Cancer treatments may cause temporary or permanent changes to the vagina. Some treatments can make the vagina tighter, or cause pain or discomfort during sex. Others may cause dryness, thrush or a loss of sensation.
Radiation therapy, especially to the pelvic area, can cause pain, inflammation and scarring in the vagina, vulva, urethra, bowel and bladder. If the ovaries are affected, it may cause early menopause. Other treatments, including surgery, hormone treatment and chemotherapy, can also cause a range of vaginal problems.
Learn tips for coping with these vaginal changes.
Using vaginal dilators
A vaginal dilator is a tube-shaped device made from plastic or silicone. It can help keep your vagina open after treatment.
The dilator is inserted into the vagina for short periods of time to gradually widen the entrance and prevent the walls from sticking together. You may feel some discomfort from the stretching of the vaginal wall, but it shouldn’t be painful.
Ask your doctor for a referral to see a qualified pelvic health physiotherapist. They can make sure it’s safe for you to use dilators and help you get the most from them.
Dilators come in different sizes. You usually start with a smaller, thinner one and slowly move up to a longer, wider one over time.
You need to use dilators regularly. They can be uncomfortable and take time to make improvements.
Not everyone needs or wants to use a vaginal dilator (e.g. if you don’t have penetrative sex or no longer need vaginal examinations). Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits – for some people, using a dilator is helpful, while for others, it may not be.
→ READ MORE: How to cope with changes to the vagina
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Dr Michael Lowy, Sexual Health Physician, Sydney Men’s Health, NSW; Gregory Bock, Clinical Nurse Consultant – Oncology Coordinator, Urology Cancer Nurse Coordination Service, Cancer Network WA; Anita Brown-Major, Occupational Therapist and Director, Thrive Rehab, VIC; Helena Green, Psychosexual Therapist and Clinical Sexologist, Insync for Life Psychology and Women Centre, WA; Dr Lisa Mackenzie, Clinical Psychologist, HNE Centre for Gynaecological Cancer, Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW; Dr Tonia Mezzini, Sexual Health Physician, East Obstetrics and Gynaecology, SA; Sophie Otto, Prostate Cancer Nurse Consultant – Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), SA; Giovanna Raco, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Kath Schubach, Urology Nurse Practitioner, VIC; Emily Stevens, Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse Consultant, Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Anja Vukovic, Clinical Specialist Social Worker, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Alan White, Consumer; Kathleen Wilkins, Consumer; Merran Williams, Consumer.
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