What is a Dilator?
A dilator is any device designed to help relieve pain, maintain elasticity post-surgery, or assist in focusing kegel-type pelvic floor muscles during exercise.
We designed the Fuze Step+ dilators in conjunction with a Toronto-based physician and the Peterborough-area-based silicone artisans at Fuze Silicone. Historically, dilators were made of hard plastic (often with seams) or were only available in a fairly uncomfortable "cone" format. With so many customers and doctors requesting a more comfortable and ergonomic format dilator, we helped develop these silicone dilators to give folks a more appealing dilation option.
While most dilators are designed specifically for vaginal use, the Fuze+ Step Dilators are also anal compatible.
We stock dilators at GenderGear primarily for folks who have had vaginoplasty or other gender-affirming surgeries to help maintain elasticity and depth post-surgery as recommended by your surgeon. While people of all genders use dilators in health-related applications and these dilators are made of medical-grade silicone, dilators should not be considered a medical device.
How to Choose a Dilator
Fuze+ Step 1-5 Dilators: We carry a line of top-quality dilators made of smooth medical-grade silicone, and they come in five different sizes! The smaller sizes (1-3) are solid silicone, while the larger sizes (4 & 5) have a hollow base. to allow the user to insert a bullet-style vibrator into the base of the larger dilators. Many people find vibration helpful when adjusting to a larger size.
Size
We recommend starting with the dilator size(s) recommended by your surgeon, and working your way up to the larger-sized dilators according to your surgeon’s instructions.
How to Use a Dilator
Many people will need to use a dilator multiple times a day, every day, in order to maintain the depth and elasticity they’ve achieved with surgery. Often, after a certain number of weeks or months have passed, the frequency of dilation will decrease, but most people who have had surgery will need to do some form of dilation on a weekly basis for the rest of their lives.
That said, we recommend following your surgeon’s protocol with regards to dilator size, as well as frequency and length of time spent dilating. We also recommend using a good quality water-based lubricant with your dilator, in order to make the process as comfortable as possible.
Care & Cleaning
All of our dilators are made of 100% silicone. Silicone is non-porous and easy to clean. Simply wash your dilator with an unscented, mild soap (and warm water), and allow it to air dry. If you’d like, you can boil your silicone dilator in water for up to five minutes in order to sanitize it. Be sure to k eep sharp objects away from your silicone, as it can get damaged. We also recommend avoiding silicone-based lubricant, as it will react with the material.