Vaginal reconstruction

Whether vaginal reconstruction is suitable for you will depend on your health and what cancer treatments you have had before.

Not everyone chooses to have vaginal reconstruction. If you have a partner, it can be helpful to talk to them about your options and the possible changes.

You can also talk to your surgeon or specialist nurse about whether it is right for you.

It is important to think about how the surgery may affect you. Some people who have vaginal reconstruction may be able to have vaginal sex, but this is not always possible. It may also help with how you feel about your body (body image).

It can take time for your new vagina to heal. Everyone is different so try not to compare yourself to others.

After your operation, you will need medicines to manage any pain.

At first, you may be given painkillers into a vein using an electronic pump. You control the pump using a hand control that you can press when you need more of the painkiller. This is called patient-controlled analgesia (PCA).

It is fine to press the hand control whenever you have pain. The nurse sets the pump so you cannot have too much painkiller.

You will be given painkillers to take at home. Tell your doctor or nurse if these are not working for you. They can change them to something that does work.

We have more information about managing pain, and painkillers.

Wound infections can be a complication of the surgery. Signs the wound is infected include:

• heat
• redness
• swelling
• fluid or pus coming from the wound
• feeling unwell
• a fever or high temperature.

Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any of these symptoms, even after you go home. If you are unable to talk to your hospital team, contact your GP or out-of-hours service.

There might be scarring after the reconstruction. This can make your vagina smaller and less stretchy. Your hospital team may recommend you use vaginal dilators to help with this.

Dilators are tampon-shaped plastic tubes. They come in different sizes and you use them with a lubricant. You use the dilators regularly. Your doctor or nurse will explain how to use them and how often to use them.

It is important to keep the dilator clean. You should wash it with warm soapy water after each use.

After vaginal reconstruction, vaginal sex may be possible. It may take you some time to feel like you are ready to try. Try not to put pressure on yourself. It might help to talk about your concerns.

You may have feeling (sensation) in your new vagina, but this is usually different to what you could feel before. Trying different positions may help to find what feels most comfortable for you.

If vaginal sex is possible, it can also help to keep your new vagina open. This means you may be able to use dilators less often.

Your new vagina will not make its own lubrication. You will need to use lubricant gels with dilators during sex and for any internal examinations. Your specialist nurse can give you more information about what gels or creams you can try.

We have more information about:

• cancer and your sex life – including tips on talking to your healthcare team and coping with your feelings
• body image – if you are worried about changes to your appearance.

Macmillan is also here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can:

• Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00.
• Chat to our specialists online
• Visit our Online Community to talk to people who have been affected by cancer, share your experience, and ask an expert your questions.