What happens? I'm worried

Yikes! You have me worried! What's this 'use it or lose it' thing?

What happens if you don't use it? Does it shrink? collapse? what?

Is there a time frame before you lose it?

I seriously do not want to have this conversation with my male gyn!

FarrahMichelle -

This is more of a thing if you don't have ovaries (BSO), if you got to keep one (RSO or LSO) and they're still working you should be okay, although things might tighten up a bit.

If you check out menopause items it will tell you that without estrogen the vagina will shrink and the walls thin. Having intercourse helps it from shrinking. I don't know of a timeframe.

Phew! Thanks tauruslady. that's reassuring!

Oh, FarrahMichelle! It was not my intention to scare you...

Ok, Here's what I was told: I do not have a significant other, not sure when one might happen on the scene, but IF ONE DOES... I'd like to make sure that everything is functional. So... the doc told me that I would need to acquire something to use instead to maintain the full capacity of my vaginal canal. Because over time, if you don't USE the vaginal canal, it can lose it's length and width but most importantly, it's elasticity.

The original inquiry that started this conversation was actually in reference to my A&P repair sutures on the inside walls of my vagina... but he discussed the length issues regarding the vaginal cuff as well.

I do have both my ovaries but since I don't have any significant other, and haven't in a few years, he advised me to uhm... purchase one or actually a few... in different sizes... to... gradually bring things back to normal capacity and keep it there.

Whew!!! Does that make it clearer???

Thanks for explaining that Tracey. It definitely makes it clearer.

My surgery is basically the same as yours and like you, I'd like to make sure everything stays functional! so I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge!

Thanks again! FarrahMichelle