Gentle self-treatment for women receiving
1. pelvic radiotherapy for Carcinoma of cervix,
Endometrial carcinoma, Carcinoma of vagina, vulva, other pelvic tumors
2. Post surgery – Hysterectomy, radical vulvectomy,
other pelvic surgery. Abdomino pelvic resection
I CAN Care vaginal dilators is a range of dilators
designed to help women alleviate medical conditions affecting the vaginal
structure, following radiotherapy to the vagina, cervix or pelvis. Radiotherapy
can cause some internal scarring (adhesions) to the treated area and make the
vagina narrower, drier and less elastic.
I CAN Care vaginal dilators help to reduce the risk
of scarring and offer an effective way for patients to take an active role in
their treatment.
Preventing the formation of scar tissue within the
vagina helps ensure that the vagina remains supple so that sexual intercourse
and vaginal examinations can be performed without discomfort or pain.
I CAN CARE Vaginal Dilator is available in three graduated
diameter sizes of 2cm, 2.5 cm and 3 cm to make insertion and removal easier.
Benefits:
- Effective
treatment for use in the comfort of the home
- Treatment
pace is directed by the user
- Three
graduated sizes to help users to progress gradually
- Designed
to help build confidence
After menopause, the vagina becomes dry, less elastic,
narrower, and shorter. Some cancer treatments can also cause these changes
within the vagina. To help you with these changes, your healthcare provider has
suggested that you use a vaginal dilator and start doing vaginal dilator
therapy. Vaginal dilator therapy is a resource you can use throughout your
life.
It will help to:
1.
Allow your healthcare provider to perform a more
thorough pelvic exam.
2.
Make it more comfortable for you to be examined.
3.
Prevent your vagina from becoming too narrow.
4.
Keep your vagina more elastic.
5.
Allow you to have vaginal sex with less
discomfort.
As a result of your recent treatment, your vagina may have
become narrowed and shortened due to the formation of scar tissue. I CAN CARE vaginal dilators have been
designed to greatly reduce your risk of scarring and assist you in keeping your
vagina supple. This will help reduce any long term discomfort from follow up
examinations, further treatments and sexual intercourse.
Please read these instructions fully before using I CAN CARE vaginal dilators for the first
time
How to use your I CAN CARE vaginal dilators
Before You Begin – Prior to first-time use, wash
dilators and handle in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
Privacy – Use the dilators in a private, comfortable
setting where you will be undisturbed.
Positioning – The recommended position to use the
dilators is to lie flat on your back with your knees bent at a 45 degree angle and
legs slightly apart. Alternatively, you may stand with one leg raised on a
chair. Make sure you can easily touch
the opening of your vagina. Practice Kegel exercise.
Progression – Start with the smallest dilator and,
once you can comfortably insert it, progress to the next size up. You may find
when you first use the dilators that you can only tolerate the tip of the
dilator. With persistent use you will be able to gradually progress to full
insertion, then larger sizes. When transitioning sizes, move from the smaller
dilator to the next size in the same session, as vaginal muscles will already
be relaxed and the transition will be easier. The time it takes to progress
from size to size varies by individual.
Inserting a Vaginal Dilator -- 1. Apply water-based
lubricant (like K-Y jelly), to the tip of the dilator and to your vaginal
opening. Do not use petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) 2. Relax as best as
possible. Using controlled breathing, slowly ease the dilator into the vagina
going as deeply as is comfortable. Continue to insert the dilator until you
feel slight discomfort or muscle tension and then stop. Since the vagina slants
upwards and towards your back, the dilator should be angled upwards and in the
direction of your back during insertion. 3. Once the dilator is inside the vagina move
the dilator in a forward and backward motion, then a left to right motion and
if possible, gently rotate the dilator in position by twisting the handle.4. Do
a set of Kegel exercises. These Exercises will help you relax your pelvic floor
muscles and insert the dilator a little further. If it is still difficult to insert the dilator
after doing Kegel exercises, take some deep breaths. Then, refocus on relaxing
your pelvic floor muscles and try to insert the dilator a little further. Don’t
worry if you can’t insert the dilator completely. Over time, you may be able to
get the dilator in a little bit further. 5. Leave the dilator in place for 5 to
10 minutes. 6. Gently push it back and forth to stretch the length of your
vagina. 7. Gently rotate the dilator in wide circles to stretch the width of
your vagina. Repeat this at the back, middle, and opening of your vagina. Some
women find it helpful to work with more than one size dilator. 8. Remove gently
and slowly while rotating.
After You Are Done You may have a small amount of bleeding
when you use the dilator. This is normal. A panty liner will be enough to
manage this. If you have a lot of bleeding, such as bleeding that soaks up a
sanitary napkin, call your healthcare provider. If you get urinary tract
infections (UTIs) often, you may want to urinate after dilator therapy. If you
have any questions or problems, talk with your healthcare provider at your next
appointment.
Duration & Frequency – You should practice dilator
therapy several times per week (i.e., every other day). The more you do it, the
more you will benefit. Duration and frequency of dilation may range from three
minutes twice a week up to ten minutes and twice daily*. Please consult with
your Healthcare Professional.
Cleaning Instructions – I CAN CAREvaginal dilators, should be washed after each use. Wash in warm, soapy water,
rinse thoroughly and allow to dry before storing in in a clean bag. Ensure all
traces of soap are removed to avoid irritation. Remember to wash the dilator
handle if it has been used.
Warnings and Precautions
These instructions
are intended as a guide. Further advice may be obtained from your Healthcare
Professional.
Return Policy: We are not able to accept returns on the
vaginal dilator product. For health and safety reasons, vaginal inserts,
vaginal dilators that have been sold to a consumer cannot be restocked and are
prohibited from resale.I CAN CARE Vaginal Dilators
http://www.icancare.org/treatment/radiotheraphy/vaginal-dilator
http://www.icancare.org/treatment/radiotheraphy/vaginal-dilator
