Why no pool?

3 weeks post-op from TLH. 3 small incisions completely healed. Had my post-op appointment and have been cleared to drive, etc. and just have to continue to "take it easy". I live in Arizona and it is approaching pool time. I called the office to ask if it would be OK to go for a dunk every now and then - not swim - just go in and get wet. Nurse didn't think it was a problem but Dr. said no. Wondering if she misunderstood me.....
I don't know what the difference is than being in the shower and getting wet.
Does anyone have any thoughts? I don't want to continue to call the office and be a pain..

Swimming pools are good sources of bacteria, even if you use chemicals. Water in the shower is clean and not likely to cause infection. Pool chemicals could be harmful on a healing incision as well.

Nothing in the vagina includes water, especially water that is not 100% clean and pool water can have all kinds of icky stuff in it. When you get in a tub or pool, water can go into the vagina and sit there. Anything in the water is then introduced to the healing and susceptible cuff. The vaginal cuff needs to heal completely and introducing anything to the vagina can allow for infection. Adding water also keeps that area more moist which prevents proper healing.

Standing in the shower, gravity keeps water from entering and staying in the vagina which is why it is okay.

S

	Quote:
Originally Posted by Weiser Nothing in the vagina includes water, especially water that is not 100% clean and pool water can have all kinds of icky stuff in it. When you get in a tub or pool, water can go into the vagina and sit there. Anything in the water is then introduced to the healing and susceptible cuff. The vaginal cuff needs to heal completely and introducing anything to the vagina can allow for infection. Adding water also keeps that area more moist which prevents proper healing. Standing in the shower, gravity keeps water from entering and staying in the vagina which is why it is okay. S

Thanks! I was wondering the same thing - now I know

I'm almost 8 weeks in and dying for a bath or pool break, but, no such luck yet......... NOTHING in the vagina!