Vaginal dilator

A vaginal dilator, sometimes called a vaginal trainer, vaginal stent or vaginal expander, is an instrument used to gently stretch the vagina. They are used when the vagina has become narrowed (vaginal stenosis), such as after brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers, as therapy for vaginismus and other forms of dyspareunia, and to maintain the neovaginal canal following gender-affirming surgery.

There is evidence for dilator use across many different diagnoses with fair to good results. This includes following cancer treatments and for vaginal agenesis conditions. The evidence presents varying approaches and protocols.

Vaginal dilators, can be solid or inflatable and are commonly used during surgeries. Vaginal stents are routinely used in surgery and postoperative care for transgender women who are undergoing gender-affirming vaginoplasty to form a neovagina. The vaginal expander is used immediately after surgery to keep the passage from collapsing, and regularly thereafter to maintain the viability of the neovagina. Frequency of use requirements decrease over time, but remains obligatory lifelong.