GenderLife Forum: The Information Exchange

I've heard that it is possible, but not likely, that the prostate gland can produce enough fluid to lubricate. As for using colon tissue, I've heard it many times that it isn't recomended, as there are many downsides (infections, smell, fecal matter coming out of the vagina), and you are ruining what could otherwise be a healthy colon.

How would you end up with fecal matter coming out if it's not connected to the colon???

[quote=Vanna1}How would you end up with fecal matter coming out if it's not connected to the colon??? [/quote]

I think you're right Vanna. Unless a fistula develops the neovagina and the colon are wholly separated.

From the Ohio State University Medical School: http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare...ages/index.aspx

"As part of the male reproductive system, the prostate gland’s primary function is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid, a fluid that carries sperm. During male climax (orgasm), the muscular glands of the prostate help to propel the prostate fluid, in addition to sperm that was produced in the testicles, into the urethra. The semen then leaves the body out through the tip of the penis during ejaculation."

What's not clear is how much of this fluid, coming from the transplanted urethra, would help to lubricate the neovagina. Nor is it clear what the lubrication qualities of the fluid are. Also, if the ejaculation of the fluid coincides with semen ejaculation, it might only occur at orgasm - which would do nothing for pre-penetration lubrication.

I wonder if the bulbourethral gland (or Cowper's gland) might be useful for pre-penetration lubrication. At least the timing (pre-orgasm) would be right.
From Wikipedia: http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulbourethral_gland

"During sexual arousal each gland makes a clear liquid known as pre-ejaculate or "pre-cum". This fluid helps to lubricate the urethra for sperm to pass through."

Infections, smell, and fecal matter? Where'd you get this pocketful of wisdom?

The downsides are that the mucosal lining doesn't increase or decrease with arousal, so it's always pretty much on, so you may have to wear a pad or panty liner pretty much all the time. Also, you are taking out a bit of the colon, so there can be complications associated with that.

They do clean and sterilize the tissue...it's not like they just cut it out and shove it up your vag. Yuck.

There are mucosa in the middle ear, not the ear canal...ear wax is produced by ceruminous glands, which are modified sweat glands...not mucosa...take it from an RN....

I have wondered this myself. I have read it on many sites, wondered how it could be possible every time I've read it, but apparently it is a rare but possible side-effect.

The ONLY way fecal matter can get into the neovagina is if a RECTOVAGINAL FISTULA develops. This can occur if the outer surface of the neovagina comes in contact with the outer surface of the colon, and the two grow together. It can also occur in genetic women. It is a risk even in a penal inversion vaginoplasty.

[url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectovaginal_fistula][/url]

Now, may we, please, put aside this silly thread?

Rectovaginal fistulae are not uncommon among multiparous women. Same with ureterovaginal fistulae.

Mentioning this so you don't think it's a rare thing or it's life-threatening. It can be a bother, though, because even after being "fixed" they tend to re-open.

Giving birth is a shitty business.

PS: Be grateful to your moms.

Diana, there are several members of this forum who have unfortunately been forced to have this operation and several others that are contemplating it. So maybe it would be a little more politic not to label it in such a way.
I'm not one of them, but they are members.
Thanks

I guess I'm confused. What surgery have members been "forced" to have?
Sex reassignment surgery? - I imagine that's the goal or current status of every member.
Sigmoid colon vaginoplasty? - Yes, I imagine this may have been the option of choice, or only option, for some members.
Penal inversion vaginoplasty? - Yes, I imagine this may have been the option of choice, or the only option, for other members.

What's silly in this thread is the apparent assumption that the colon part of sigmoid colon implied an automatic or higher risk of fecal matter getting into the vagina. My prior post meant to say that this is a silly and ill-informed idea. It can only happen if a fistula develops. Fistula can occur with any vaginoplasty. Fistula can occur in genetic women for various reasons.

The discussion of a self-lubricating vagina (the original subject) is a good one. The possible good and bad of using mucosa tissue is a good one. A discussion of the risk of fistula developing would be a good one. Assuming that those members who are forced to have a sigmoid colon vaginoplasty have an inherent risk of fecal matter in the neo-vagina is silly.