How effective is vaginal dilator therapy for vulvodynia?

Vulvodynia is persistent vulval pain without one single explanation. Pain may be provoked by touch, insertion, clothing, sitting, or may occur without contact. A dilator can provide gradual exposure to pressure and insertion, and may help reduce pelvic-floor guarding in a carefully selected plan. It does not cure every source of vulval pain. Assessment may also consider skin conditions, infection, hormonal tissue changes, nerve sensitivity, and pelvic-floor muscle activity.

Get guidance on whether dilators are appropriate before starting. Choose a comfortable size, use enough suitable lubricant, and practise only at a level that does not create a flare. Stop for sharp pain, burning, bleeding, or symptoms that remain worse afterward. Keep notes on touch, clothing, sitting, sexual activity, urinary symptoms, and recovery time. A clinician may recommend pelvic-floor therapy, topical care, pain treatment, or another approach alongside dilator work.

Arrange an assessment for new sores, skin changes, unusual discharge, bleeding, urinary burning, or a sudden change in pain. Contact your clinician if practice causes a prolonged flare or makes daily activities harder. Seek urgent care for severe pelvic pain, fever with feeling very unwell, fainting, or heavy bleeding.

What is triggering my vulval pain? Is dilator therapy suitable for my pain pattern? How can I distinguish gentle stretching from a flare? Which lubricant or topical treatment is appropriate? Could pelvic-floor physiotherapy help? What symptoms would mean I should stop and be examined?