They are used when the vagina has become narrowed (vaginal stenosis), such as after brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers,[2] and as therapy for vaginismus and other forms of dyspareunia.
[5][6] Vaginal stents are routinely used in postoperative care for transgender patients who have undergone vaginoplasty as part of gender confirmation surgery.
[7] The vaginal expander is used immediately after surgery to keep the passage from collapsing, and regularly thereafter to maintain the viability of the neovagina.
[13] In case of vaginal expanders, the therapist or the patient introduces the deflated balloon into the vagina and then inflates it gently until the required diameter is obtained.
[7] Vaginal dilators appear in the comedy feature film Lady Parts, as the main character struggles with vaginismus after receiving a vestibulectomy.