Relatively pain free vaginal dilation is obtained by inserting into the vaginal canal a variable rigidity vaginal dilator having an inflatable balloon, in a manner that avoids insertion into the urethra. Air is introduced into the balloon. When the patient has gained confidence in the pain free use of the dilator, the balloon is deflated to remove the air and water is introduced into the balloon to expand it so that it contacts the vaginal canal and exerts a pressure thereon. This contact is maintained for a period of up to about 15 minutes. The pressure and/or contact time is stepwise sequentially increased to a maximum of about 12 atmospheres and a contact time of up to about 45 minutes, in accordance with a regimen and instructions established by the patients healthcare provider and tailored to the patients specific needs. A preferred embodiment of the dilator and a kit employing same, useful in the method of the invention, are disclosed.
