Dilators Shouldn’t Come With a “Good Luck” Packet: What You Really Need for Pelvic Pain
If you’ve ever been handed a set of dilators, a quick verbal rundown, and told to “try these at home”… you are not alone.
And you deserve so much better.
I hear it far too often:
A patient works up the courage to tell her provider about pain with sex, tampon insertion, or pelvic exams — and the solution she’s given is a set of dilators with little to no guidance.
But here’s the truth:
Dilators are a tool. They are not a treatment plan.
And without proper assessment and support, they can leave you feeling confused, overwhelmed, or even more discouraged.
Let’s break down why this happens — and what you actually need instead.
The Problem: Dilators Are Being Prescribed Without the Support You Deserve
Women regularly share the same story with me:
🚩 No pelvic floor muscle assessment
Before using dilators, you should know why you’re having pain.
Is it muscle tension?
Muscle guarding?
Coordination issues?
Nervous system sensitivity?
Scar tissue?
Hormonal dryness?
Without an exam, no one actually knows — and dilators may not even be the right starting point.
🚩 No real education beyond a handout
A pamphlet or a 60-second explanation is not enough.
Dilator training involves:
Understanding the pelvic floor muscles
Learning how to relax, breathe, and release tension
Knowing how to insert, angle, and progress safely
Understanding pacing (slow, steady, not forced)
Making sure pain does not increase
Incorporating nervous system work and full-body strategies
This cannot be taught in a rushed appointment.
🚩 No follow-up to track progress
You deserve someone checking in on:
Your comfort
Your form
Your symptoms
Your emotional responses
Your progress
Whether the size or technique needs adjustment
Whether dilators are still the right tool
Pelvic pain is not linear — guidance matters.
🚩 No referral to pelvic floor therapy
This is the biggest red flag.
Dilators alone do not address:
Muscle tension
Overactivity
Trigger points
Breathing mechanics
Core/pelvic coordination
Posture or movement patterns
Nervous system dysregulation
Hormonal factors
Pelvic floor therapy is the piece that ties everything together.
Why This Matters: Pain Is Complex (and Treatable)
Pelvic pain is never “just in your head.”
It’s also never something you should be told to push through.
You deserve:
✨ A full pelvic floor muscle assessment
✨ A plan tailored to your symptoms, body, and comfort level
✨ Someone to teach you techniques step by step
✨ A safe space to ask questions
✨ Guidance for nervous system down-training
✨ Support for pain with sex, tampon use, pelvic exams, or daily life
✨ Follow-up so you never feel lost or alone
You deserve pain-free intimacy, comfort with tampons, and pelvic exams that don’t make you tense up in fear.
Dilators Can Be Amazing Tools — When Used Correctly
With proper support, dilators can help retrain the pelvic floor, reduce muscle guarding, and build confidence.
But without that support?
They often end up sitting in a drawer because no one taught you how to use them safely.
Your body needs more than a “good luck” packet — it needs care, context, and compassion.
If You’re Feeling Frustrated, Confused, or Discouraged… Let’s Talk.
You are not supposed to figure this out alone.
Pelvic pain is highly treatable with the right approach, and you deserve someone who listens, evaluates, guides, and celebrates your progress every step of the way.
If your current plan feels unclear or incomplete, I’m here to help.
You (and your pelvic floor!) deserve real guidance, real support, and a plan that actually works.
👉 Book a discovery call with me at Catalyst Physical Therapy & Wellness
Let’s get you feeling comfortable, confident, and pain-free again — without the guesswork.
