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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think my vag will never be the same

52 replies

twinkletits99 · 30/03/2020 22:20

after having a baby? 18 months of legs later and I still feel like I have no strength. I've just started seeing someone and haven't had sex since my son was conceived (feels like a lifetime - think I've forgotten how to do it). AIBU to think that I'll never be the same? I'm doing my kegels correctly and do them every day, religiously. Starting to worry...

OP posts:
anotherlittlechicken · 30/03/2020 23:33

Sounds awful @twinkletits99 Any chance you could see a doctor, and ask for a referral for some surgery - cosmetic yes, but so what??? People have boob jobs, tummy tucks, and nose jobs on the NHS. You have birth injuries, and deserve to have them fixed.

SirVixofVixHall · 30/03/2020 23:43

Hmm, the sensation you describe sounds like some level of prolapse is possible, going by friends with the same symptoms, but to a far greater degree. You do need to see someone, but given the lockdown that will be a while.

twinkletits99 · 30/03/2020 23:46

@anotherlittlechicken maybe down the line IF needed but I don't think it's recommended until you're done having babies. In not sure I am

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louthomson · 30/03/2020 23:50

Hi @twinkletits99, it's not surprising that your poor vag is a bit different now, having shot a 5lb watermelon out of it, so to speak!

I've definitely found since having my son four years ago that my vagina feels different, and sex is too - TMI but it's definitely easier to access, iyswim Blush.

I had a mild prolapse which would definitely account for the heavy/dragging feeling and also had problems with tampons just dropping back down, but the good news is if it's not severe, the pelvic floor exercises do make the difference. I found it hard to tell, but my other half definitely still feels the muscles 'engage' when I squeeze during sex Grin.

(I think you can get an idea of whether you've got a prolapse by examining the area in a mirror, or even just by popping a finger in: if you can see or feel your flesh coming right down to the entrance, it's likely that you've got one - but sorry one and all if this is complete rubbish - I'm not a medic as you can no doubt tell!)

Either way, completely natural to be nervous, but am sure that as and when we do get out of lockdown, your new partner will appreciate you whether you've got Sharon Stone pelvic muscles or not!

OhClover · 30/03/2020 23:51

Um, does being able to fit 2 fingers in your vagina make you “loose”? Really? Shock

twinkletits99 · 30/03/2020 23:55

@ohclover dunno. Just looked at my fingers. They're pretty small. Would be worried if they didn't fit!

OP posts:
RainbowsAndReading · 30/03/2020 23:59

My issue wasn't so much the innards but the change in the outer bits. Absolutely nothing I can do about that but makes me feel shit.

I also think my strong inner muscles are helped by masturbation as it tones them.

twinkletits99 · 30/03/2020 23:59

@rosiejaune I think squatting a lot is just about one of the worst things you can do for a prolapse. But interesting re kegels not working

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RainbowsAndReading · 31/03/2020 00:01

*orgasm tones

ALongHardWinter · 31/03/2020 00:14

When you said it feels 'heavy at the end of the day' something in my brain went 'ping!'. My late DM described exactly the same feeling and she turned out to have a prolapsed cervix. Worth getting it checked out OP.

twinkletits99 · 31/03/2020 00:16

How do they fix it? 😥

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edwinbear · 31/03/2020 01:19

OP I had a prolapse after DC1, the dragging/heavy feeling is typical. I also had tampons falling out. It was surgically corrected after DC2 and now all is fine. But you must see a doctor and stop running until you’ve seen one. It’s one of the worse things you can do for a prolapse.

My gynae has told me I’m off running for life now as the impact is likely to bring it back. Obviously that may not be what you have but I’d strongly suggest you stop until you have a proper medical diagnosis.

Rain1 · 31/03/2020 03:14

Definitely see a specialist perinatal Physio. It's not just about kegels. There are other exercises you need to do to strengthen the whole core and you need advice about what do and what not to do as you can cause more damage.

As PP mentioned squatting, lunging and running are some of the worst things you can do. Breathing properly during exercises is also important so that you don't increase pressure.

Some physios may do online consultations at this time. It's worth having a look.

Pickles89 · 31/03/2020 03:33

@postertwinkletits99

I do wish they'd educate teens about this at school. I think actually discussing the birth process and how pregnancy and birth affects the body long term would do a hell of a lot to promote safe sex!

Whocutdownthecherrytree · 31/03/2020 04:12

Running does not help bladder control. If your pelvic floor is weak and you run on it it WILL MAKE IT WORSE. Get yourself to a woman’s health physio. Tampons should not fall out. Stop asking for advice from unqualified people and see a professional. Running on a weak pelvic floor (you don’t have to be leaking) can cause irreversible catastrophic damage

Whocutdownthecherrytree · 31/03/2020 04:15

Most people do kegels incorrectly. The only way to know for sure if you are is if someone examines interallly while you practice. External scans only show you are lifting your pelvic floor, not if you are able to release it properly (very important) and also that all 4 sides are working correctly

twinkletits99 · 31/03/2020 13:04

Will my GP refer me? I fear that once things go back to semi normal it may be very difficult to get an appointment.

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anotherlittlechicken · 31/03/2020 15:02

I am sure they will refer you @twinkletits99 if it is making your life a misery. Personally, I would pay to go private if they didn't!

If you are not done having babies though? Maybe it's not worth it yet.
Good luck!

The shit women have to deal with eh?! Sad

LittleCabbage · 31/03/2020 16:22

twinkletwits99 there is a lot of good advice on this thread, but also some nonsense. I have a degree of prolapse and started this long-running thread ages ago, which you may find useful to read through:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/womens_health/3332405-Any-Pelvic-Organ-Prolapse-Surgery-success-stories

To summarise this thread:

You def need to see a pelvic physio once these services are seeing patients again (do not wait till you have finished having children, as a PP suggested). My GP had never offered to refer me and I didn't know they existed for a while. I had to ask for referral. There wasn't a long waiting list in my area.

The physio will assess you internally and check whether any structures are damaged (and whether any prolapses are present), will assess your pelvic muscle strength, will assess whether any part of your pelvic floor is in spasm (and teach you how to stretch/relax it), and will ensure you are doing kegels optimally. They will also assess whether you need referral to a urogynaecologist (for possible surgery).

In the meantime, definitely download the NHS Squeezy app and do 10 x long holds and 10 x short contractions, 4 times a day. It can take a good 3 months to see any improvement. Also make sure you are well-hydrated, and getting enough sleep, as these factors affect pelvic floor comfort. Other factors that affect PF strength are hormones - BFing and menopause will often worsen things Sad. It is not recommended to stop BFing, as the worsening is only temporary in this case.

My pelvic physio said that research shows electronic toners and pelvic floor cones to be of no greater benefit than correctly performed kegels, although women on here have had great success with toners, (esp if they have nerve damage in the area).

The fact you have a feeling of heaviness at the end of the day, and tampons falling out, does suggest prolapse. There are different types. Damage to front wall of vagina can cause bladder to bulge into vaginal wall (cystocoele). Damage to back wall allows rectum to bulge (rectocoele). And sometimes the cervix can drop downwards. This video explains prolapse well:

It is true that surgery would not normally be considered before your family is complete. And even then, the choice to have it is quite cost-benefit dependant, as it is not without its risks of causing other problems, or failing after a few years. The type of surgery would depend hugely on what the exact nature of your problem is. To the PP who described it as "cosmetic".... that is absolute rubbish! It is not a vaginal tightening to make you look pretty and increase your partner's pleasure! It is a surgical procedure to treat unacceptable symptoms, to improve a woman's quality of life!

Also, the "being able to fit 2 fingers in" description is absolute nonsense - ignore. Most women over the age of 18 could fit more than 2 fingers in their vagina!

Also, you are right. It is NOT just about whether or not you leak urine either. Pelvic floor damage can cause a variety of unwanted symptoms. And I see a poster has recommended that kegels do not work, and to do squats instead - v bad advice, not backed up by research.

Running is not advisable. Some women do choose to continue but def get assessed by a physio first. Can you switch to cycling whilst we are socially distancing, and consider swimming afterwards? Pilates is great as it improves core strength, but some exercises should be modified for prolapse, so find a class run by a pelvic physio. In the meantime, look up Michelle Kenway, who does prolapse-friendly pilates on Youtube. Improving core strength, and being shown how/when to breathe during exercise, is all beneficial.

Hope all this is helpful.

stayathomer · 31/03/2020 16:28

Feels heavy at the end of the day too especially if I've been walking or stood up a lot
I went to a doctor about this after third ds, turned out I had internal varicose veins. All they can prescribe is rest- literally feet up or even lie on the couch with your legs up on top part of the couch. With a lot of rest I did find it helped, also reduced standing/walking around or sitting, which sounds ridiculous, it means lying down when you can, but I do find when I'm on my feet all day I flare up and when I rest more it's better (tough because I've 4 kids and write at night!!)

Square82 · 31/03/2020 16:47

Hey! I could've wrote this myself.....except I waited 3 years. I certainly didn't want to see another penis for a long time!!
Anyway, I bit the bullet when I started seeing someone. I actually mentioned my concerns to the nurse when she carried out my smear. She made an appointment there and then with one of the doctors who specializes in gynaecology. Long story short and after a thorough examination (dignity goes a bit when you've had a big baby and 2nd degree tear), she said I could self refer to pelvic floor physio and gave me the number.
Obviously this is all on hold atm and I'm clenching away at any given occasion at home instead
It's about time women spoke out. It's not normal to wee a little or have poor control.
Good luck with everything darling Smile

LittleCabbage · 31/03/2020 17:17

stayathomer Have you been assessed by a pelvic physio? Because your symptoms sound v typical of pelvic floor issues, and I would be concerned that you have been fobbed off with "internal varicose veins".

I have just googled "internal varicose veins" and the only information I have found refers to those internally in the legs, nothing to do with the vagina. Is the heaviness you describe felt in your legs, or in your pelvic region?

Suze1621 · 01/04/2020 10:55

LittleCabbage - really helpful post, thank you.

forrasee · 01/04/2020 11:32

Um, does being able to fit 2 fingers in your vagina make you “loose”? Really?

Well if you think to pre-baby, somone putting two fingers in you should have felt pretty snug, no?

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