Bathing After Vaginoplasty

[Violet]

I am a little over 6 months post-op with a recent granulation bump on one of my outer labias. Called my Doctor and she saw me the same day. She told me to stop all douching so I did, but after taking a nice hot Calgon bath tonight I started wondering if bath water could get trapped in the vaginal canal and cause problems? I am tempted to do a vinegar water douche, just this once, to clean out my vagina. Usually I take showers, but this question will bug me again the next time I take a bath. How do I keep the vaginal canal clean of all the lube from dilating and what about bath water getting trapped in there?

[Sydney_NYC]

When you are fully healed baths should be OK. Silver nitrate is used to treat granulation which means you are temporary not fully healed any longer since it created a small wound and you should avoid swimming and baths for 10-14 days until that area fully heals. Since your doctor told you not to douche for now, then yes, you probably should avoid baths and stick to showers until she tells you otherwise. Whenever in doubt always contact your surgeon.

[Violet]

When you are fully healed baths should be OK. Silver nitrate is used to treat granulation which means you are temporary not fully healed any longer since it created a small wound and you should avoid swimming and baths for 10-14 days until that area fully heals. Since your doctor told you not to douche for now, then yes, you probably should avoid baths and stick to showers until she tells you otherwise. Whenever in doubt always contact your surgeon.

Thank You Sydney ♥

[Gail20]

Generally, CIS women naturally have a nice balance of good and bad bacteria in their vaginas. (pH) This balance protects against infection and the wrong bacteria from growing out of control. Douching for them, as well as us, is a bad idea. It can, and usually does, kill off the good bacteria that naturally exists in our vaginas.

Sadly, to make a quick buck, consumer marketers try to scare us and tell us we need to douche with their products. We don't! And we don't need to douche with vinegar either. Yes, right after surgery it can be a good idea. (do what your surgeon recommends) But once you're healed research indicates that you too, can begin to have a good balance of bacteria in your vagina. There is one caveat. Sadly, the major bacteria group CIS women have in their vaginas is Lactobacilli. It appears we don't create this in our vaginas. :-(   Lactobacillus acidophilus is in good yogurt. I try to eat yogurt frequently to try and make sure my body has more than enough; hoping it will help.

Anecdotal: About 5 months after surgery I got Bacterial Vaginosis (BV). This is overproduction of the wrong bacteria. It can cause a white discharge and that fishy smell; which is how I knew I had it. I was still douching once a week. My Gynecologist told me that once I got rid of the BV to quit douching!!! I immediately researched it and sure enough, the top recommendation is clearly not to douche. It's been over a year since then and I haven't douched, and I haven't had ANY problems at all . . . .

I'm sure there are lots of women out their happily douching all the time. Left alone, your vagina will naturally maintain a balance of good and bad bacteria on its own and that will mean no fishy smell and no discharge. If you douche all the time, you will NEED to douche all the time. . .

FYI . . . Sorry, but perfumed soaps can mess with your normal, healthy pH balance too, causing unpleasant things like yeast infections so steer clear of them as well . . .

Take heart in the fact that your vagina is acting much the same as every other women's . . . :-)

[HappyMoni]

Hi Violet, Hi Gail,
   I agree, I was warned off douching as well. I had the same concern about bathing as you violet. When I bathe I clean the tub pretty good first. After the bath, I will then rinse off with a portable shower head (that is easy to buy and install.) It cleans the vulva and outer opening well. I do as my doctor suggested, I clean with soap on my finger as far up as I can reach. I have never had a problem with smell or discharge. I think it keeps things clean and by not going all the way in, it maintains the good bacteria.
Happy vaginaing!

Moni

[Rachel]

Hi,

I went to the same doctor as Monica and received the same instructions about cleaning.

I had revision surgery and a lot of granulation post op and revision post op. Part of my graft died and I had a lot of scar tissue. I had a lot of silver nitrite applications and they even gave me silver nitrite to treat myself. I became very experienced with the application and can deal with the pain.

I was prescribed hydroquarterzone cream to put on my dilators which I still do.

I clean with water and a shower attachment for allowing water in the canal. I make sure the attachment is clean and I do not do it every day. I would never do it while healing. I do not go the whole way in. I do not use soap. Just some warm water in a spray.  I was told I can use a water douche by my PA-c. Nothing but some warm water to rinse the about 3 or so inches in. 

Make sure you discuss it with your doctor.

[LizK]

I am about 80 days and last Friday I was finally able to stop my daily salt baths as part of the healing from granulation . I also had some separation issues which the salt baths helped with healing

The daily salt baths were a standard part of my post op care. I was also advised against douching by my surgeon's specialist care nurse.

I would be following whatever orders you are given by your Dr for Post op care

Liz


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[Violet]

Sorry for my late reply. Bathing is fine now at 7 months post-op. Those hot baths feel so good down there! ♥

When you are fully healed baths should be OK. Silver nitrate is used to treat granulation which means you are temporary not fully healed any longer since it created a small wound and you should avoid swimming and baths for 10-14 days until that area fully heals. Since your doctor told you not to douche for now, then yes, you probably should avoid baths and stick to showers until she tells you otherwise. Whenever in doubt always contact your surgeon.

[Sydney_NYC]

Sorry for my late reply. Bathing is fine now at 7 months post-op. Those hot baths feel so good down there! ♥

Glad to hear. My biggest issue with baths is finding a long enough bathtub for my 38" inseam.

[Denise]

Interesting topic, thank you.

I'm 11 weeks post.  Still dilating 2x/day.  How do you keep the lube from collecting inside? And for those who are sexually active with men, I thought you were supposed to douche after each time.

I'll check with my Dr about this, but just curious.

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[Colleen_definitely]

In my experience the majority of it comes out on its own and the occasional douche gets the rest.  I was also told that douching after sex is a good idea but especially if you have sex with a guy unprotected.

[HappyMoni]

Interesting topic, thank you.

I'm 11 weeks post.  Still dilating 2x/day.  How do you keep the lube from collecting inside? And for those who are sexually active with men, I thought you were supposed to douche after each time.

I'll check with my Dr about this, but just curious.

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One word answer required here, "CONDOMS" lol. Well, unless you know your partner REAL well. Douching with plain water, I imagine would be good. As for lube build up, never happened for me.

[Denise]

One word answer required here, "CONDOMS" lol. Well, unless you know your partner REAL well. Douching with plain water, I imagine would be good. As for lube build up, never happened for me.

Married and mono folks don't necessarily use condoms for protection from STDs.

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[SadieBlake]

Vis the OP, I had to hold off baths until about the 3 month mark due to a post-op infection where a suture in my outer labia had torn. Since then I bathe infrequently and haven't had any issues at all with my vagina. Ftr the only douching I ever did was in the first 8 weeks post-op using vinegar as directed by my surgeon. I did add lactobacillus from a probiotic towards the end of that and have apparently had a healthy microflora from early on.

Figuring that the few douches prescribed by my surgeon we're likely adequate I have basically *never* washed inside my vagina, like maybe twice very early on was all. The main self-care I do now is if I have to take an antibiotic (I've had a recurring problem with an old root canal that's hopefully now fixed) I will re-innoculate my vagina with lactobacillus from a probiotic.

At 2 years post-op in April, and knocking wood, I've yet to experience BV and lately when burying a knuckle for play I've noticed that I finally seem to have an acidic taste .. need to do a proper pH measurement however I'm pretty sure things have changed down there. I'm creating more natural lubrication also (a new lover recently commented on this!! :-) ).

Hmm ... I also *only* wash my underwear by hand with soap (usually while letting my conditioner soak into my hair), not detergents. Basically my panties are my most cared-for clothing .. alongside a super slinky rayon skirt and a satin top that are the only femme clothing I've so far bought new ... Sadie is a big fan of thrift shops!

Interesting topic, thank you.

I'm 11 weeks post.  Still dilating 2x/day.  How do you keep the lube from collecting inside? And for those who are sexually active with men, I thought you were supposed to douche after each time.

I'll check with my Dr about this, but just curious.

Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

I only use lubes that I'm confident are safe down there and I don't use more than necessary. During the first couple months post-op that was Surgilube as suggested by my surgeon. For inside the vaginal canal now I like YES WB. It's a little expensive, however even when I was really skint that was an important budget item. When I want better lubrication for rough sex and for my vulva I like "liquid silk" (hard to get now :-( ) or make my own lube from deionized water and hpmc (aka hypromellose).

[Linde]

In my experience the majority of it comes out on its own and the occasional douche gets the rest.  I was also told that douching after sex is a good idea but especially if you have sex with a guy unprotected.

It makes only sense, what goes in needs to come out.  And often the stuff that might go in is a little sticky, and a little extra liquid might help to get it out again!
I don't know about the ph environment in your girls neo vagina, but cis girls are cautioned in using a douche to much!  Is this the same for you?

[Michelle_P]

It makes only sense, what goes in needs to come out.  And often the stuff that might go in is a little sticky, and a little extra liquid might help to get it out again!
I don't know about the ph environment in your girls neo vagina, but cis girls are cautioned in using a douche to much!  Is this the same for you?

Yes, douching with a neovagina is something that can cause problems.  It affects the environment inside, and can lead to infections.  In my case I did douche about once every 4-5 days for several weeks after surgery per my doctor's care orders, with a solution of about 200 ml of warm water with 4-5 drops of pure Castile soap added.

Now, I douche only as needed, in case of overgrowth or odd odors.  Most recently I had some overgrowth of a white cheesy substance with no odor, noticeable while dilating.  Possibly candida, but that doesn't really matter.  Treatment is douching with a solution of 200 ml water and 1/2 tsp of white vinegar, every 10-14 days. This serves to adjust vaginal pH to be slightly acid, discouraging candida and encouraging friendly lactobacillus.  The problem quickly cleared up, nothing visible and no irritation after 2 weeks.

[Violet]

I do love my shower head! OMG it feels really good! Also, I clean the tub and shower after bathing too. I will have to try a soapy finger. Thanks for the good advice hun!

Hi Violet, Hi Gail,
   I agree, I was warned off douching as well. I had the same concern about bathing as you violet. When I bathe I clean the tub pretty good first. After the bath, I will then rinse off with a portable shower head (that is easy to buy and install.) It cleans the vulva and outer opening well. I do as my doctor suggested, I clean with soap on my finger as far up as I can reach. I have never had a problem with smell or discharge. I think it keeps things clean and by not going all the way in, it maintains the good bacteria.
Happy vaginaing!

Moni

[Violet]

I use the water/vinegar douches from Dollar Tree, but only every now and then. Bathing seems to get all the gunk out. That water based lube sure is resilient!

Yes, douching with a neovagina is something that can cause problems.  It affects the environment inside, and can lead to infections.  In my case I did douche about once every 4-5 days for several weeks after surgery per my doctor's care orders, with a solution of about 200 ml of warm water with 4-5 drops of pure Castile soap added.

Now, I douche only as needed, in case of overgrowth or odd odors.  Most recently I had some overgrowth of a white cheesy substance with no odor, noticeable while dilating.  Possibly candida, but that doesn't really matter.  Treatment is douching with a solution of 200 ml water and 1/2 tsp of white vinegar, every 10-14 days. This serves to adjust vaginal pH to be slightly acid, discouraging candida and encouraging friendly lactobacillus.  The problem quickly cleared up, nothing visible and no irritation after 2 weeks.

[Violet]

Yes. My Gyn told me to use coconut oil instead, but I haven't tried it yet.

It makes only sense, what goes in needs to come out.  And often the stuff that might go in is a little sticky, and a little extra liquid might help to get it out again!
I don't know about the ph environment in your girls neo vagina, but cis girls are cautioned in using a douche to much!  Is this the same for you?

[Violet]

Thank You Sadie! Good advice!!

Vis the OP, I had to hold off baths until about the 3 month mark due to a post-op infection where a suture in my outer labia had torn. Since then I bathe infrequently and haven't had any issues at all with my vagina. Ftr the only douching I ever did was in the first 8 weeks post-op using vinegar as directed by my surgeon. I did add lactobacillus from a probiotic towards the end of that and have apparently had a healthy microflora from early on.

Figuring that the few douches prescribed by my surgeon we're likely adequate I have basically *never* washed inside my vagina, like maybe twice very early on was all. The main self-care I do now is if I have to take an antibiotic (I've had a recurring problem with an old root canal that's hopefully now fixed) I will re-innoculate my vagina with lactobacillus from a probiotic.

At 2 years post-op in April, and knocking wood, I've yet to experience BV and lately when burying a knuckle for play I've noticed that I finally seem to have an acidic taste .. need to do a proper pH measurement however I'm pretty sure things have changed down there. I'm creating more natural lubrication also (a new lover recently commented on this!! :-) ).

Hmm ... I also *only* wash my underwear by hand with soap (usually while letting my conditioner soak into my hair), not detergents. Basically my panties are my most cared-for clothing .. alongside a super slinky rayon skirt and a satin top that are the only femme clothing I've so far bought new ... Sadie is a big fan of thrift shops!

I only use lubes that I'm confident are safe down there and I don't use more than necessary. During the first couple months post-op that was Surgilube as suggested by my surgeon. For inside the vaginal canal now I like YES WB. It's a little expensive, however even when I was really skint that was an important budget item. When I want better lubrication for rough sex and for my vulva I like "liquid silk" (hard to get now :-( ) or make my own lube from deionized water and hpmc (aka hypromellose).