It is the procedure during which salted water or medicated cleansing solution (as per your doctors' recommendation) is used to wash away accumulated secretions, blood or discharges in the vagina that cause adhesions and may increase the risk of infection.

During radiotherapy to the pelvic area, vaginal secretions will thicken into a glue-like fluid which causes adhesions (vaginal walls sticking together). This can no longer be parted making future examinations of the cervix impossible and sexual intercourse difficult. The secretions soon decrease, the vagina walls become dry and healing will occur over a period of time. Stenosis (hardening) and atrophy (shrinkage in size) may occur during healing and the use of vaginal cylinders and douching will decrease the extent of these effects.

The Oncology Nurse Counsellors will see you on a Friday after commencing therapy to advise you on your douching schedule and demonstrate the use of the cylinder. These items will then be given to you.

The side effects of radiation therapy usually start on the second week of treatment.

Your Oncology Nurse Counsellor will schedule a date around this time for you to attend the Douching/Dilator clinic.

In addition to vaginal douching, a cylindrical apparatus known as a vaginal dilator may be lubricated and inserted into the vagina to prevent adhesions.

The schedule is as follows:
Three times a week for 3 months from the commencement of treatment and once a week thereafter for life.

You may resume intercourse 3 months after you have had major gynaecological surgery. Also, you may resume sexual intercourse as soon as you feel comfortable on completion of your course of radiotherapy. Consult your doctor or oncology nurse when in doubt.

'No man is an island' and all the more at this time of your life. Everyone, no matter how confident will treasure a listening ear, a helping hand and a loving smile. The Oncology Support Group is formed by volunteers who help in the caring of our patients diagnosed with cancer that may change their lifestyles or increase their fears.

We unite with the consistent action of care for your doubts, fears and queries, concern for your relatives and clarification of information regarding certain therapeutic procedures and side effects. We also help to link those in need to other sources of non-medical assistance available.

The Oncology Support Group is an action group founded on the principles of love and servitude.

Please call your counsellor or KK Gynaecological Cancer for more information.