Q: I've had a hysterectomy; does my vagina still clean itself?

Fortunately, the vagina is self-cleansing; it requires very little attention. The cells on the surface of the vagina naturally regenerate or ‘turn over’ on an ongoing basis. After intercourse, semen deposited in the vagina coagulates and then slowly liquefies again and is slowly secreted.

The top of the vagina is called the vaginal cuff when the cervix has been removed as a part of a hysterectomy. Not having a cervix doesn’t change that cleansing mechanism. Douching is disruptive to this natural cleansing process, disrupting the natural, healthy environment created by ‘good bacteria’ that belong there. In this case, less is best!

If you've had your ovaries removed or are naturally menopausal, the absence of estrogen means your vagina can benefit from a moisturizer placed inside the vagina. We offer several great choices.