Choosing the right vaginal dilator can feel overwhelming - silicone or plastic, tapered or non-tapered tips, wearable sets, and different diameters, lengths, handle styles, and quantities per set. If you’re managing vaginismus, dyspareunia (painful sex), post-surgery recovery, or radiation therapy, the best choice depends on your goals, sensitivity, and clinician guidance.
Consider material, shape, size range, and usability so you can compare brands confidently and choose the best vaginal dilator for your pelvic floor therapy.
Silicone vs Plastic Vaginal Dilators
Silicone vaginal dilators are soft, flexible, and body-friendly - ideal for those with heightened sensitivity or pain. The smooth surface and gentle flexibility make them more comfortable to insert and use for longer periods. Many pelvic health professionals recommend silicone for its ease of use and gentle feel, particularly in cases of vaginismus, dyspareunia, or post-surgical recovery.
However, it's important to know that silicone used in adult toys and vaginal dilators is not regulated as a medical material in Australia. This means that not all products marketed as “body-safe” meet consistent safety standards. At Blossom Pelvic Health, every product we stock is independently reviewed for quality and material safety, so you can feel confident you're using a trusted, non-toxic product.
Plastic dilators are firmer and more rigid, offering more direct pressure for tissue stretching. Some people prefer plastic for its precise shape retention or when a firmer structure is recommended by their clinician. Radiation therapy can lead to changes in the vaginal tissues, making them tighter and more susceptible to scar formation. A firm, non-tapered plastic dilator is often recommended in this context, as it provides consistent pressure along the canal to help maintain its length and shape during recovery.
Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your goals, personal comfort, sensitivity, and professional guidance.
Tapered vs Non‑Tapered Dilator Tip
Tapered dilators feature a gradually narrowing tip, making initial insertion softer and more gradual. This design is especially helpful for relaxing the pelvic floor - ideal for individuals dealing with tightness, anxiety, or sensitivity during penetration. Over time, they help retrain muscles to relax, easing both insertion and ongoing dilation therapy. Many pelvic health therapists recommend tapered dilators as a gentle starting point.
Non‑tapered dilators maintain a consistent width throughout, providing uniform pressure along the insertion path. They are often recommended following pelvic cancer treatment, particularly after radiation therapy, where the goal is to preserve the shape, length, and openness of the vaginal canal and prevent complications like fibrosis or vaginal stenosis (narrowing).
After radiation, the vaginal tissues can become less elastic and more prone to scarring. In these cases, a firmer, non‑tapered plastic dilator is typically preferred, as it delivers a more effective and uniform stretch to support healing and maintain vaginal patency.
Handle Options
Dilator handle options include built-in finger loops, detachable handles, or extension handles sold separately. A built-in ergonomic loop (like Inspire sets) helps with self-insertion and control. A detachable or extension handle provides added reach and stability. This is especially useful if you have limited mobility, dexterity challenges, or anxiety around insertion depth.
Wearable vs. Non‑Wearable Vaginal Dilators
Non-wearable dilators are manually inserted and held in place, giving you full control over depth, pressure, and duration. This hands-on approach is especially helpful in the early stages of therapy or when pain levels are high, allowing you to pause, adjust, or stop at any time. For many, this level of control can make the process feel safer and more manageable.
Wearable dilators (e.g. the She‑Ology sets) feature a flange or wide base that allows them to be worn hands-free during daily activities. This passive, prolonged use can help gradually increase tissue tolerance and desensitise the pelvic floor over time - making them a helpful option for building comfort without constant manual effort.
| Brand | Set | Material | Diameter Range (cm) | Length Range (cm) | Qty | Tip Design | Handle | Wearable | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Intimate Rose | Full (1–8) | Medical Grade Silicone | 1.1–3.7 | 7.1–16.5 | 8 | Tapered | Extension handle sold separately | No |
 |
Intimate Rose | Small (1–4) | Medical Grade Silicone | 1.1–2.4 | 7.1–11.4 | 4 | Tapered | Extension handle sold separately | No |
 |
Intimate Rose | Medium (3–6) | Medical Grade Silicone | 2.1–2.7 | 9.4–14.2 | 4 | Tapered | Extension handle sold separately | No |
 |
Intimate Rose | Large (5–8) | Medical Grade Silicone | 2.5–3.7 | 11.5–16.5 | 4 | Tapered | Extension handle sold separately | No |
 |
BIEN | Small (1–4) | Medical Grade Silicone | 1.2–2.2 | 6.5–10.7 | 4 | Tapered | No | No |
 |
BIEN | Medium (3–6) | Medical Grade Silicone | 1.9–3.0 | 9.4–13.7 | 4 | Tapered | No | No |
 |
BIEN | Large (5–8) | Medical Grade Silicone | 2.6–3.72 | 12.2–16.5 | 4 | Tapered | No | No |
 |
BIEN | Progressive (2, 4, 6, 8) | Medical Grade Silicone | 1.5–3.72 | 7.9–16.5 | 4 | Tapered | No | No |
 |
Amielle | Comfort | Rigid Plastic | 1.5–3.5 | 7–16 | 5 | Tapered | Handle included with product | No |
 |
Amielle | Care | Rigid Plastic | 2.0–3.0 | 9–14 | 4 | Non-Tapered | Handle included with product | No |
 |
CalExotics | Dr. Laura Berman® Alena™- Alena | Silicone | 1.25–2 | 7.5–10.75 | 3 | Tapered | Built-in ergonomic finger loop | No |
 |
CalExotics | Inspire 5-Piece | Body-safe Silicone | 1.25–3.25 | 7.5–14 | 5 | Tapered | Built-in ergonomic finger loop | No |
 |
CalExotics | Dr. Laura Berman® Alena™ -Rechargeable Vibrating | Rigid Plastic + Silicone Sleeve | 2–3.75 | 9–16.5 | 4 | Tapered | Handle included with product | No |
 |
CalExotics | Inspire 3-Piece Vibrating | Body-safe Silicone | 2.5–3.25 | 12.75–14 | 3 | Tapered | Built-in ergonomic finger loop | No |
 |
CalExotics | She-ology 5-Piece | Body-safe Silicone | 1.35–3.0 | 6.8–8.5 | 5 | Tapered | No | Yes |
 |
CalExotics | She-ology 3-Piece | Body-safe Silicone | 3.25–4.9 | 8–9.5 | 3 | Tapered | No | Yes |
