To ask if you have (or had) a prolapse after birth? I'm 25 and mortified

[Jessy111]

I gave birth 6 weeks ago and needed stitches for a second degree perennial tear.

I have reluctantly examined my bits to see how everything was healing and noticed things looked odd on the inside, a swelling of sort.

A closer inspection has revealed what I'm %99 sure is a prolapse (to be confirmed at my doctors appointment next week)

If i insert my finger past some tissue i can feel a lump and my cervix is well within reach, it has dropped down very low.

I'm only in my mid twenties and I'm mortified at the prospect of having a damaged vag

Can I have your experiences please, perhaps some reassurance that it can be resolved without intrusive surgery? I'm already doing my pelvic floors.

I'm so sad about this

It could be very very early yet. I do have a mild prolapse 13 months post birth. Nasty 3rd degree tear and uterus tear. My vag deffo looks very different these days. Physio is really helping. I didn’t get much support post birth thanks to covid. Finally diagnosed with mild prolapse a month ago. They said anything before 8 months is not counted as your body is still healing. Use the nhs squeeze app abs do your pelvic floor. It will help. Rest and recover.

@FarmerJo2020 not sure what that means either!
I have had mixed opinions from different people.. GP and gynae both saying they couldn’t see anything (examining laying down) but it is when I am stood I can see an obvious bulge and urethra appears larger (sorry tmi).

In terms of symptoms, I feel sort of pressure when ever standing/ sitting in one spot for too long. And if on feet more I have an ache- sometimes close to urethra and sometimes towards bum.

My gynae is suggesting it could be pelvic congestion syndrome and is referring me for an ultrasound scan. He said I might be slightly oestrogen deficient but that’s quite normal when breastfeeding as so early PP and was hesitant to give me cream.

I really try to put it to the back of my mind and get on with things but it is so difficult when i am constantly uncomfortable/ unable to go for walks/ lay down to get a few minutes relief. It’s driving me crazy.

I am breastfeeding and yes I heard the same but would love to continue as long as possible.

What are your symptoms? Sorry essay!

@Whatelsecouldibecalled
Thank you, I really hope things improve with time. Sorry you didn’t get good support, I have felt as though I am being fobbed off so much.

I have seen the physio a couple of times but to be honest was expecting more support. They have confirmed I am doing the exercises correctly and sent me away advising these 3 times a day. Have you been giving other exercises besides this? Thanks

Hi everyone I posted my own thread on here about prolapse. I was referred to a gynaecologist who wasn't helpful or sympathetic at all. He said I was too young to have symptoms and that it 'was in mmy head' really unbelievable and crushing. Although he did confirm I have a stage 1 mild prolapse 🙄
Anyway I'm going to go back to my doctors and be referred to a physio as I don't want it getting worse. It's very comforting to know ppl reversed theirs by doing the exercises. I do worry about carrying another child and what the repercussions would be. I did ask the gynaecologist about that and all he could say was 'maybe'.
I never knew prolapse was so common I felt like the only one when I discovered it. This thread has been very helpful.

@Worldwide2 definitely get a physio referral, I have seen two women’s health physios (one private, one NHS) and they were both excellent. They were both much more understanding and sympathetic than the gynae i saw, and they were also both very reassuring and encouraging. I haven’t seen much improvement yet in symptoms but they did both say it would take months and a lot of work so I think that’s to be expected. They made me feel really listened to, which has been good for my emotional well-being, and sounds like you might need that too after your gynae experience! Thank you for sharing your story, it’s making me feel a lot better just knowing I’m not alone (although of course I’m v sorry this has happened to you I would not wish it on anyone). At the moment I can’t imagine having another baby (can only just about imagine having sex), and totally get why you would be worried about that, personally I think if I did give birth again I would be asking for a c-section, but perhaps I’ll feel differently over time....

@Whatelsecouldibecalled sorry to hear about your birth injuries, that must have been really traumatic. Have you had any support at home? Must have been tough looking after baby. Can I ask how long it was before you noticed an improvement with the exercises?

Ya but don't panic and definitely don't google , I spent weeks crying about it until I finally got an appointment at the hospital they recommended physio and that fixed it. Do all the pelvic floor exercises you can manage . I had to do hold in for ten release then . And quick ones . Don't worry about it too much don't do any heavy lifting

@Magpie4 some of your symptoms sound v similar, a pressure and an ache when standing or walking, sort of in my bottom/perineal area I think although it is hard to tell exactly what is going on. It gets worse and worse until I can rest, and the worst is if I have been walking 10/15 mins I start to feel something dropping down and out. The gynae had a look when I was lying down but also got me to stand up and examined me like that too - but that day I had taken a cab to the hospital and had been mainly sitting down not standing/walking so I don’t think she saw it at it’s worst if you know what I mean!

When I am at home I manage ok and can almost forget about it, but going for even a short walk is horrible and I find it really upsetting I can’t do normal things. Also find it sad I can’t use a baby carrier, and I feel quite dependent on my DP for things like getting the pram down the stairs. My main worry is whether I will be better by the time my mat leave is over because I can’t imagine how I will do my job like this.

Re the breastfeeding my physio said that prolapse shouldn’t be the only reason to stop, because not all women feel better after stopping and then they regret that they stopped early, so definitely keep going if that is right for you. I am stopping gradually but baby was already combo-fed so not so much of a change for us really and one I’m quite comfortable with as I was intending to stop around 6 months anyway.

For exercises my physio said pelvic floors, but also gentle lower abdominal exercises (pelvic tilts was one she suggested), anything gentle that engages the core, it has definitely made me feel stronger overall. I found a 20min gentle postnatal yoga on youtube which I do enjoy.

@FarmerJo2020 Thank you for replying. I'm glad you are getting help aand had a good experience with your physio it's definitely something I will be chasing up. I think the mental aspect of it is really hard as much as physically as I don't feel like I can talk to anyone in real life as I find it embarrassing and uncomfortable. After reading everyones experiences I don't feel alone and it feels somewhat 'normal' and given me confidence to think I can just live with it and it's not so devastating. Which sounds ridiculous reading that back. But I really have felt devastated. Especially after the unhelpful gynaecologist.
Your reply has lifted my spirits and I feel more positive to have physio. So thank you.
Yes I think I will be asking for a c section as my doctor told straining for a poo will make it worse so surely pushing a baby out will extremely worse. I have 2dc so I feel very lucky to have them so I'm not thinking about a 3rd just yet. Will come to that later I guess.
I also had a 2nd degree tear which too an hour and 20 mins in theatre to stitch back so I think that contributes to how it 'feels' down there. It's been a long recovery!

Oh also - do you have an episiotomy scar? Physio said I need to massage mine and I’ve read that scar tissue can build up and cause discomfort/pain so that might be something to think about if relevant to you? A physio would be able to tell you I think? Sometimes I think it is actually my scar or my tear which is causing some of my discomfort although it is very difficult to tell what is going on down there!

@Member984815 - too late for google !:) but thank you, I have been really upset about all this and it is so nice to hear your positive outcome. Thanks for sharing your story!

@Worldwide2

@FarmerJo2020 that's where they cut you for the baby to come out isn't it? If so no I dont have one didn't need to be cut. But da come out in an awkward way with his elbow sticking out which caused the tear. They said was 'complex' but neither the gynaecologist or my doctor could feel where me scar inside is (sorry tmi) but I can feel the exact spot when dtd and it feels like it will tear again. Gynaecologist said it can be down to nerve damage so may not get better 🙁 but 'stretching' it out can help it less uncomfortable. It's just such alot to think about. Didn't have any of this with my first dc (emergency c section)
Thank you so much for the support 💐

@FarmerJo2020
I can relate to everything you have said! Could have written that myself... yes me too. If I walk round a shop for more than 10 minutes or so it’s like a throbbing ache and I just need to sit down.
I had a 1st degree tear and no issues healing as far as I’m aware. It really is difficult to know where the discomfort is coming from but just feels like a pulling feeling as though everything just needs to be held in place.

Yes I get what you mean in terms of not seeing at its worst! Definitely seems to be worse by evening... I was also examined standing by my GP but it was a quick glance whilst he was stood back so a bit pointless! I have just started the lift programme from femfusion on YouTube to see if that helps.
I also bought the kegel8 (when I was in a blind panic!) and was advised not to start until 12 weeks PP, have just started again as have read good reviews but not sure if I’m just going overboard. Willing to try anything!

I also have the same feelings re work... not sure how I will go back to standing on my feet all day. I was expecting an improvement by now with so many squeezes but still struggling.

Yes I agree- I have considered stopping BF at times when desperate to feel normal again but I feel too guilty for putting my needs first. Also if there is no/little change I may regret it. I have started expressing to get baby used to a bottle and may reconsider at 6 months.

I have looked into Pilates/yoga classes at a local gym but am worried these may be risky as not tailored to those with prolapse/PF issues. I have been trying you tube but find it difficult to be motivated/find the time/ know that I’m doing exercises correctly.

I have also looked into supplements such as magnesium and Epsom bath salts as been reading these are beneficial for PF health.

@Member984815 thank you for your reassuring comment.. I think that I worry too much sometimes and this can also impact on my symptoms. Do you feel normal now? How bad were your symptoms?

Thank you all for your comments. It really is such a reassurance hearing other stories/knowing you are not alone and for such great advice.

@Magpie4 I've no symptoms now but I avoid heavy lifting or high impact excercise , keeping a healthy weight also has helped . I never even think about it now but do plenty of pelvic floor exercises. It was 10 yrs ago after third birth but the doc said the weight of my first child born almost 10yrs previous to that did the damage, the birth in between I had no issues after so I don't know if I believe that. the third baby was born back to back as in came out face up and was quiet hard to push out so I think that more likely caused it . I had a dragging pulling sensation and I could see it , when sitting I felt like a ping pong ball was protruding. It made me feel very low and I'd never heard of prolapse before I looked up the symptoms. I wish I had known more women that talked about it because I would say it's more common than we think

Hi all I've got prolapse symptoms too. Caused by the weight of pregnancy rather than birth I believe.

I'm looking at a programme called Restore your Core online - seems by building up your overall core strength it can really help with the symptoms, rather than just doing pelvic floor exercises. There is lots of info on their Facebook page with people talking about their experiences.

I had a surgical repair. I am a physio and did pelvic weights religiously but id prolapsed beyond my pelvic floor (which was at least very good after all the weights!)
Recovery was good, cant remember much pain but it made so much difference to me , It was like id been refurbished!

Hi, I'm 5 weeks pp and have a bulge at the entrance of my vagina. Feeling really worried and have a physio appointment booked for the end of the month.

Can I ask, have people been diagnosed a mild prolapse when the bulge is at the entrance and or is this a more severe type? Has anyone been successful at reversing the bulge symptoms? Finding it so uncomfortable to walk and am so conscious of it all the time. Any words of reassurance would be amazing as been feeling really low since I noticed it.

I should have said its visible at the entrance but doesn't go beyond it and I haven't had inconvenience symptoms since straight after the birth.

I had a v traumatic induction and forceps delivery :(

Would be so grateful if people could share any experience they having. Feeling so hopeless. Thank you !

Hi @Hello1312, sorry I had only just seen your post. Sorry to hear you are having symptoms. Is this your first baby and are you getting any pain?

I could also see a bulge at the entrance but after seeing GP, physios and a consultant gynaecologist they didn’t seem to think it was a prolapse.. more of anterior wall ‘laxity’ which can be very normal early postpartum.

Still to this day I have not had a diagnosis but the best advice would be to see a women’s health physio and start doing your pelvic floor exercises regularly. I downloaded the NHS squeezy app which helped me stick to them 3 times a day. Although I am slacking now.
Also try to get some time to rest and have a bath (try Epsom bath salts to support healing).
And try not to let it take over your mind… I spent weeks/months in a panic, researching every day and I am sad that I let it take over so much when I should have been spending quality time with my baby. It really does get better. Try going for short walks/sit outside somewhere nice and try to take your mind off it and enjoy your baby.

I am now almost 9 months postpartum and my symptoms are so much better. I notice aching if I'm on my feet too much or lift something too heavy but nothing like before. I am also still breastfeeding. In terms of visually- I can still see a ?bulge near to my urethra when standing but maybe this is my anatomy now.

I’m hoping any symptoms will improve as time goes on.

Please shoot any questions if you have any. I just remember feeling comfort in hearing other stories. Hope your appointment goes well :)

Hi there I am sure that even if it is a prolapse,there is much help for you. Do try not to worry too much atm.wait for the doctors appointment. You are tired and tearful . I think your sex life will be resumed, atm try not to attempt anything just now .doc will advise you.please try not to upset yourself .there will be more people along to advise you

@Magpie4 thanks so much for your response. Yes it is my first baby. I've been to see a women's health physio and gynaecologist now and they've both said I have posterior wall laxity rather than a prolapse which is a relief but I do seem to be having symptoms that are similar to a prolosape, namely the bulge sensation. The gynae said that it would resolve as soon as I stopped breastfeeding but when I mentioned that to the physio she said that it could do but that it was probably more a combination of that in addition to time and pelvic floor exercises.

I'm generally quite uncomfortable down below at times. I think it's a combination of the bulging feeling, the episiotomy scar which is sensitive and I have been having slight discomfort in my urethra at times potentially from the catheter or maybe because I had a stitch very near there. I've also been getting an aching feeling on my right side (in the crease or my thigh where it meets my stomach if that makes sense?) Not sure if this is related or not.

Can I ask, has the laxity improved? Did you have other symptoms? I imagine most people have some degree of laxity postpartum but I wouldn't know as nobody ever talks about it!

Have you been advised not to lift anything heavy or to avoid particular types of exercise? My physio said not to use the baby carrier at the moment. I'm hoping that I'll be able to at some point when my pelvic floor function has improved and be able to be a bit more active. I wasn't clear whether the physio was suggesting things as a long term solution as I'm more at risk of prolapse or whether it was just during the recovery period.

Thanks so much, it really is reassuring to hear from others in the same boat. I've got lots of friends who have had children but noone ever seems to discuss these things!

@Hello1312 I’m glad you managed to see someone already. You are still so early postpartum. I first noticed the bulging sensation at 5 weeks PP, now looking back realise how early days this was. But doesn’t make it easier!

My symptoms were a bulging sensation, aching when walking (worse if stood in 1 spot weirdly.. even have this now if stood in a que for more than 10 mins or so) but can walk much further without problems. I never had any incontinence.

Not sure in terms of the pain in your thigh but perhaps this could be nerve related?
I think there are so many changes to our bodies that we take for granted. I certainly felt I was absolutely fine and back to normal a couple of weeks later after an uncomplicated delivery but my postnatal journey proved this was not the case!

I wish I had rested more in the earlier days.. I was going for long walks and cooking roasts etc when I should have been laying down and napping.
If you follow Ashley James on social media, she does good podcasts and talks about postnatal recovery. It is really interesting and helps me realise that these issues are more common that we think and there shouldn’t be shame in them.

I remember crying most days in the early days because I felt my friends recovered with no issues and I had permanent damage. But a few months later I feel so much better and much more symptom free. I don’t have that bulge feeling/everything going to fall out feeling at all anymore. It took me 5 months to try to have sex again and honestly doesn’t feel any different. I’m glad I didn’t rush when I wasn’t ready.

To be honest, the physios I saw werent really interested in seeing me anymore (maybe because I wasn’t diagnosed with prolapse?) not really sure… but from everything I’ve read I just try not to lift anything heavy. Especially baby in car seats. I never carry baby in the carrier as always been too anxious to put too much pressure on PF, so my partner will carry him if we are on a walk and need to use it.

I was advised to avoid constipation as much as possible.. and got a stall for feet for toilet.
I never did many exercises other than usual PF squeezes, maybe if I had done I would have recovered quicker.

But yes I agree. No one talks about these things and it can feel very lonely. But please remember it’s very early days and things will get better. Just try to enjoy these days and rest.

@Hello1312 sorry I just saw this! How are you feeling now? I can relate to so much of what you say, and @Magpie4 gives some excellent advice.

I have what the gynae said was a mild prolapse (didn’t feel mild to me though!!), I could see it at the entrance, but I had quite a big tear too and I think a lot of what I have found hard to deal with is the change in my anatomy (my perineum is much shorter now) so everything looks and feels different, which has made me quite sad/emotional, as well as contributing to the physical symptoms.

I had a similar pain/aching low in my side, it got better over time (…6 months?) still sometimes a little sore when I sneeze. No idea what it is/was but i told my women’s health physio who was not particularly worried so I assumed it was just another one of those things that happens that no one talks about :)

I did feel quite a bit better when I stopped breastfeeding, so for me I was pleased I did that because it meant I was much happier and felt able to be a better mum, but that is quite a personal choice so do what is right for you, i had lots of other problems with breastfeeding which helped me make my decision to stop.

Right now, 9 months on, I have been fitted with a pessary which I think is helping a little, and i am still seeing a physio. I started to feel gradually better at about 6months and have had slow improvements since then. I am much less sad about it now as well!