A little research gave me this as it was also mentioned by my doctor-Vaginal stenosis is a recognised toxicity of brachytherapy for the treatment of gynaecological cancer. It can result in long-term sexual dysfunction and painful vaginal examinations; however, it is generally accepted that it may be prevented by regular sexual intercourse or the use of vaginal dilators.

@terradean Did you doctor tell you that "your vagina would close up"? I was told that my vagina would narrow (stenosis) after radiation therapy.

I was told by my doctor to use vaginal moisturizers and a dilator. Radiation does cause a narrowing of the vagina but it does not "close it up". There is some scarring that can occur where the brachytherapy was applied in the vagina. I have followed my doctor's instructions and over time I have used the vaginal moisturizer 2-3 times weekly and the dilator 1-2 times weekly. I can tell the difference over time as my vagina is less sore and I can use the largest dilator.

The reason to do this is that you will need to have pelvic examinations when you come for your followup appointments. You will want those appointments to be as comfortable as possible and to allow your doctor to be able to look at all of your vagina.

Think of this way. You are practicing good vagina health in the same way that you use moisturizers on a regular basis for your skin. I use a daily and nightly moisturizer for my face and use lotion after a shower. I figure now I am doing the same for my vagina.

Does this explanation help?