Posted February 4, 2025

If you have been experiencing pain with intimacy, have been diagonosed with vaginismus, vulvodynia or anal spasms, you may have read or heard about the use of vaginal/rectal wands or dilators.

What are vaginal/rectal wands or dilators and how do they differ?

Vaginal or rectal wands are typically curved. They are ususally made of some form of plastic or silicone. They are meant to gently release internal pelvic floor muscle tension, myofascial trigger points or spasms. They can also be used to gently help elongate tight vaginal/perineal tissues that have been effected by childbirth, hormonal change, surgery and/or injury. They are curved to gently reach the side walls of you inner pelvis in order to reach the pelvic floor muscles.

Vaginal or rectal dilators are typically straight in shape. They too are typically formulated from some form of plastic or silicone, however, they can be made of glass or crystal as well. They can be purchased singularly or as a graduated set. Dilators are helpful in gently and gradually dilating or stretching the vaginal or rectal tissues circumferentially.  

They are prescribed for conditions such as dyspareunia or painful intercourse, painful scarring of tissues in the vaginal and or ano-rectal area, they can also be helpful for constipation and retraining pelvic floor muscles, to name a few. 

Typically one starts with the smallest dilator in size and gradually progresses to larger sizes as needed in order to re-orient the tissue and allow for greater extensibility for urogenital and anorectal function in every day life. 

It is recommended that you be evaluated and instructed by your pelvic therapist on the safe and proper use of these devices to avoid injury.  

To recap, wands and dilators are similar in use, but are different. Wands typically help release tight pelvic floor muscles and dilators help to gradually stretch and re-orient tight tissues. 

At Lotus Physical Therapy for Women, a thorough history of your particular case, along with physical exam, formulating of patient-specific goals and treatment are all included in your first session. 

If you are experiencing painful sexual relations, have painful perineal scarring, pelvic floor muscle tension and pain and/or constipation, call or email today to find out if this type of treatment may be right for you and begin your healing journey.