These dilators are fixed in size and are used in graduated sets. Unfortunately, progressing to greater sizes can induce a stress on the vagina that can create even more scar tissue, worsening the stenosis. The excessive pain with this treatment also causes very low patient adherence.

The alternative form of dilation is mechano-therapeutic dilation, which expands continuously within the vaginal canal in order to prevent excessive and painful pressure. The currently available mechano-theraputic dilator is the Milli Dilator, but its $400 price tag makes it an inaccessible option for most patients.