So, I finally got an MD at the Veterans Hospital that had active brain cells, and she told me things I had never heard before. Generally speaking, other women, even natural ones, will not share these details.
We talked about my repeated UTI issues over the last several months, and as we talked we realized that my Urethra is buried back in a cleft that promotes bacterial growth. I have no idea if normal women have that issue. She told me that it is important that we open that cleft enough to dry the exit of the Urethra. I related to her that I had begun using non scented baby wipes there, and wiping front to back. She said that was even better. So, no Toilet paper for me.
Natural women also have a "valve" at the exit, which we do not.
Another issue perhaps is that since I had all, ALL my body hair nuked off me, save for my head, I have no hair in my "Privates" area to grow bacteria eating, naturally occurring, "flora and fauna" which consume bacteria and shed skin. So, perhaps those sexy Brazilian exfolations are not so good?
An important issue is that when doing dilation, out of necessity, or pleasure :), is to make sure that you urinate and wipe after you clean up in the shower to expel any foreign matter from that very vulnerable Urethra.
Comments
Thank you for sharing.
The more we share the needs to know an horror stories the better prepared we can be when we go and the easier the transition will be.
Again, thanks.
Dayna.
ps. I've heard another use for keeping pubic hair... is to cover scars.
In 21 1/2 Years,
I've had 1 UTI that required (or that I got rid of with) antibiotics. I've never had yeasties, STDs or anything else.
In general, I seem to have good immunity to viruses like cold or flu; I just never get them any more. I'm not saying I have a super-duper immune system. I've had some skin infections and for years had repeated bacterial sinus infections. I'm pretty sure I fought one off earlier this month.
In the crotch area, I might be lucky or my immune system might be particularly good down there (but I have no reason why that might be). OTOH, I might be helping myself by how i care for those parts. If I shower, I infrequently wipe soap around the outside and behind my vulva, but never inside my lips or down the center. What I'm trying to do is not disturb the bacteria living there. These friendly bacteria, like those in our gut, fight off other bacteria, a tiny fraction of which might be pathogenic, and other life forms like fungus/yeast or protista like amoeba, etc. I don't ask anyone to follow my example, because one persyn's health record is not enough to prove anything.
Good health and good luck!
Hugs and Bright Blessings,
Renee
I've had loads of them
over the 22+ years I've been post op - just one of those things. UTIs are ten times more common in females than males.
Angharad
mein gott
That sounds terrable...
♥♥
