Is this a prolapse?

[Bol87]

I’m two years post birth of my daughter who arrived via forceps - episiotomy & a tear.

Ever since having her, I’ve found it difficult to .. well poop! I have IBS-C and constipation has dogged me my whole life but overall, I have it under control with a high fibre diet. However, since birth, I’m finding myself having to twist myself into all kinds of bizarre positions to get the poop out. Literally, it’s comical. It’s like I'm trying to get the poop out uphill!

Additionally, when I wipe, there’s a noticeable bulge, as if it’s swollen. This bulge goes disappears

and isn’t noticeable or painful when not on the toilet. But it makes me feel like I’ve not finished & is sore at the time.. It bulges when I wee too and I’m not particularly pushing then.

I’ve probably stupidly just left things for years as I have still been able to go so I just kinda figured it was my new normal.

But I’m now pregnant again & suddenly feeling really worried about giving birth & the pushing etc! Could it cause some damage?! I’m thinking I should probably speak to my doctor.. 🙈

It sounds like a rectocele. You can have surgery to repair it. In the meantime you might need something like Laxido, to prevent straining.

Do you strain at all? This is something I feel I have as well, and like you have left things. Dont ever, ever strain - I used to and I think it has made things worse, and get backache too.

I have IBS too (self diagnosed) and if you feel you are still not evacuating easily, I would lower my intake of insoluble fibre while increasing my intake of soluble fibre (have experienced constipation this pregnancy and this works for me)

For example, kiwi fruit and melon really really help me.

Regarding going to the toilet, I only go when I feel the need to go, and when I do, I squat over the toilet (sorry lol) eastern style. This position helps 'unlock' the muscles that facilitate bowel movements.

Alternatively, you can get squatting schools, which help prop up your feet, but I find the traditional eastern style the best for me (i have a radiator next to the toilet to help me stabilise myself).

I mentioned this to the GP early on in the pregnancy, and she dismissed me saying we will have a look once you give birth etc. - which wasnt helpful - Hope your GP is more helpful than mine.

Oh and one more thing - get on top of your pelvic floor exercises - it all helps with the muscles down there! It shows you how to do them properly, involving both the rectal muscles and the vaginal (?) muscles too.

I have an NHS app installed on my phone to help - squeezy.