 Vaginal Care Following Radiotherapy |
To help minimize this problem you have been given a dilator kit. This kit contains a range of plastic tubes of various sizes which dilate or stretch the vagina. This helps the muscles of the vagina to relax. The kit also contains a cleaning brush that can be used to clean the dilators after use.
You will also be given a tube of lubricating cream. This will help to keep the lining of your vagina moist and supple.
We recommend that you start using the dilators one to two weeks after the end of all your radiotherapy treatment, as long as any soreness has begun to settle down. The dilators should be used every other day initially and then every third day after six months.
Once you are sexually active again the dilators need not be used on the days that you have sexual intercourse.
Slight bleeding or spotting may occur during intercourse or after using the dilators during the first few weeks. However, if the bleeding persists or is unduly heavy, do not hesitate to contact your doctors or specialist radiographer.
Using a vaginal dilator
1.Place the lubricating cream on the
rounded end of the dilator.
2. Lie on your back with your knees slightly
bent or stand with one foot on the bath or on a stool.
3. Insert the dilator gently as far as is
comfortable. Withdraw and reinsert the dilator several times for a total of five minutes.
4.Clean the dilator with warm soapy water.
