Jordie,

I'm struggling with the same issues at the moment - prolapse of bladder and bowel after a birth with episiotomy and forceps and long labour. It's a shock when you discover it yourself - I know I was googling like crazy and that made it worse!

I've also been seeing a women's physio who not only gave me exercises but explained the physiology of it all to me. She also normalised it ie it's not uncommon. I had a variety of health professional's reaction ranging from "wow, that's a severe prolapse" and "how did you get a prolapse - that never happens anymore" (great! it that supposed to be helpful?) to " it's normal and it will likely right itself with exercises". Other treatments include Ovestin cream which is inserted into the vagina and can improve symptoms.

If your mother had a prolapse yes it's more likely you will have one - just one of those things.

As for the old lady feeling - can totally empathise. However, remember there are lots of us young (or youngish) ones out there with this problem.

Please see a doctor and get a referral to a physio - it will make the world of difference.