Prolapse?

Sorry this might be TMI but I was just having a shower when I felt like my vagina was not the same as it had been - it felt like it was bulging out. I checked with a mirror but it's hard to tell what's normal seeing it looks diff than before giving birth. It def feels like it's protruding when I stand and when I researched it, it sounded like a prolapse. My mum had this so I know some info but has anyone had this happen? How severe and what treatment did you get? I know I should be more consistent with my pelvic floor exercises but... well I don't do them very often - myabe I will now. Any help would be great.

I've been researching a bit more and it sounds like it because now I feel as if I ahve a light bulb above my head: why I have trouble doing number 2's and why sex hasn't been the same (enjoyable but not the same). I feel so stupid and feel like an old lady not a young, mum. I feel like crap.

Jordy- have you been to a doctor or physio or anything for a check up?

Rectocele and Cystocele are common after having a baby. Not many of us talk about it though.
Here are some great sites that will provide you with answers and descriptions of prolapse.

The Whole Woman

MoonDragon's Obgyn Information - Uterine Prolapse

ETA- it's much more common than you may think - another board I visit recently discussed the same issues, and many of the women there had exactly the troubles you have described.

Jordie DO NOT feel like crap, this is a VERY common thing alot of women young and old go through!

Birth can play a big role in the tendency to prolapse. Many women with 3 or more babies, plus mums who had ventouse or forceps deliveries are more prone to prolapse, as are those who are coached to push because of epidural lessening or removing their urge. Basically anything that places additional strain on the pelvic floor or pulls/pushes faster than labour does anyway can increase the risk, just because it stretches everything out a little bit more than your body would have, and thus the fibres are a bit strained and might not return to their pre-baby elasticity.

BUT the news is that with pelvic floor exercises and conservative treatment (like pessaries - plastic devices worn inside to keep everything in its right place until your muscles are stronger) they usually resolve well and rarely cause major problems or need surgery. Get along to your doc ASAP and get on the road to sorting this out. And hold your head up high! You're a birthing mama, this is nothing to be ashamed of!!

Bx

I had a prolapse after my daughters birth, seeing a pelvic floor physio was the best thing I did. While things will never be exactly the same as before I had my daughter I feel the same now

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.