So I'm now two months post-op and healing very well.  I'm now becoming very satisfied with my results as everything seems to be settling in fine.  I'm especially impressed with the lubrication that comes from the mucousal tissue Brassard uses to form the hooding--I never really expected there would be as much as there is. 

My concern at this time is hygiene.  Brassard advises that douching should be stopped at two months.  Since our vaginas do not excrete the same same fluids as GG's which help to keep the vagina clean, what do we do to keep ours clean?  Do any of you clean inside with soap or do you just wash the exterior.  I've read of someone who douches regularly with water alone.  Any advice?

Thanks   

Quote from: Valeriedances on November 18, 2010, 10:32:13 AM
Hi Kristyn,

My roommate is an M.D. I went to her with the same question. She told me to douche using just water, so that's what I do. I was worried about it myself, but she insists it's okay. She said to do it 5-6 times one after the other.

I had asked Brassard's office this same question before and they told me to douche when I felt the need.

Glad to hear your healing is going well.

- Valerie

Thanks Val.  So do you do it daily?  Are you using just regular tap water or distilled?

Quote from: Valeriedances on November 18, 2010, 12:04:18 PM
Every other day. I use the soapy water in my bath. If I'm in the shower, I'll use the water from the showerhead to fill the bottle.

Thanks!  Gives me something to do while I wait for the conditioner to work!   

I was advised against using soap inside - it kills the good bacteria.

- Kate

Quote from: K8 on November 18, 2010, 05:12:38 PM
I was advised against using soap inside - it kills the good bacteria.

- Kate

I heard that too.  Thanks Kate 

Quote from: Valeriedances on November 18, 2010, 06:09:36 PM
Just the water in your bath, which might be a little soapy. we're still dilating everyday leaving a mess inside. I wonder if the call to not douche often is meant for long term when we only dilate weekly.

I read about not douching too in my instructions after 2 months. I found doing that leaves me with a strong odor which I cant stand. So Im going to do it for now unless something bad happens.

Hearing from a docs office would be nice.

That is exactly my concern too, Valerie.  I don't want to start smelling like an old sock down there!   They say that douching with vinegar and water can upset the natural flora, but I'm not so sure if just plain water will cause any upset.  You're obviously not having any starnge odors now, are you?  Did you contact Montreal regarding this issue?

That would be cool, Vall.  I'm interested in seeing what they have to say.

vagasil make a wash that is gentle and also has a fresh sent 
this works for me

Quote from: bethanypahl on November 18, 2010, 06:36:59 PM
vagasil make a wash that is gentle and also has a fresh sent 
this works for me

How often do you use it?

This might have some useful information, assuming you haven't already checked. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douche

While I don't have any direct experience of this practice, I do know that human skin can behave in various ways, in relation to antagonists, depending upon the individual. Some people can experience quite extreme reactions to something taht most have little problem with.

In other words, we are all different. Carefully monitor how you react, especially with such a sensitive and important part of your body.

Adjust according to taste.

(I just wish I was able to join you all. Good luck).

Good resource Spacial.  Thanks!   

There are definitely some differences between Doctors. I saw McGinn six months ago, and she does not advise to douche. I haven't done it once and all is good downstairs. I just do a gentle cleaning in the shower. I think part of it too is that McGinn advises on using mineral oil, which drains out much easier and cleaner after dilation so there is no "goop" left behind.

Quote from: katgirl74 on November 19, 2010, 07:58:07 AM
There are definitely some differences between Doctors. I saw McGinn six months ago, and she does not advise to douche. I haven't done it once and all is good downstairs. I just do a gentle cleaning in the shower. I think part of it too is that McGinn advises on using mineral oil, which drains out much easier and cleaner after dilation so there is no "goop" left behind.

I saw Bowers seven months ago.  She advises against douching unless you develop a medical condition needing it.  I've never done it.  I wash the outer areas with a feminine soap that won't upset the pH and haven't had any problems.  I don't know what happens to the goop, but I haven't noticed any buildup.  (I don't think that a lot is left behind, but since I can't see in there... Who knows?)

- Kate

I use KY and it seems to "dry out" during dialation. Maybe mineral oil would remain slipprier (spelling?) than the KY.
And less Gunk to clean up

I use Surgilube.  It doesn't seem to dry out and doesn't seem to leave much in there.

- Kate

I douche about once a month or so.

May use vinegar and water, sometimes one of the commercial preperations, Eve, Vagisil or the like.

Concerned about keeping the natural flora and fauna intact, so I treat my vagina like a self-cleaning
oven.

Being many decades post op....

I would suggest water only..... and if you's be keen to be uber clean a small cup of antiseptic.... added to the bath water...

Though i just usually use the shower head every other day when in the walk in....

Or the bidet and hands cupped works fine too....

and scuse the frankness if it smells sweet all's well.... if not clean it more carefully ladies, and if it persists defo go see yer own GP....

Quote from: peggygee on November 21, 2010, 03:04:32 AM
Concerned about keeping the natural flora and fauna intact, so I treat my vagina like a self-cleaning
oven.

LOL. So you turn it on High and leave it?

Quote from: bethanypahl on November 18, 2010, 06:36:59 PM
vagasil make a wash that is gentle and also has a fresh sent 
this works for me

It's true, the Vagasil Feminine Wash works really well, better than the others I've tried.

diluted white vinegar-water combination (1 teaspoon of vinegar per 1 glass of water) is a nice simple home solution, that's what they put in the eve's douche so doing it yourself is easier and more affordable, douching once a week is good enough.