I gather that it is common for one's surgeon to supply dilators (I'm told mine will).
I also gather that these tend to be hard, solid, smooth.
I also gather that a common dilation technique is "Stick it in and hold for a time ... then same again with a larger size".

I wondered what variations on the tools and approach folks have tried?

For example

I hear that "organic dilators" work quite well (after some months have passed) and whilst not my cup of tea ... perhaps the same effect can be obtain with a strap-on used by a partner.

Has anybody had success with using alternative dilators that are not hard plastic/glass ... but perhaps firmer rubber (still smooth) ... OK yes I mean dildoes.

And for the "insert and hold" ... anybody tried using something other then their hands to keep the device in? A harness or knickers or ...? I mean ... is it possible to hold something in there for 30 minutes (or whatever) whilst being able to stand/move (waddle) about?

I could see a case to be made for ... exciting the device with a vibrator held against the end during the "hold it in" phase ... any experience?

And what other things have folks tried? Found to work? Been warned off or found to not work?

Sam x

I've mostly stuck with the stents because I'm too poor to get something more enjoyable (?) off amazon. that said I use (the ball of my feet) when my hand needs a break because I can.

I would really caution you about substitutes, at least until you have completed "setting" your vagina. Because you have to change out dilators, and the most is about 15-20 minutes, it really doesn't make sense not to use what the surgeon gives you or a harness. Also, there is a method to the madness of the sizes and you really don't need to make it more complicated than it is. There is a point at which you may be using three different sizes within half an hour. It would be a bother to reset a harness. You also do not want to "push" your limit with anything unforgiving. With your hand, you know when to stop, and also when to gently keep pushing -- every session may be slightly different that first year.

Over time, as the frequency lessens, it's not as much bother. First two months are so really are, but for part of that you are healing anyway. Nothing will make it "pleasureable" while you are still stretching to the largest dilator, and the surgeons really do NOT want you to be using toys.

You do not want to use a strap on too early or anything too big, and you also do not want to risk rupturing anything. If your partner can't feel the limit, you will be on edge and may not enjoy the encounter.

You will get instructions by the staff.

After you find yourself healed enough you can hold it between your legs. That takes months.

There is a reason for the hard plastic. But after your 3 month mark if you feel up to it you can start substation. Your body will tell you if you cheat to much the first year.

But many cheat on there aftercare and pay dearly in the end.

Quote from: JourneyingSam on September 23, 2014, 01:12:13 PM
And for the "insert and hold" ... anybody tried using something other then their hands to keep the device in? A harness or knickers or ...? I mean ... is it possible to hold something in there for 30 minutes (or whatever) whilst being able to stand/move (waddle) about?

I usually close my legs and that holds the dilator in place. Though it doesn't shift much if I don't hold it. Usually every couple of minutes I need to check to see if it's come out a bit and push it back in if I don't have my legs closed.

There's no way (I know of) to move around when the dilator is in place.

Thanks everyone!

So

1) Stick to what the surgeon advises
2) Stick to what the surgeon advises
3) See 1)

I do not want to risk anything about what I am going to be given.

Sam x

I heard someone say the difference between a dialator and a dildo is that the dialator is intentionally hard and rigid because it has to be. If your body can squeeze it, then you're not getting the full benefit.

Yeah, call me another vote for "stick to what the surgeon advises."

That said, around six months post-op, when everything was long healed and I was using only the two largest dilators, I did buy and occasionally use a "jelly" type vibrator that was as big as the largest dilator (but compressible) as an intermediate stage for the days when it was hard to go from the #3 to #4. At that point we were only supposed to use #3 for 5 minutes, and sometimes that just wasn't quite enough to warm me up for the gigantic one. The vibration helped me relax the muscles and expand the vagina, but I did NOT count it as part of the dilation session time, meaning that since I had to do 20 minutes with the dilators I'd do 30-40 minutes total (counting the additional 10-20 minutes using the vibrator). I quit making it a consistent part of the routine once I adjusted to the new schedule, but I admit to keeping the vibrator around for non-dilation fun times.

I never did figure out a way to hold it in that wasn't my hands. I've just gotten really good at doing stuff one-handed! I have cats, so I really had the knack already, to be honest...