Vaginal cuff and yeast infection question

Hi gals, well I can't believe it but I am going to be 9 weeks post op tomorrow! For the most part I feel really good, some days are better then others. I started on the 0.5 Vivelle dot a few weeks ago and I can tell a huge difference, I feel like a new woman. I am just wondering if anyone else has had a problem with vaginal cuff and yeast infections? I am currently taking meds for my second cuff infection and I think the meds have given me a yeast infection. I called the Dr and she said I need to wait until I finished the meds for the cuff infection before treating the yeast infection. That means 7 more days of the burning and itching. Anyone else having these problems or am I just the "lucky" one? What causes these infections? Is it hormonal? Thanks for your help.

Chrissy,

I had a TAH/BSO on 9/22 with complications the week of 10/2 (small bowel obstruction) due to infection, etc. Back in the hospital for 6 additionaI days and was on IV antibiotics, so I got one heck of a yeast infection. I was lucky though, yesterday, my Doctor prescribed me Diflucan (the oral med) and it seems better to day. He said I can't use the yeast infection cream until at least 6 weeks post-op. I go for my follow-up tonight. Do they check the vaginal cuff for infection then? I am concerned that this may be more than a yeast infection, since I have had some other problems. How do you know if the vaginal cuff is infected? This may seem like a stupid question, but is the vaginal cuff the place where the cervix used to be and is now sewed shut? Just curious. I hear everyone mention vaginal cuff, but not 100% sure what it is? Thanks.

The vaginal cuff is where they sew you shut where the cervix used to be. I had an infection of the cuff. The dr did a swab for bacteria and yeast on my 6 week visit. I was complaining of itching. Make sure that you ask to be checked. The dr will examine your vaginal cuff and can determine if you have an infection. I had to do two rounds of antibiotics and now I am on my third. I now have a section of my incision that didn't heal even though I've been on the medication. Sometimes those germs are pretty persistant. Hoping you feel well soon.

Hi, I am 5 weeks this week. I ended up back in the hospital Sat to Sun because my vaginal cuff had opened on each side. I bled through everything in a matter of 2 hrs. It was a mess. They used silver nitrate on two tampons (thought I was done with those?) and kept me on bed rest over night. I did work, no more bleeding. It really freaked me out. Any way I go back to the Dr. next week for him to check it out. Do you think I need to look out for infection. Was wondering if anyone knew? I have a strong smell but I would think it's from the meds they used?

Chrissy,

I'm sorry to hear your having trouble with your cuff.

I'm not a doc but this is what I know and understand about yeast: Yeast occurs normally in your body (everybody has it). A yeast infection is an overgrowth of the natural occuring yeast. Anti-biotics seem to set up an imbalance and are known to cause this overgrowth sometimes. (In my case almost everytime I take anti-biotics.)

Personally, I don't know why your doctor said to wait to treat a yeast infection. I developed a UTI at 8 weeks post-op (became dehydrated, wasn't keeping the bladder flushed due to fleeing from "Rita"). I was given Bactrim and talked to my doctor about the possiblity of developing a yeast infection. She said I could use the vaginal cream medicine (3 day course of Monistat) since I had been released to have intercourse. And i also used the cream topically on the outside to help control the itching, burning, etc. Your case must be different because of your "cuff" infections. I know they also offer a "yeast" infection medication in pill form. So if it was me, I would call my doctor back and ask. That's just me though.

I also found an over the counter homeopathic medicine. This must be fairly new, because it is the first time I have every seen it. It is AZO Yeast. The bottle says it relieves symptoms of vaginal yeast infection. Symptoms being, burning and itching. It says take one tablet daily for prevention and 3 daily if you have an infection. Can also be used in conjunction with antifungal creams, ointments or suppositories. I also have been taking it daily since the UTI, I figured it can't hurt. The only warning on the bottle is for if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

A home remedy that my Aunt's swear by is: milk of magnesia on a sanitary pad, wear as long as your itching, change several times a day. They all (3 of them) swear this works. I know one of my aunts says it just soothes things. She says she hasn't used anything else in the last 10 years. She had a TAH years and years ago (at 23) and has always had yeast infections off and on. I personally haven't ever tried it. I usually don't have any MOM around.

I hope this helps. And like I said, if it was me I'd probably be back on the phone to my doctor. My best to you. I know I'd probably be going with the itching.

Blessings,
Theresa