Using FMS Dilators for Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a non-contagious, chronic skin condition, most commonly affecting the genital area in women – although men and children can also be affected. You’ll find all the medical details in our guide: Lichen Sclerosus – Symptoms and Treatment. Here, we focus on how to use FMS dilators to support your therapy.

Why use FMS dilators for Lichen sclerosus?

FMS dilators offer a gentle yet effective form of support, especially suited for sensitive conditions like Lichen sclerosus. Unlike traditional dilators, they do not stretch the tissue through simple widening. Instead, they use the gentle massaging effect of the elliptical head to support flexibility.

Importantly, the dilator doesn’t need to be inserted fully – only the elliptical head is moved in and out, which means unaffected areas are spared unnecessary strain. The ultra-smooth surface of borosilicate glass glides virtually friction-free.

This makes it possible to perform repeated, gentle massages that help maintain tissue flexibility and stimulate cellular metabolism – without irritating the sensitive skin.

One dilator or a full set?

In the early stages of the Lichen sclerosus, regular massage with a single FMS dilator can help prevent narrowing of the vaginal entrance caused by tissue hardening. Choosing the right size is essential: A dilator that’s too small has little or no massaging effect, but a dilator that’s too large may cause pain and is therefore unsuitable. We generally recommend a set of dilators, so you can adjust the size according to how you feel each day – and gradually increase it as needed.

If the condition has already caused changes in the tissue, a dilator set is essential. It allows you to start small and slowly increase the size as you regain flexibility.

Finding the right size

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for dilator therapy – not for individual dilators, and not for sets. Vaginal capacity varies greatly, and so do the severity and symptoms of Lichen sclerosus.

That’s why we offer 27 different sizes and a wide range of sets – to help you find exactly what works for your body and your condition. Standard sets are rarely ideal – but personalised selection gives you the best chance of healing.

The first and most important step is to find your correct starting size – ideally through a gentle self-assessment. We’ll guide you through the process.

Mental preparation

Creating a calm, comfortable space is key to making the experience as pleasant as possible. Erotic stimulation can help, too – and it’s okay to enjoy that. Look forward to the moment when sex is no longer painful.

Pleasure, anticipation and imagination are incredibly positive forces that can support your healing process.

What do I need for the application?

To optimise your treatment, warming or cooling the dilator can be helpful: Intense warmth helps relax the tissue, cool glass soothes burning sensations and eases pain.

So it’s a good idea to prepare a bowl with hot or cold water. After tempering, briefly dry the glass dilator so the lubricant isn’t diluted. Larger FMS dilators (from approx. 26 mm) can even hold temperature longer when filled – you’ll find full details in the user guide included with your purchase.

FMS dilators offer excellent gliding ability, but you still need a high-quality, hypoallergenic lubricant to create a smooth, irritation-free glide film.

We also recommend having a towel for drying the dilator after the water bath, a surface to rest used dilators and a second towel to clean your hands after applying lubricant. That way, you can carry out your session undisturbed and without interruptions.

Most important: the gentle massage

The ideal position is semi-reclined with your legs open and gently bent. If needed, the treatment can also be done standing, with one foot raised on a stool or chair.

Start with a size that you can insert comfortably. Then begin to gently move the dilator back and forth to create a massage effect. For Lichen sclerosus, the most important movement is fully inserting and removing the elliptical head of the dilator in a gentle rhythm. This targets the skin around the vaginal entrance – the area most commonly affected by the condition, including the labia and vulva. You don’t need to insert the whole dilator – just the elliptical head is enough.

Only FMS dilators make this approach possible – because the wider part is at the front, unlike conical dilators. And most importantly: they’re effective in both directions. The tissue gently moves around the head and along the shaft – flowing naturally, just like in nature.

Gradually increase the speed of your movement until you can insert and withdraw the dilator about once per second. This rhythmic massage and mobilisation of the hardened tissue is far more important for your healing than how deep you insert the dilator or how much it stretches.

When to increase the size

If a dilator causes no pain or discomfort, you can move on to the next size. That may already be possible during your first session – but in more severe cases, it might take a few days.

With sets that offer small size increments (1 mm steps up to size 19, 2 mm from size 20), visible progress tends to come faster. Sets with larger size jumps (2 mm up to size 19, 4 mm from size 20) require a bit more patience.

The pace of your progress – and when you’re ready to increase the size – depends entirely on how you feel during the application.

How often and how long should you use them?

The frequency and duration depend on your current condition. During an acute flare-up, limit the application to what’s necessary to maintain the status quo and prevent further deterioration.

Between flare-ups, check for changes and adjust your routine if needed. Don’t wait too long between sessions – even slow, subtle hardening can undo previous progress. As someone living with Lichen sclerosus, you are the best expert on your own body.

Free therapeutic advice

You'll find more information under "Frequently asked questions about FMS dilators", and our guides cover additional specialised topics. If you still have questions, feel free to email me personally. I'll be happy to help.

Contact: hsw@theros.de

Hera Schulte Westenberg