FAQs
Most common questions and issues are addressed below. If you have a question on another topic, contact us.
General
A: A common approach to treating vaginal muscle tightness (vaginismus) is to expand, stretch and relax the pelvic floor muscles using vaginal dilators. Just as there is no one-size-fits-all solution to treating vaginal muscle tightness (vaginismus), there is no one-size-fits-all dilator. That’s why we’ve developed Milli, a unique vaginal dilator tailored to fit your individual needs. The goal of any dilator is to slowly desensitize your body to increasing degrees of vaginal penetration or expansion. Dilators help reduce the fear and anxiety associated with vaginal penetration, which can in turn help your pelvic muscles relax and break the cycle of pain.
- Expands one millimeter at a time – no intimidating jumps in sizing
- No need to reinsert to adjust size – avoid discomfort or inconvenience
- All-in-one device – includes vibration (low and high)
- First and only over-the-counter FDA-cleared expanding vaginal dilator available
A: While the FDA regulates dilators as medical devices, not all companies selling dilators have gone through this rigorous process with the FDA to ensure their products are safe and effective to treat medical conditions. We recommend you confirm FDA clearance before purchasing dilators for any medical use. Milli is the first dilator cleared by the FDA that is available directly to consumers over the counter (OTC).
What you need to know about vaginal muscle tightness (vaginismus)
*Melnik, T., Hawton, K., & McGuire, H. (2012). Interventions for vaginismus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2012(12), CD001760.
Related painful sex from vaginal muscle tightness (vaginismus) affects up to 17% of people with vaginas in their lifetime. The most associated medical conditions are Menopause (64 million), Pelvic Pain Patients (22 million), Cancer Survivors (5 million), Postpartum Injuries (1.5 million), and Assault Trauma (1 in 6 women).
Menopause: NAMS Data 2022.
Pelvic Pain: Buck, L.G.M., Hediger, M.L., Peterson, C.M., Croughan, M., Sundaram, R., Stanford, J., Chen, Z., et al. (2011). Incidence of endometriosis by study population and diagnostic method: the ENDO study. Fertility and Sterility; 96(2): 360-5.; Management of Uterine Fibroids, Comparative Effectiveness Review, No. 195. Hartmann KE, Fonnesbeck C, Surawicz T, et al. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2017 Dec.
Cancer Survivors: American Cancer Society – Cancer Treatment & Survivorship Facts & Figures 2019-2021.
Postpartum Injuries: National Vital Statistics Reports Volume 70, Number 17 Births: Final Data for 2020 by Michelle J.K. Osterman, M.H.S., Brady E. Hamilton, Ph.D., Joyce A. Martin, M.P.H., Anne K. Driscoll, Ph.D., and Claudia P. Valenzuela, M.P.H., Division of Vital Statistics; Samuelsson, Ellen., Ladfors, Lars., Gareberg Lindblom, Britta, Hagberg, Henrik. (2002). A prospective observational study on tears during vaginal delivery: occurrences and risk factors. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 81, 44–49.
Assault Trauma: https://www.rainn.org/statistics/scope-problem.
A: Vaginal muscle tightness (vaginismus) is a condition where the muscles inside the vagina tighten, close up, or spasm. This tightening is associated with painful vaginal sex or painful vaginal penetration of any kind, such as pain with inserting a tampon or undergoing a gynecologic examination.
You may have vaginal muscle tightness(vaginismus) if you have had any of the following symptoms for at least six months and they cause significant distress:
- Tightening of the muscles inside the vagina making vaginal sex not possible
- A presence of pain (also called dyspareunia) or burning when trying to have vaginal sex
- Not wanting to have vaginal sex because of the pain or expected pain
- Avoiding vaginal sex because of the expected difficulty due to vaginal tightening and/or spasm
- Severe fear of vaginal sex or the pain associated with vaginal sex
A: First, take a moment to recognize that you are part of a community of women. Beyond Milli, there are a growing number of resources aimed at connecting individuals who suffer from vaginal muscle tightness (vaginismus).
Second, vaginal muscle tightness (vaginismus) management is tailored to you. Knowing your body and what it needs is a big part of overcoming its symptoms.
Purchasing Milli
A: Yes, we offer free shipping on all orders. Orders will be shipped within 2-3 business days, not shipped weekends and holidays.
A: Milli will be sent to you in a white box with zero markings and a mailing label. It also comes with a discreet charging case.
A: We do not offer international shipping, as Milli is a medical device with US market authorization only.
A: Claims on the 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty require proof of purchase within the warranty period. Email support@hellomilli.com should you wish to submit a warranty claim. See warranty details
Due to the use and nature of our product, we do not accept returns. Milli comes with a 1-year warranty. For details, see the warranty page
A: Many clinicians were trained at a time when static dilators were the only tool available to recommend. If a clinician recommended Milli, we want to thank them for pointing you toward a modern solution. We’d appreciate it if you shared their name with us.
POMPOM data
A: POMPOM stands for Prospective On-Market Patient-reported Outcomes for Milli. After purchasing Milli, individuals enrolled between May and November 2024. Baseline data were collected at enrollment, and participants reported their experiences at 3 months and 6 months. More information here
Based on self-reported experiences of Milli customers participating in the POMPOM study.
A: Do you see yourself in any of these groups?
- All 93 women in the POMPOM study said they couldn’t have sex when they enrolled.
- 77% (72 out of 93) said they wanted to have sex again but couldn’t before finding Milli.
- 76% (71 out of 93) had been dealing with symptoms for more than 2 years.
- 43% (40 out of 93) had already asked two or more healthcare providers for help.
- The average age was 50 years (range: 18-77).
Based on self-reported experiences of Milli customers participating in the POMPOM study.
A: 77% (72 out of 93) said they wanted to have sex again but couldn’t before finding Milli. In 90 days, POMPOM participants reported:
- Less Pain: 68% (46 out of 68) said sex felt more comfortable after 3 months.
- Less Anxiety: 57% (39 out of 68) reported feeling less anxious about sex. Within 6 months, 83% (52 out of 63) were making progress toward having sex again.
*Per the instructions for use, the treatment duration is 5 to 20 minutes, 3 to 5 days per week, but it may vary. In the POMPOM study, 75% (47 out of 63) said they used Milli 1-4 times per week, with an average session lasting 19 minutes (range: 5 to 20 minutes). Individual results may vary. Based on self-reported experiences of Milli customers participating in the POMPOM study.
A: At 6 months:
- 89% (56 out of 63) said dilation sessions got easier over time.
- 83% (52 out of 63) were meeting or making progress toward having sex again.
- 78% (49 out of 63) said they were meeting or making progress toward reducing pain during sex.
- 81% (51 out of 63) said they were meeting or making progress toward reducing vaginal discomfort in general.
Based on self-reported experiences of Milli customers participating in the POMPOM study.
A: At 6 months:
- 97% (61 out of 63) say Milli is easy to use
- 86% (54 out of 63) were satisfied with how Milli worked.
- 87% (55 out of 63) said they would recommend Milli to a friend.
- 67% (42 out of 63) used vibration in more than half of their dilation sessions.
Based on self-reported experiences of Milli customers participating in the POMPOM study.
Product features
A: Gradual sizing refers to the incremental size adjustments that occur from the wand area of Milli, which increases and decreases in diameter. This feature allows the user to insert Milli once and gradually achieve the desired size instead of removing and inserting different sizes. The Milli sizing, by use of plus (+) and minus (-) buttons, is millimeter-by-millimeter. Read more
A: To increase Milli’s size, you must press the + button on the handle consecutively or press and hold the + button until you see the corresponding number for your goal on the display screen.
A: Milli expands in a square shape due to the internal mechanics of the product. Some women might assume the vagina is a cylindrical tube, but the shape of the vagina in its relaxed state generally resembles an H as the walls flatten against themselves. Learn more here
A: Milli will flash with “Lo” when low on charge and may shut down entirely if not immediately charged. Place Milli in its case and ensure the charging cord is plugged into the wall. An orange light from the case at the cable connection indicates that the connection is successful. The Milli display will flash “Ch” to indicate charging. A full charge occurs when the Milli display reads “FL.”
A: Milli’s battery life can vary depending on your usage (time, vibration setting, etc.), but should last several sessions.
A: Milli provides gradual expansion from 15mm to 40mm, which is similar to the typical range of sizes in static (fixed size) vaginal dilator sets. Milli’s insertable length is 10.5cm. Milli may mimic the size of tampons, speculums, and possibly your partner. Per the British Journal of Urology,* the average penis diameter is 37mm, and Milli’s 40mm size replicates the majority of men.
*Veale D, Miles S, Bramley S, Muir G, Hodsoll J. Am I normal? A systematic review and construction of nomograms for flaccid and erect penis length and circumference in up to 15,521 men. BJU Int. 2015 Jun;115(6):978-86.
Using Milli
A: The Milli Vaginal Dilator is a tool intended for controlled dilation of the vagina. It can be used for dilation for an examination (by your doctor), in preparation for a surgical procedure or to help relieve the symptoms of vaginismus (condition that involves tightening of the vaginal muscles) and related painful sex.
A: Once you are comfortable inserting Milli at its rest (start) size, we recommend slowly increasing it. This should help you prepare for future insertions of other items. You might consider bringing it to your next pelvic exam. Before the exam, ask the staff for time to dilate.
A: If using lubricants, choose a water-based lubricant. Milli uses a silicone polymer cover, so you CANNOT use silicone-based lubricants with Milli, as they will cause damage.
A: To clean the wand portion of Milli, use soap and water, and wipe the handle with a damp cloth. We recommend washing and drying Milli after each use. Milli is not waterproof, so please do not submerge it in water.
A: Milli is a carry-on object within TSA guidelines. You may need an adaptor to charge Milli when traveling outside the USA. Milli is designed to be used with outlets up to 240 volts.
A: We recommend using Milli in a way that is most comfortable for you. Rotation is not necessary. You might consider turning on vibration (there is a low or high setting).
A: You may experience some discomfort during your therapy. Discontinue use and contact your healthcare provider if you feel pain. Adjusting to a lower setting may relieve some discomfort. There may be two reasons for pain associated with Milli use: tightness and angling. If you increase Milli’s size too fast, you may experience discomfort, and Milli might hurt. Try expanding more slowly and over multiple sessions. As Milli expands in a square shape, the ridges may put pressure on your urethra. If you are feeling intense pressure, try to rotate Milli and see if that relieves discomfort. You may also consider using the built-in vibration function (low or high).
A: Yes. You can use Milli at any time. We recommend washing Milli per the cleaning instructions.
A: Users have shared that they have included their partner while using Milli. Milli can be used as preparation before intercourse with or without your partner, as you see fit.
A: Consider using Milli as part of foreplay or minutes before intercourse. Milli is used at your own pace when and where you feel most comfortable. Consider using vibration (low or high). See if collaboration with your partner enhances your experience.
A: Milli can be a helpful part of foreplay. If Milli feels good during masturbation, we encourage you to take advantage of that pleasure. Experiment with the vibration setting (low or high).
Troubleshooting
A: Milli needs to charge. Place Milli in its case and plug the case into an outlet.
A: Milli may need to be charged. Place Milli in its case and plug the case into an outlet. If Milli still doesn’t turn on after charging, please get in touch with support@hellomilli.com for further assistance.
A: Milli probably needs to be charged. Place Milli in its case and plug the case into an outlet. Once charging begins, Milli will automatically retract.
A: It is normal for Milli to get warm during use or after being used for an extended time. If you find Milli overheating, causing discomfort, or impacting its operation, please get in touch with support@hellomilli.com for further assistance.
A: Milli may be responding to previous commands. Wait for the device to stop moving, then re-enter your (+) or (-) command by pushing the desired button.
A: Ensure Milli is nested correctly in the case and the charging prongs touch the contacts. You shouldn’t need to use force to cradle Milli properly.
A: Please get in touch with support@hellomilli.com.
Additional Resources
