<P> During the process of dilation, the cervix may have to be stabilized with a tenaculum, and then the dilators are slowly entered into the cervical canal with a lubricant, starting with a thin, low Hegar number rod and progressing gradually to larger numbers . The dilators can also be used to sound the uterus . </P> <P> Hegar dilators are widely used in gynecology to open up the cervix . This may be necessary prior to a uterine curettage or biopsy . They have also found application in the management of vaginismus or hymenal stenosis . They are also used to overcome stenosis in non-gynecological situations, such as in urology and proctology . </P> <P> Laminaria rods have also been used to open up the cervix but work slowly as they increase size by absorbing water . </P> <P> Hegar dilators (commonly, sizes 11 and 12) are used during the insertion of two intracorporal cylinders into the Corpus cavernosum penis as part of an Inflatable penile implant procedure . These cylinders are inflated and deflated by a pump that moves sterile saline under pressure between a holding reservoir and the cylinders, inflating or deflating an erection of the penis . </P>

Dilators of gradually increasing sizes are used in the treatment of .​