HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy
SHARING IS CARING
Douching after Hysterectomy
From the Hysterectomy Recovery Articles List
Can I douche after my hysterectomy?
Most (if not all)
doctors will say
nothing in the vagina—including douche—for at least six weeks after surgery. In fact, many doctors do not recommend
douching at all because it can kill the natural bacteria found in the vagina. Plus, if you have a vaginal infection, douching could push the bacteria further into your body.
Some doctors allow a betadine douche or water and vinegar if there was a
hematoma or an infection, but this is something that must be ordered by your personal physician.
Some HysterSisters, who ignored the "nothing in the vagina" rule, found that douching triggered "bacterial vaginosis," which caused excessive bleeding and a bad infection.
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Washing takes away the "good" bacteria, leaving your body with an over abundance of the "bad" bacteria. Douching upsets the natural balance.
Once your natural vaginal flora gets out of balance, it can be difficult to get it back in balance. Eating yogurt is great for keeping things in balance.
When in doubt, ask your doctor.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.
08-06-2004 - 06:24 AM
SHARING IS CARING
Do you have a question?
If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. See you there!
HysterSisters Articles
Diagnosis
Options to Hysterectomy
Treatment Alternatives
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Separate Surgeries
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Separate Surgeries
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Breast Health
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
GYN Genetics
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Find a Surgeon
Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573 |
Shaghayegh DeNoble, M.D. 20 Wilsey Square Suite C Ridgewood NJ 07450 2019577220 |
Jonas Wilson-Leedy, M.D. 71 Prospect Avenue Hudson NY 24016 518-828-1400 |
Ken Sinervo, M.D. 1140 Hammond Dr., Ste. F6220 Atlanta GA 30328 770-913-0001 |
Siobhan Kehoe, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673 |
Geoffrey Cly, M.D. Suite 101, 11123 Parkview Plaza Drive Fort Wayne IN 46845 260-969-5530 |
Lauren Pinkard, M.D. 4225 W 95th Street Oak Lawn IL 60453 708-423-2300 |
Ted Lee, M.D. Magee Womens Hospital 300 Halket Street Pittsburgh PA 15213 412 641 6412 |
James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074 |