Abstract
Introduction. Regular use of vaginal dilators has been recommended as a prophylactic measure following radiation treatment for gynecological cancer....Aim. To investigate women's experiences with the vaginal dilator and to understand the psychosocial factors that influence women's adoption of rehabilitative dilator use.
Results. The analysis resulted in five main categories underlying the core category of "From 'Sex Toy' to Intrusive Imposition." These were: (i) embarrassing sex toy; (ii) reliving the invasion of treatment; (iii) aversive "hands-on" experience; (iv) not at the forefront of my recovery; and (v) minimizing the resistance.
Conclusions. Rehabilitative vaginal dilator use is a complex, multifaceted, and personal phenomenon that carries deep psychological and emotional implications that make it intrusive.
