The Best Vaginal Dilators: Essential Features to Consider

by Remington Medical June 15, 2023

Vaginal dilators serve the purpose of stretching or strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and vaginal tissues. Typically prescribed by healthcare providers, these tools aid individuals experiencing dyspareunia (painful intercourse), vaginismus, or the need to reintroduce vaginal penetration following surgery, childbirth, menopause, or trauma. However, with numerous brands available, determining the most suitable vaginal dilators can be a daunting task.

This article will provide valuable insights on selecting a vaginal dilator, highlight the distinctions between different styles of dilators, and identify the top-rated vaginal dilators currently available. By considering these essential tips, readers can make informed decisions regarding their choice of vaginal dilator.

Vaginal Dilators : What do they do ?

Vaginal dilators serve a range of beneficial purposes. Vaginal dilators primarily aim to minimize pain experienced during vaginal penetration, facilitating various activities such as comfortable tampon insertion, easier gynecological appointments, and enhanced pleasure during sexual intercourse. Their primary objective is to alleviate discomfort and improve overall vaginal experiences. Through dilator therapy, the process of gradually stretching the vaginal and pelvic muscles, tight muscles can be trained to relax over time. This gradual stretching helps reduce discomfort and enhances the pleasure associated with vaginal penetration.

Furthermore, vaginal dilators play a vital role in therapy and rehabilitation programs recommended by healthcare professionals. They provide a safe and controlled method for individuals to regain control over their pelvic floor muscles, overcome physical and psychological barriers, and enhance their overall well-being.

Vaginal dilators are beneficial for women undergoing recovery from pelvic injuries, vaginal surgery, gender reassignment surgery, cervical cancer, or managing conditions like vaginal dryness (atrophy). They are also helpful for individuals dealing with endometriosis, interstitial cystitis (IC), vaginal stenosis, and vulvodynia. Vaginal dilators provide support and relief in a wide range of situations and medical conditions, aiding in the healing process and improving overall vaginal health.

It is Time to Choose Your Dilator !

To ensure you select the most suitable vaginal dilator, it is recommended to seek guidance from a pelvic floor physiotherapist or gynecologist who can advise on the appropriate size for you and provide instructions regarding usage frequency and duration.

Given the abundance of brands and types available, understanding the differences between vaginal dilators can be challenging. However, by considering the following essential factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right vaginal dilator:

Size Variety: It is beneficial to opt for sets that offer ascending sizes or the option to purchase incremental sizes individually. Having a range of sizes allows for gentle muscle stretching, preparation for penetration, and increased sexual pleasure. Starting with the smallest dilator and gradually progressing to larger sizes as comfort allows is an effective approach.
Material and Sensation: Vaginal dilators are commonly made from plastic or silicone, each providing a distinct sensation. Plastic dilators tend to be rigid and firm, while silicone dilators are described as smooth, soft, bendy, and more reminiscent of natural textures. It's worth noting that plastic dilators may become sticky when lubricated, making them harder to clean, whereas silicone dilators are less sticky and easier to maintain.
Ease of use: Choose a dilator that feels comfortable during insertion and use. Look for features like a tapered tip for easier insertion and a smooth surface for gentle and friction-free movement. Additionally, consider whether a handle or a hands-free design suits your preferences and provides optimal comfort during therapy. Some vaginal dilators come with a handle to keep them in place, while others feature a base that indicates full insertion once it touches the vaginal entrance. The latter type is considered hands-free, allowing women to relax during the dilation process. While a handle might seem practical, some individuals find it obstructive.
Medical Grade and Safety: Ensure that the dilator is made from medical-grade materials and is safe for use like the Vagiwell Medical Dilators, which are health Canada approved dilators! Check if it is free from harmful substances such as phthalates or latex. This ensures that you are using a high-quality product that is designed specifically for therapeutic purposes.
Guidance and Support: We always recommend seeking a pelvic health therapist when thinking about purchasing dilators however that is not always an option for all. Seek a dilator company that comes with clear instructions or guidance on how to use them effectively for pelvic health therapy. Some sets may also include educational resources or access to online support communities, which can be valuable for your progress and well-being.
Price Consideration: Plastic dilators are generally more affordable than silicone ones. However, it's important to prioritize quality over cost. While plastic dilators are a viable option for those on a budget, opting for silicone dilators is beneficial in the long run. If feasible, investing a bit more in silicone dilators ensures better overall vaginal health and satisfaction.

Brands of Dilators

Medintim Vagiwell Medical Dilators

Vagiwell medical dilators are our number 1 pick for some very sound reasoning.

The only health Canada approved medical dilator made from medical grade silicone and an ultra smooth material.
Canada's most affordable and best quality Silcone dilator
Made in Germany
Design is extremely comfortable and easy to handle / manipulate the dilator for treatment.
5 meaningful dilator sizes. We have seen many patients who order other 7+ dilator sets and found they did not touch many of the sizes that were included in the set. With the Medintim set, it comes in 5 well thought out sizes.
Available in a full 5 dilator set, or a small and large 3 set.
Vagiwell also offers 2 unique sizes: Vagiwell 5 LS (lichen sclerosus) and Vagiwell No. 6. The larger sized dilators are also use for gender reassignment surgery.

Intimate Rose

We will start with the most popular dilators brand in the world, Intimate rose vaginal dilators.

Comprehensive set of sizes: Intimate Rose Dilators offer a range of sizes, from small to large, allowing for a personalized and progressive approach to therapy.
Smooth and body-safe silicone: The dilators are made from high-quality silicone, ensuring a comfortable and gentle experience during use.
Additional resources and support: Intimate Rose provides access to educational materials, online support communities, and a complimentary digital guidebook, enhancing the therapy experience and providing valuable guidance throughout the pelvic health journey.
Intimate Rose dilators start at 0.45 inches in diameter and 2.8 inches long to 1.5 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches long

Vuvatech dilators

VuVaTech Dilators

One of Urology Health Store Canada's most popular and in demand dilators due to the amount of sizes, economical price, and material.

The most cost efficient dilator.
Made from body safe BPA Free hard medical-grade plastic .

Vuvatech dilators begin at 0.375 inches in diameter and 4 inches long to 1.625 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches long.
No colour distinction for sizes.
Comes in a set of 7 dilators
Comes in two styles magnetic and non magnetic.

Before selecting the ideal vaginal dilator for your needs, it is essential to consider the aforementioned tips if your pelvic floor physiotherapist or gynecologist has recommended vaginal dilator therapy as part of your treatment for the condition. We hope you choose Urology Health Store Canada for all your pelvic floor products.