr. Pacik has customized these glass dilators so that they are shorter in length and therefore, more comfortable. The #4, #5 and #6 glass dilator is shown.
An important part of my counseling is that five minutes of dilation is better than zero minutes. Every time one dilates this is beneficial even if it is a short period of time. Sleeping with a dilator gives excellent passive stretch and will be a good substitute for the woman who is pressed for time. Then there is always the weekend when one can catch up. Some of my patients dilate ONLY during sleep and not at all during the day. They too are able to do well.
More information can be found for vaginismus dilating and also Dilators for Vaginismus: Correct Use on our VaginismusMD website. A VaginismusMD Forum topic vaginismus dilating and on using the Pacik Glass dilators explain how it is possible to do your normal chores while dilating at the same time.
Pacik Glass Dilators
Since Dr. Pacik retired on September 1st, 2015, we are not selling the Pacik Glass dilators through our office anymore but we do have a web page with the manufacturer Crystal Delight where you can still order them. You can order the dilators as a set or individually with or without a pouch.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our Botox treatment for vaginismus and progressive dilation under anesthesia, please contact us via our contact us form.
