It could be a yeast infection or possibly too much bad bacteria in the vagina, it's called bacterial vaginosis (BV).
I've done lots of research on that 'cause I started bouncing from a yeast infection to BV, and back -- mostly 'cause the docs kept putting me on anti-biotics and it really messed up the flora down there, badly!
A lot of hysterectomy sites talk about it too.
Douching is iffy -- it really depends where you are post-op. You will, for a while, have some skin come off and over time it does change. If you have good flora, usually it keeps things in check and fight against yeast and BV. So, even if some skin does slough off and follows gravity (discharge) it will be a normal, healthy, discharge -- usually not a lot, but probably more so if you've just had surgery in the last 6-ish months.
In my case I also had some bladder problem (fixed with meds now) that didn't help. As well as meds I was taking to fight off the onslaught of bladder infections, BV, yeast infections -- blah!
After suffering a lot, I did a lot of research. got meds for the bladder. I also got some oral probiotics with cranberry -- that helps with your digestion and urinary tract health (important!).
I then got from a health food store a probioitic designed for the vagina and is inserted into the vagina. It will fix the vagina flora. You'll get some discharge after from the pill dissolving, and you'll use it for a few days, laying down and inserting it at night.
That pill made a huge difference. I smell and taste amazing. I feel healthier down there and all over. I self-lube better. And I haven't had any re-occurring yeast infections or BV. I swear by this product! I've read on other forms about it, which other people also swear by -- I've read stories of women having problems for 10 years and taking a vaginal probiotic stopped it.
A healthy vaginal flora is
very important for your vaginal health! Vaginal flora is the good bacteria that fights of the bad bacteria and yeast. It also helps regulate the proper pH balance for your vagina.
Douching really shouldn't be done unless your doctor says so, or if things are extremely bad -- if it's extremely bad, with a lot of discharge, smelly, and white stuff... you probably would wan to go to a doctor.
Douching can actually make things worse, rather than better!
There are several pro-biotic vaginal inserts. I used a product called
Femina flora by New Roots Herbal. It worked great after the treatments, and I haven't had any re-occurring problems. Self-lubing seems to work better, even. I smell really good down there (smells like a vagina should). I also taste great! I feel 110% better, too!
I highly recommend the product (or a similar one). It's a huge difference. You get the good bacteria making the right pH balance, and defending against bad bacteria and yeast.
you'll probably have to find a health/herbal store to find it. I didn't see it at walmart or any regular drug store. But, depending on where you live, it might be there. Cost is about $25-$30. Well worth the investment!
And yes, I go around and tell everyone how awesome this product is. Well worth using it.
I also think as post-ops having that "good flora" inserted inside there is a great benefit. And since it's restoring your flora, it keeps going on -- so this lasts and gets stronger in your body to prevent anything else bad in the future. Unfortunately, we weren't born with the right body part, and didn't get to grow up from a baby with the bacteria already there and already being strong by the time we reach adult hood.
I'll also note that if you go on a round of anti-bacterial meds, it can also weaken the good flora in your vagina (and also in your digestion system). In many cases imbalance happens for a number of reasons. Poor diet, medications, health conditions (diabetics for example, can get more re-occurring yeast infections, so these pills help them too).
You'll have some discharge after taking these the next day. Wear a light pad. It's not bad. It's mostly some of the binders the pill was in, it won't hurt you and your vagina will push it out.
Good luck!
--natalie
