vaginal shape change after sling surgery

Has anyone found that the shape of the vaginal area is significantly different after the sling surgery? I told my dr. and he said if I hadn't said anything he would never have noticed. I notice a huge difference.

There is a sort of bump, about 1/8 of an inch added between the clitoris and uretha, the inside seems to almost bulge out. I can see the urinary opening and never could do that before. My concern is that it seems so much more open and stretched out I feel more prone to infection. I have had a yeast infection as well as bladder infection since the 6 weeks post surgery. Am I being over concerned? Is there anything that can be done or do I just get used to this new shape?

And why don't the drs tell you about these changes. I couldn't find any info like this until I came to this website.

I'd ask to have estrogen levels checked (bloodwork). Your symptoms sound like you might be dealing with a drop in estrogen - when levels are low, the urethral opening is much more apparent, more likely to get UTI, yeast infection, etc...

After my hysterectomy, I had a serious drop in estrogen right away - the dr had to do a lap to free a trapped ovary and then estrogen came back (but had premature ovarian failure later on)... the blood supply to the ovaries is shut down/clamped during the hyster and sometimes the ovaries struggle with functioning properly afterwards.

If the estrogen level has dropped, ask about supplementing estrogen back, at least vaginal estrogen to help (if needed). Good luck.

	Quote:
Originally Posted by swollentoes Has anyone found that the shape of the vaginal area is significantly different after the sling surgery? I told my dr. and he said if I hadn't said anything he would never have noticed. I notice a huge difference. There is a sort of bump, about 1/8 of an inch added between the clitoris and uretha, the inside seems to almost bulge out. I can see the urinary opening and never could do that before. My concern is that it seems so much more open and stretched out I feel more prone to infection. I have had a yeast infection as well as bladder infection since the 6 weeks post surgery. Am I being over concerned? Is there anything that can be done or do I just get used to this new shape? And why don't the drs tell you about these changes. I couldn't find any info like this until I came to this website.

YES!!! I have noticed a difference>> brought it up to both of my surgeons...Im only 5 wks post-op so they said it may be because Im still healing but there are bumps and nodules of flesh that werent there before...the small ones at the opening to the vagina can be (and i quote)
"clipped" in the office........The opening is definitely wide and I can see bulges (unfortunately my rectocele may have not been completely repaired) I need to wait and see after i give my recovery a few more (like 7 ) weeks!!! Good luck and keep us updated on your progress!