Length of Vagina after POP surgery.

[opie74]

I had my surgery in May. Sherri, I think that you might remember me.  I did have to have a perineal release after, and things are good.  There is something (mesh covered in scar tissue, I think) that spans my vagina.  I asked my dr about it and he said that is where my urethria (sp?) is. Anyway, the height or leingth of my Vagina seems to be normal on either side, but in that area is is shorter.  I was wondering how long is should be.  I have noticed, but my husband has not complained that he often does not get as far in as before.  I think that i\this is when he hits the "mesh".  It no longer hurts, but is this normal?

[sherrieP]

I'm so glad you addressed it with your dr, always ask all questions-the good physicians will answer them every time.

Yes, very often the vaginal opening is tightened with POP surgery. There is actually a chapter in the book that itemizes typical questions to be considered. There isn't anything about how to keep info organized however, I'd say take a notebook in the office with you and just write down key words as you are getting answered and b/4 you leave the office, fill in more info so you don't forget. Then you can write it all out clearly when you get home.

Sher

[AvaG]

Thank you once again, Sher! I was able to discuss this with my dr and she said it was a very good question... She said so long as I can keep my cervix, nothing should change.  However, should they decide it would be better to have my cervix removed (in case there would be concern about cervical cancer), then the tissue will be much thinner which might cause some pain during intercourse... Also, she said my vaginal opening is actually pretty wide so she's planning on fixing that up for me as well. Have you heard of this being done before? I have to remember to ask her about healing time on that and how long it will take before I can become sexually active with that, too... I need to get your book! Can you tell me if you have recommendations in there on how to keep all of this information and my questions organized?

[sherrieP]

Women seldom have problems with penetration depth but it does rarely occur. I would just put the cards right on the table; go the urogyn with all of your questions written down and make this the last one. By the time you go through your other questions, you'll probably have built a comfort zone with your dr. If you are still too uncomfortable to ask the question let me know and I can run it up the flagpole with the urogyns I work with. Since your boyfriend is particularly well endowed, it would be a good idea to express your concerns prior to surgery.

Sher

[AvaG]

I'm actually really glad I found this post because going into surgery, that's something I'm really super worried about!  The gyno told me that they will close the opening to my vaginal vault and I read that there will be some shortening, but I can't help wondering if I will still be able to get full penetration.  My boyfriend has a much larger penis size than other men I've dated but right now it's absolutely the perfect size for me. I can't imagine not being able to have full penetration anymore...  Do you have any suggestions on how to discuss this with my doctor? I'd love to be able to make sure my quality of life changes as little as possible after surgery and adequate healing time.

[sherrieP]

Yes I remember you (love the new pic!), What you feel may be scar tissue, you should not feel mesh because it is positioned beneath muscle or structural tissue. It takes quite a while for tissue to soften after POP surgery, as long as it is not causing any discomfort I wouldn't worry about it. If it starts to cause any problems however I'd go to the dr and have it checked. The urethra does not lay on the surface so not sure what the dr means. Your husband should be able to get all the way in however. Occasionally the vagina is shortened (this is one of the reasons I always send women to urogyns, to prevent this from occurring), but if it is not causing any problems I wouldn't worry about it.

I can't remember if we'd talked about myofascial release therapy (very beneficial for releasing scar tissue), if that is something you feel you might need or have an interest in let me know and I can pass info along to you.

Sher