If you have landed on this page, you are most likely warming up to the idea of using a vaginal dilator or have committed to using one but need to find out how to size. Choosing the size of your dilator size can seem to be a daunting task. There are tons of designs, brands, shapes, sets and sizes that can leave someone scratching their head. Urology Health Store Canada will provide you some tips and advice in this article on how to source and choose the correct size of dilator that is right for your pelvic floor. 

We are not going to pretend that choosing the right size of vaginal or anal dilator is an easy task. Actually, one of the more common questions we get at Urology Health Store Canada is “What size vaginal dilator should I get?” and although there is no set in stone answer to that question, our experience with providing thousands of Canadian's with pelvic health products means we have a pretty good idea on how to help you decide on which dilators are right for you.

Choosing the best fit may require you to inspect some intimate details about your pelvic floor such as your shape and size, comfort levels and personal goals. Everyones body is different, and there are so many reasons for needing a vaginal dilator. It’s certainly not a one-size-fits-all product, and you may even be wondering if it’s the right kind of product for you at all.

We positioned Urology Health Store as a place where Women and Men can have a choice of premium quality vaginal dilators from different brands around the world such as Medintim Vagiwell, VuVa Tech Vaginal Dilators, and Intimate Rose. This will allow you to really get that 'custom fit' that your body needs as each manufacturer uses different specifications including material, size and shape!  

Note: each dilator has a sizing chart on the product page for you to get a good idea! 

How to pick your Vaginal Dilator sizes:   

Our #1 advice is to speak to your physician or pelvic floor physical therapist as they should be able help guide you into that starting size. They typically have model sets in their clinic for you to feel and examine yourself to get a better idea on what you are going to use. You can find a pelvic health therapist on our interactive map and set up a consultation with them. Rest assured all of these clinics are hand picked and some of the best and most creditable pelvic therapist in Canada!  

So let's get started on some general tips on sizing - Typically the smallest dilator size is comparable to the size of an average women's pinky finger. However if you need to go smaller, we carry VuVa Tech dilators who have one of the smallest starting size on the market (the size of a pencil). Rule of thumb is If you can fit a larger size tampon in without and issues, we typically recommend to start with a size 3 OR 4, especially if your muscles are very tight, or you have a lot of atrophy pain.

If you are currently sexually active, you might not need the smaller dilators and starting with the Size 4 or 5 and moving up would be best for your home therapy plan. Another tip we provide people is you can also purchase the size dilator that is comparable in circumference to your partner to start. 

Using a dilator can be uncomfortable but should never been extremely painful, if this is the case you will have to scale back your dilator size and try for 1 or 2 sizes down. This isn't a race, and working at slow pace is always recommended for the best and safest results. On the 1-10 pain scale you never want to exceed the 3-4 pain level when dilating. Don't judge that pain when you first put the dilator in as this can be very painful to start even at the correct size. Judge the overall experience of the treatment rather that the first insertion. 

Depending on your reason for using a dilator, you may experience pain when inserting anything at all, so this is a very subjective and case by case scenario hence why we always suggest working with a pelvic therapist. You typically want to wait a few minutes to see if the pain level drops once the dilator is inserted. If so, you should be fine with the size you picked! 

If you’re trying to accommodate tampons or medical exams, you’ll most likely want to start with the Small sizing sets. If you’re trying to accommodate your partner for intercourse, try using a measuring tape to measure the length, width, and circumference you’d like to support. Sexually active women generally wish to work their way up to a size comparable to their partner’s penis. Using a dilator most comparable to his size for approximately 20 minutes prior to sex should make the experience much more comfortable and satisfying. 

Final Thoughts On Dilator Sizing 

We know its tough looking at a screen and deciding what is the right size for you. We recommend the following way to better visualize the actual size of the dilator. All of our dilators that we offer have the their measurements on the product page - use this chart and draw them out on a piece of paper, cut out and have a better understanding of the size.

If you're still not sure which size, every brand offers a sizing sets. This will be the most stress free option available. Yes, you may not use a size or two but at least you have the peace of mind that you don't have to come back to buy another size - which in the end could cost you more. 

If you have any other questions about sizing or dilators in general please reach out to us or your pelvic health therapist!