Vaginismus - Patient Handout & Protocol

VAGINISMUS PATIENT HANDOUT\n\nConsider purchasing vaginal dilators such as: http://www.vaginismus.com\nFull treatment kit available with books and treatment regimen: http://www.vaginismus.com/products/complete-dilator-set\n\nIf not purchasing full kit, try following instructions (increase to next diameter after 3-4 weeks at each size):\n\nYou may wish to have your gynecologist show you how to use it and allow time to practice. Use one dilator at a time beginning with smallest size. Best to be semi-lying down with knees bent. Use mirror to help find insertion spot.\n\nGETTING READY:\n- Set aside ~20 minutes once daily (twice daily ideal) with privacy\n- Warm bath for ≥10 minutes before using dilator (optional but helpful)\n- Wash dilator with warm water and mild soap, dry\n- Apply small amount of water-based lubricant (K-Y Jelly or Surgilube) on tip\n\nUSING THE DILATOR:\n- Lie on back (semi-reclining) with bent legs (pelvic exam position)\n- Place lubricated dilator against skin below urethra, in vaginal dimple\n- Using pressure, hold dilator in place ~20 minutes\n- Push dilator at angle toward lower back/tailbone and hold in place\n- Do NOT use in/out motion\n- Should feel lots of pressure but not pain. If pain, pushing too hard. If feel nothing, not enough pressure\n\nAFTER DILATING:\n- Keep dilator in safe place\n- Does NOT need sterilization, but rinse with mild soap and water, dry before storing\n\nFOLLOW-UP:\n- Keep scheduled appointments with gynecologist monthly to monitor progress\n- As vagina stretches, gynecologist will advance to next size dilator\n- Bring dilator to appointments (can keep in cosmetic case or zippered pencil case)\n- When transitioning to larger size, dilate first few minutes with smaller dilator, then change to larger for remainder of time