Download Information on Dilators for Female Patients Receiving Radiation

Contacts
If you require any further information please contact the
hospital at the numbers listed below. Identify yourself as a
patient and ask to speak to a member of your treatment
team.
Radiation Treatment Department
Wellington Blood & Cancer Centre
Wellington Regional Hospital
Private Bag 7902
Riddiford St
Newtown
Telephone: 04 806 2000
Monday - Friday Hours: 8:00am – 4:40pm
Counselling for sexual issues for patients and partners is
available from the Cancer Society,
ph (04) 3898421
Information on Dilators
for Women Receiving
Radiation Therapy to the
Pelvis
Radiation Treatment Department
Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre
Introduction
This information is designed to work alongside the
information we gave you at the start of treatment. It is also
a written guide to the information we will give you when
we talk to you about using dilators.
We believe you should be able to make choices about
your care and be as informed as possible. You may want
to show this booklet to your support person so they also
have an understanding of your treatment.
Dilators
Radiation Therapy to the pelvis may cause changes to the
tissues lining your vagina. You may notice that your
vagina feels tender and irritated and may bleed more
easily towards the end of your course of Radiation
Therapy, and for some weeks after.
Once the treatment finishes, and the tissues start to heal,
scarring and shortening/narrowing of the vagina may
occur. This can make it uncomfortable for your doctor to
examine you at follow up appointments and can make
sexual intercourse difficult.
To help prevent this from happening you can use vaginal
dilators. These are designed to be inserted into the
vagina to keep it healthy and supple and to reduce the
risk of scarring and shortening/narrowing.
Further Information/Support
Please ask your treatment team if you need to speak to
the person who has talked to you about your dilators.
Dilator information provided by ……………………………..
They can be contacted by calling the department and then
asking by name to speak to them even after treatment has
finished.
You will receive two follow-ups regarding the use of
dilators. The first will de done in person during your
treatment, about a week after you are given your dilators.
The other will be about 4-6 weeks after your treatment
has finished on the telephone.
Support Services
Please ask a member of your treatment team if you would
like more information or to access any of these services.
• Cancer Society
• Counselling for sexual issues for patients and
partners is available from the Cancer Society,
Please call (04) 3898421 or ask to be refered by
your treatment team.
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When to start using your dilators
We recommend you start using your dilator as soon as we
give them to you. Use your dilator at least three times a
week if possible. As treatment progresses your vagina
may become irritated. If insertion of the dilator becomes
too painful let your treatment team know or contact the
person who spoke to you about using dilators. Their name
is on the last page of this booklet. There are two sections
in this booklet which explain how to use your dilator. The
first applies during treatment and for the 6 weeks
afterwards and the second is for after this time.
After Treatment has finished
It is recommended to use the dilators for at least 6 months
following completion of radiation treatment. At your follow
up appointments with your Radiation Oncologist they will
advise you on whether or not you need to keep using the
dilators. If during your treatment you were told to stop
using your dilator wait 3-4 weeks after treatment and then
start using them again.
Sexual Intercourse
Instructions for Use
The dilator set consists of 4 dilators, which are graduated
in size and length to allow natural progression during use.
Assembling the dilator
The dilators are stored by sliding them inside each other
and placing them in the carry case that comes with them.
To assemble the dilators, lay all 4 dilators down in front of
you. At the end of the smallest dilator is a screw thread,
which fits into the open end of the next size dilator. This
allows the dilators to screw together so you can use one
end as a dilator, and the other as a handle.
If you want to have sexual intercourse you can continue to
do so during treatment. This will mean you don’t have to
use your dilators as regularly. For example if you are
having sex once a week then use your dilators twice that
week. Please reread the information you were given at the
start of treatment for advice on having sexual intercourse
during treatment.
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Using your Dilator During Treatment and
for 6 weeks after treatment
Using your Dilator after treatment and 6
weeks following treatment.
If you are using the dilators for the first time, wash them in
hot soapy water then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces
of soap to avoid any irritation. Dry your dilators.
Once the initial treatment side effects have subsided (after
about 6 weeks) the purpose of the dilator changes.
Instead of simply stopping the ‘sticking’ together now you
are trying to prevent scar tissue forming and the
shortening or narrowing of the vagina.
•
Use the dilators in a place that is comfortable, private
and allows you to relax as much as possible. If this
space is not available to you at home please let the
treatment team know. Some people find it easier to relax
in the bath.
•
•
Begin dilation with the smallest size dilator and gradually
increase over time.
Put the dilator into your vagina gently and as deeply as
possible. Apply a little pressure so that you can feel
the top of the vagina without causing discomfort. If
your vagina feels tight, hold the dilator still while you
tense and relax your vaginal muscles, you may then
be able to push the dilator in a little bit further.
•
Do not simply turn the dilator as this may not be
sufficient to break down adhesions. There are two
movements you can try : -
•
When you are inserting your dilator apply a small
amount of water based vaginal lubricant to the end of
the dilator. Lie on your back with your knees slightly
bent and slightly apart. If this is not comfortable for
you try standing with one foot on a chair or squatting
(similar to inserting a tampon)
•
Move the dilator very gently into the vagina to
separate the walls and prevent them sticking
together. Try moving the dilator round in a small
circular (very gentle grinding) motion, then gently
remove the dilator
•
If it is too uncomfortable stop and resume after
treatment has finished
Slight bleeding may occur after using the dilator during the
the first few weeks. This isn’t unusual but if bleeding
persists or is heavy do not hesitate to contact your
treatment team.
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1. Move the dilator slowly in and out of your vagina
repeatedly
2. Move the dilator round in a small circular (very
gentle grinding) motion.
•
•
To reduce the risk of shortening and narrowing of
the vagina use the widest dilator comfortable and if
it feels tight just leave it in place for 5-10 minutes,
stretching the tissues.
Once you have removed the dilator, wash it with mild
soap and water and rinse thoroughly. It is important to
rinse all the soap off the dilator to prevent any irritation
to the vagina from occurring. Ensure your dilators are
completely dry before you put them away. Store your
dilators in the case provided.
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