Vaginal stent

Vaginal Stents are the tools used in in post-op male-to-female vaginal dilation.

The neovagina is an artificially created opening into the body. Because your genetic code has no plan for an opening there, your body will simply heal what it considers to be a gaping wound and close the neovagina completely and permanently. The tissue surrounding the neovagina, including the PC muscle, were pushed aside during the dissection of neovaginal cavity. These tissues will attempt to move back into their original positions. So in order to keep it open, we must insert something into the neovagina on a regular and frequent basis. Such a device is called a stent or dilator

Features

An example of a curved stent

Vaginal stents need to have several features to make absolutely certain that you are getting the best possible dilation for your time and effort, and to ensure safely.

• A smooth finish is necessary. The stent is meant to separate sensitive new tissue so contact with the lining of the vaginal barrel by the stent should be smooth to aid comfort. Moreover, any imperfection in the surface could be a breeding ground for bacteria. Hygiene is particulary critical in the initial stages of healing.
• The construction from a very hard material is desirable to preserve a smooth finish without any nicks.
• Proper nose shape is important:
  1. During initial penetration, the nose should gradually expand the vaginal canal and the PC muscle, making insertion more comfortable.
  2. The nose must be blunt enough to minimize the danger of penetrating the vaginal wall. While a dilator that is very pointed or tapered may seem easier to insert, it is also capable of causing severe damage.
  3. When fully inserted, the nose shape must help increase vaginal depth by creating enough stress to encourage the formation of new tissue (microtears) without causing outright tearing.
  • Another problem with a dilator that is too tapered or made of a soft material, the neovagina will be stretched less and less as you move inward, resulting in an tapered neovagina.
• Your stents should be designed for maximum therapeutic results rather than temporary, anatomical ‘fit’. In other words a dildo is not a stent, there IS a difference.
• There should be multiple diameters to allow you to gradually stretch the neovagina. One size does not fit all.
• Curved vaginal stents may be more comfortable as the neovagina is not straight.

Care

Vaginal stents should be handled carefully to prevent nicks and scratches. They should never be subjected to boiling water. They should be cleaned promptly after use with antibacterial soap such as chlorhexidine. When used in the initial phase of healing from surgery greater care should be taken and the stents stored in an antibacterial bath between uses. The bath solution could be an approximately 1:150 solution of antibacterial soap. After initial healing is completed the stents may be stored carefully dried instead.

Sizes

The sizes of vaginal stents appear to be standardized across different manufacturers.

Size	Diameter		Circumference
	3/4"	19mm	2.4"	60mm
	7/8"	22mm	2.7"	70mm
#0	1"	25mm	3.1"	80mm
#1	1-1/8"	29mm	3.5"	90mm
#2	1-1/4"	32mm	3.9"	100mm
#3	1-3/8"	35mm	4.3"	110mm
#4	1-1/2"	38mm	4.7"	120mm

Therapy usually begins with a #1 or sometimes a #0 dilator. Smaller dilators are used for special cases or remedial usage.

See also

• Gender reassignment surgery (male-to-female)
• Gender reassignment therapy

External links

• Femistent Dilators
• Soul Source GRS Dilators
• Zen And The Art Of Post-Operative Maintenance
• Why do post-op transsexuals have to dilate?
• Vaginoplasty: Male to Female Sex Reassignment Surgery

in particular see:

• Postoperative Care Following Vaginoplasty (SRS)

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