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A vaginal dilator is an instrument used to gently stretch the vagina. They are used when the vagina has become narrowed , such as after brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers, and as therapy for vaginismus and other forms of dyspareunia.
There is evidence for dilator use across many different diagnoses with fair to good results. This includes following cancer treatments and for vaginal agenesis conditions. The evidence presents varying approaches and protocols.
Vaginal dilators, also called vaginal stents or vaginal expanders, can be inflatable and are used during surgeries. Vaginal stents are routinely used in postoperative care for patients who have undergone transgender vaginoplasty as a gender confirmation surgery. They are also used for various conditions, such as vaginal agenesis. The vaginal expander is used immediately after surgery to keep the passage from healing, and regularly thereafter to maintain the viability of the neovagina. Frequency of use requirements decrease over time, but remains obligatory lifelong.