Frequently Asked Questions

Dilators

Who should and who shouldn’t use BIEN dilators

BIEN Silicone Vaginal Dilators have been designed to be used by individuals who are experiencing painful intercourse, pain with tampon use or with medical exams like pap smears, or after gender affirming surgery as part of their post-surgical protocols.

 Contraindications or reasons to not use vaginal dilators include:

• Pregnancy
• Active vaginal infection including pelvic inflammatory disease

If you wish to use vaginal dilators in these circumstances, please obtain clearance from your treating health care professional.

Indications or reasons to use BIEN Silicone Vaginal Dilators include:

• Vaginismus
• Pelvic floor muscle spasm
• Vaginal narrowing or pain with intercourse post-menopause
• Vulvodynia
• Vestibulodynia
• Pain with penetration or tampon use
• Vaginal changes or pain after radiation treatment
• Post-surgery for gender affirming surgery
• Vaginal stenosis and Vaginal atrophy

See more information here

 

How do I know what size to start with?

The reasons why you are using dilators and your specific concern will have an impact on what size you start with, so obtaining an individual assessment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist is recommended to ensure the best outcomes. If you are unable to access a pelvic floor physiotherapist then you should start with a size that you feel might be suitable for you. For example if you struggle with using tampons you may want to start with our small or progressive set; if you can comfortably use tampons but are having pain with penetrative intercourse then you might want to start with our medium or our progressive set. Once you have decided on which set and size to start on, you might then be wondering when to progress to the next size. In general, once you can comfortably use your current size dilator in multiple positions and with movement, then you can progress to the next size.

See more information and videos here

 

How do I progress through my dilator therapy?

The progression through dilators will be individual and distinct, depending on your condition and symptoms.

• Gently wash the dilators with warm water and soap and dry prior to use
• Select the size of vaginal dilator that looks appropriate for your needs or that has been suggested by your health care provider
• Place water based lubricant or gelon the dilator and on the entrance of the vulva and vagina
• Lying on your back, take five deep breaths focusing on the rise and fall of your chest
• Bring the dilator to the entrance of the vagina and slowly insert the dilator while maintaining deep breathing, keeping pain levels below a 4/10
• Once the dilator is inserted into the vagina, aim to keep your pelvic floor, abdominals and hip muscles as relaxed as possible
• Aim to have the dilator inserted for 15 minutes or as guided by your health care professional
• After 15 minutes, if your pain levels are still less than 4/10, you can start to move the dilator inside the vagina. You might do this by twisting it in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction. You might progress to inserting and removing it half way or tilting it to the left and right. More water based lubrication may be needed as you do this
• Once complete, remove and clean the dilator with warm water and soap and dry prior to storing
• Repeat this process every second day or as guided by your health care professional

Note: dilator therapy works best when paired with a holistic approach to pelvic pain. See more information here!

 

What position should I use dilators in?

Which position you choose to use your dilators in, depends on your goals and what you are most comfortable with. Ideally, by the end of your treatment, you should be able to use your dilators in a variety of positions, without pain; but you might start by lying on your back or side with your knees bent.

Once this position is comfortable you might feel okay to progress to different positions where you can move your hips and pelvis around the dilator, rather than moving the dilator inside your vagina with your hips stationary. This could look like sitting on a chair or straddling pillows and then moving your hips back and forth with the dilator inside the vagina. You could also try and use the dilators in a deep squatting position or in a 4 point kneeling position to imitate positions that may be performed during sexual intercourse. All of these positions may not be relevant to you, so always listen to your body to make sure you are comfortable with your dilator therapy.

See more information here

 

How often should I be using vaginal dilators?

Your training plan should be individual to your specific goals and ideally this is set in conjunction with your health care provider. For most individuals using dilators for 15 minutes, 4-7 times a week will achieve desired outcomes. Once you have reached the end of your treatment plan, a maintenance program of 2-3 times a week might be suggested to ensure your progress is not lost.

See more information here

 

BIEN Water Based Intimate Gel

Can I use it with dilators and sex toys?

Yes! Our BIEN Water Based Intimate Gel is safe for use with silicone toys and silicone dilators

 

Is it condom safe?

Yes! Our BIEN Water Based Intimate Gel is safe for use with condoms. 

 

Shipping and returns

My product is damaged - what do I do now?

Please send us an email at info@bien.com.au with photos and we will get back to you as soon as possible with a solution!

 

Can I return my product? 

Due to the nature of our products, we are unable to process returns for change of mind and can only accept returns if the product is faulty or damaged. If you have any questions regarding our returns policy please contact use here.

 

Do you ship in discrete packaging? 

Yes - All orders are sent in generic packaging for your privacy. 

 

How long will my product take to arrive

We aim to ship products within 24 hours of receiving your order on Monday-Friday. The estimated time for shipping will depend on your destination, however all orders will receive a tracking number so that you can see when the estimated time of arrival will be. If you have any other questions please contact us here.