Dilator Zine

5_Vaginal Dilators Zine_Online view.pdf

Note: This format is designed to be read online (page numbers in order). Please see the downloads page (here) for the version that can be printed double-sided and stapled together as a booklet.

DIY Dilator Handle

If you have a bigger body or have difficulty manipulating a vaginal dilator carefully, there are options to attach the dilator to a curved handle to make the process easier and more accessible. You can buy an option from Intimate Rose, but it may not work for all dilators and it is only 8 inches long and does not have an adjustable shape. This DIY version is 10" long and can be in any shape that works for your body.

Materials

Small roll of Coban
Camera tripod (sanitize first)
Dilator set

How To

Take the camera attachment peg off of the camera tripod to create a flat surface (if possible)
Cut a small slit in the end of a piece of coban and slide the dilator through - wrap the dilator around the head of the camera tripod.
Bring all the legs of the tripod together and curve them into a "C" shape as needed for your body.
Optionally, you can wrap the camera tripod legs together with the Coban to make a more comfortable grip and hold the shape of the tripod legs together.

Hygiene

Coban around the dilator will need to be replaced with each use, as it will be near your genitals and most likely get lube on it.
Wash camera tripod with an antibacterial wipe/soap you would typically use on a plastic surface.

More Information

Example Products

Straight Silicone Dilators - Intimate Rose or Blush Wellness

Curved Silicone Dilators - Banana Prosthetics

Rigid Plastic Vaginal Dilators (post-vaginoplasty) - SoulSource

Expanding Vaginal Dilator - Milli (FSA/HSA eligible)

Dilator Handle - Intimate Rose

Images in Zine

Pelvis diagram post-vaginoplasty - Mayo Clinic

Pelvis diagram AFAB - NIH National Library of Medicine

Inspiration for illustrated vulvas - Great Wall of Vulva

All other images from Canva

Articles

Vaginal Dilators After Radiation Treatment - The Pelvic Hub

Dilators & Dilation Exercises - Gendergear Guides

Vaginoplasty Guidelines - UCSF Transcare

Alternate positions for dilation (diagrams) - OHSU Transgender Care

Vaginal Dilators: A guide for health care professionals - Contemporary OB/GYN

Videos/Podcast

How to Use Vaginal Dilators for Pelvic Pain [Video 12:32] - Michelle Kenway (Note: Great introduction to use of dilators, does not show position correctly - back should be supported at 45 degrees, not laying flat)

Breathing Techniques for Vaginismus to Help with Dilation - Pelvic Floor Relaxation [Video 4:55] - BIEN Australia

Pelvic Floor Towel Mobilization [Video 2:02] - The Charlotte Athlete

Post-Vaginoplasty Dilation [Video 7:18] - Mayo Clinic

Introduction to Vaginal Dilation after Vaginoplasty [Video 4:21] - Johns Hopkins Medicine

Pelvic Floor 2.0: Dilators, Vibes, & Lube, oh my! [Podcast 54:37] - OT After Dark (Spotify) A pelvic health occupational therapist talks about dilator usages, primarily cishet pre and post partum clients

Books

Trans Sex by Kelvin Sparks - talks about sex post-vaginoplasty

Pelvic Floor: How to Prevent & Manage Chronic Pain - Zine that gives an overview of pelvic floor muscles and how to work with them, by a pelvic health physical therapist

Healthy Chest Binding for Trans and Non-Binary People: A Practical Guide by Frances Reed (2024) - excellent body awareness exercise on page 36.

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