Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I've just discovered I have a prolapse!

36 replies

thickgit · 30/12/2017 21:06

I'm worried because I've just had a shower and whilst washing my myself with my hand, I felt something protruding. I've never felt this before, although after an examination some years back, they did tell me that I have a partial prolapse
I've a big day out with the family in London tomorrow and am nervous that it will worsen and I'll have difficulties walking around.

Does anyone have any idea whether it will stay as it is or whether it can get worse quickly
also, I'm really hoping that I don't have to have an operation to put this right but I can see from the little bit of research that I've done that it's likely.
I'd be grateful for any advice. Thank you.

OP posts:
RainbowPastel · 30/12/2017 21:17

You can wear a pessary ring which holds everything in. You might need an operation though or even a hysterectomy. My DM had a hysterectomy for a prolapse.

BroccoliOnTheFloor · 30/12/2017 21:28

I'm sorry you're uncomfortable! Flowers

There are apparently many different kinds of prolapse, and only some require surgery. Others can be treated with lifestyle changes or these pessary rings. The NHS website says you ought to see a doctor though.

Good luck!

Tomselleckhaskindeyes · 30/12/2017 21:32

To the doctors you go OP.

meredintofpandiculation · 30/12/2017 22:06

From my reading around, people manage for quite some time just pushing it back when necessary. So that'll sort you for tomorrow. You might feel more secure putting a pad in so your gusset feels more supportive. Sitting with your legs crossed may feel more comfortable than sitting with both thighs on the seat.

Longer term, go and see your GP and ask for a referral. Meanwhile, avoid picking up heavy things, and don't strain on the toilet - keep breathing, then you can't strain. And don't panic - prolapse is very common.

EllieFredrickson · 30/12/2017 22:13

I've had mine for about 5 years but am managing it without surgery. Some days good some not so much and it depends on the time of the month too. I highly recommend a women's health physio ( you'll probably have to go private). I manage now with Pilates ( led by a physio) and plenty of exercise. Don't panic. I'm expecting to need surgery eventually but as still young ish am trying to manage without for as long as possible.

edwinbear · 30/12/2017 22:21

I had a front and back wall prolapse after DC1 which I managed with until I had corrective surgery after DC2, I lived with it for about 4 yrs. It can be annoying and uncomfortable and a full day on your feet tomorrow may well make it feel worse. However a good nights sleep tonight, sitting down when you get the chance tomorrow and having a lie down when you get home will help.

I had very successful surgery in 2013, recovery was painful and long (6 weeks off work and a good 3 months until fully recovered) but was well worth it in my view.

Debdoo · 30/12/2017 22:26

I have had a slight bladder prolapse and bad bowel prolapse for 12 Years, just had surgery on 25th Nov for the bowel one, google kegal 8 they’ve excellent reviews and I’ve just bought one and go see your doctor! If bad enough they’ll refer u to gynae for consult! X

BestZebbie · 30/12/2017 22:26

Prolapse surgery is in a bit of a state right now, because they had a go-to solution of mesh and now lots of women have started reporting problems with that procedure.

A ring will hold it all in for cases like yours that are bulging rather than fully inside out (as it were) for the forseeable. You can push it back up to stop feeling like you have a constant wedgie, it is all quite rubbery and strong muscle. You should go to the GP at your earliest convenience though, so that you can get the physical support it needs to not get worse.

Debdoo · 30/12/2017 22:28

They don’t use mesh for all prolapse surgery! Mine didn’t use mesh! Depends on severity and what type of prolapse! X

Debdoo · 30/12/2017 22:29

Doc told me I wouldn’t be able to have sex with a ring! So I opted for surgery as only in my 30’s x

Jupiter15 · 30/12/2017 22:29

Go to your GP and get referral for Women’s health physio, or you could go for private physio if the waiting time is too long. Correctly performed, regular pelvic floor exercises can help and as others have said some people find a pessary really helps. Avoid heavy lifting.

RedialCallHold · 30/12/2017 22:32

This is really weird as I was just looking at kegel8 ultra 20 for my bladder prolapse, but the price!?! Does anyone have any discount?
debdo how are you getting on with it?

edwinbear · 30/12/2017 22:33

I didn't have mesh either. My gynae refused to use mesh as he felt there were insufficient mesh repairs which had been in for long enough, to understand the long term effects. Turns out he was spot on, he was an exceptional surgeon.

I used a Kegsl 8 to manage my symptoms pre surgery and it was fantastic. I also lost weight (I was overweight after my pregnancy) which helped a lot as well. It can be managed until you feel the time is right for surgery.

Rulerruler · 30/12/2017 22:34

Just to correct a previous poster you can have sex with a ring pessary - it's just the shelf pessary which is a problem for sex. Is a very simple fix too. Dont be embarassed - it's very, very common.

Aturkeyisnotjustforchristmas · 30/12/2017 22:35

If it gets worse it will be slowly. In the meantime do your pelvic floor exercises, don’t lift anything and avoid getting constipated.

edwinbear · 30/12/2017 22:37

And no running! I've been signed off running for life - shame that!Grin

guardianfree · 30/12/2017 22:39

There's a thread talking about this over on FWR:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_rights/3125584-Impact-of-birth-injuries-prolapse-etc

gingerbread88 · 30/12/2017 22:55

I have a pelvic organ prolapse and have done for nearly 11 Years. 2 instrumental deliveries I think caused mine.
Mine has got worse over the years, the bulge has got lower and closer to the entrance to my vagina.
Losing weight helped mine and I also have a ring pessary fitted as I don't want to have to have the op (no doubt I will one day but only late 30's and want to avoid for as long as possible) my time of the month makes it worse.
I do exercise and I also run but am under the physio at the hospital and have been given the green light for this as I have made adaptions and my mental health is really important and running helps that. I use EVB sports wear which supports my prolapse when exercising. The heavier I am the worse the dragging sensation is.
I use a Kegel 8 machine most days too. Some days it is worse than others but a day on your feet will be fine, it gets worse over time, not so suddenly and some days are worse than others.
It isn't pleasant but very, very common.
Good luck and enjoy your day out.

edwinbear · 30/12/2017 23:16

gingerbread I hadn't heard of EVB sportswear but just googled and they look superb - specifically designed to help support prolapse? I wonder if they would be helpful in supporting women with prolapse just going about their lives? Do you find they help hoik things up generally?

I'm not a runner, I swim and attend spin classes but would like to get back to some low impact aerobics, perhaps Zumba or similar - these may facilitate that so thanks!

Original poster
thickgit · 30/12/2017 23:32

Thanks everyone!! Your posts have made me feel much better.
I gave birth naturally twice and didn't do my pelvic floor exercises, which I now regret. I've felt a slightly heavy sensation down there, especially when on my period, but no pain so I've ignored it. Recently I've been do more exercise and Zumba particularly involves a bit of impact.
The idea of surgery scares me a little but if it has to be done I'll deal with it. My children are young and I sometimes pick them up, even my seven year old. I'll be avoiding this! I've also had a cough which has probably not helped
Very interesting to know that you can 'push it back up'! I will certainly go to the GP as soon as they re open. Thanks for explaining that it will be slow. . . I had visions of my insides falling out at Winter bloody Wonderland!! I'll take it easy and sit when I can.
I'm interested in the ring and also the Kegal 8 thing. It is also reassuring to hear that people have lived with it for years and that surgery has been successful
Again, thank you for your replies, they've helped me to relax somewhat :-)

OP posts:
gingerbread88 · 30/12/2017 23:56

Edwin re EVB it's been a game changer for me - especially as I didn't want to give up my beloved running. I could never run without the support shorts *shudder. Think of them like compression sleeves for your inners! They are pricey but worth it and nothing else on the market comparable. Delivery can be slow though.
The ring has also helped keep everything 'up' whilst exercising. I still have the bulge but a lot less of the dragging feeling.
I am doing all I can and have invested in the Kegel 8 machine. I'm under no illusion that it would be better for my prolapse if I didn't run, but it's my hobby and in lots of ways my saviour and the physio I am under at the hospital weighed it up with me and the fact that it manages my weight is a good thing, I have made changes (sports wear and running style to minimise the impact) so it's all about balancing it out.
The EVB range sell briefs which can be used all the time and holds it all in (I wear these if I have a day I am going to be on my feet a lot for example but find it a bit tight for every day)

edwinbear · 31/12/2017 00:23

OP a cough and period at the same time will not have helped, but PP's are correct in that the descent takes a long time and there will be good days and bad days. Nothing will fall out at Winter Wonderland, even if it feels like it's getting worse every step you take. A good nights sleep and the next morning you will feel like it's 'lifted' again. If it helps, my gynae told me pelvic floor exercises wouldn't have prevented my prolapse, some women are just prone. I did have an instrumental delivery but apparently on examination,I have 'slack' vaginal walls, probably genetic and was therefore pre-disposed.

I had my surgery when DC2 was 12 months because it was getting me down. I needed to hire help to lift the baby and DC1 who was 2.5 for 7 weeks until I was signed off by the gynae to lift the baby again when I had to - DH did all the lifting of children, heavy shopping, furniture etc for well over a year. I still don't lift heavy shopping bags now if he is there. I do pick up my 8yr old and 6 yr old on occasion with no ill effects.

gingerbread I understand exactly how you feel re the running. I used to weight train pretty seriously. That was never going to be an option post diagnosis and the subsequent weight gain and impact on my mental health was unhelpful. You've found a way to stop it impacting on something you enjoy and that's fantastic!

Mindovermatter1625 · 31/12/2017 00:52

I have managed a prolapse bladder for a year and a half. Hypopressive exercise has been my saviour. Typry yo breath as much as possible with a wide rib cage and when you breath in pull your insides up, it really helps.

I run with adaptations to my running style and feel my prolapse is well controlled. I also do high intensity training but avoid jumping and traditional ab exercises.

As others have said sit as much as you can tomorrow and no carrying anything heavy.

It depends which organ has prolapsed what can be done to manage it.

Enjoy your day x

MaudlinMews · 31/12/2017 09:23

Just coming on here to say that prolapse can be genetic and nothing to do with birth. Neither me nor my sister have been pregnant or given birth. My mother had a prolapse at 50 but had normal births. It just seems to be a case of having slack vaginal and rectal walls. We’re all slim & fit so I dont know what would have helped. It’s due to having a void/cavity. Its a design flaw.

Aturkeyisnotjustforchristmas · 31/12/2017 09:30

Any impact exercise will make it worse. I was advised to go swimming for fitness. Even aqua fit was banned. If you didn’t do your exercises there’s potential for a lot of improvement in your muscles. Get a physio referral as they can train you to do them correctly.