Oh joy, vagina trouble. No idea if this is normal or some sort of prolapse. Great.

[DrivenToDistraction]

Excuse the frankness of my post, but there's no point in beating around the bush, is there?

So, I've got 2 DC, DD 2 1/2 and DS 10 months, both vaginal were deliveries. I needed a few stitches after the first birth but nothing major. My fanjo has been fine and I've had no leaks of wee, except for a bit when I had a nasty chest infection when I was heavily pregnant. No poo problems apart from a bit of minor constipation after both births.

But, to the point. I remember thinking I felt some sort of bulge on the back wall of my vagina after I'd had DD and before DS was born, not sure when. I didn't have any other symptoms and didn't find it particularly strange that my insides would feel different after giving birth. life took over, as it does. TBH, I forgot all about it.

Anyway, I've just had my first period since DS was born and when I came to change my tampon on the second or third day I felt what I can best describe as a 'pile' (like you get in your bum) in front of the tampon. Which worried me rather, as you might imagine. On closer inspection a part of the back wall of my vagina appears to be bulging out and down. It's soft and the same colour and texture as the rest of my fanjo tissue.

My pelvic floor is OK, I think . I've had no leakage at either end and no feeling of heaviness. DP claims that everything is totally back to normal, mind you it could just be that my vagina is as baggy as hell and filled up with prolapse. .

During this period I did have unpleasant heavy pain in my vagina, it was just on the first day but I've never felt anything like it before. At least, as far a I can remember. I've only has 3 or 4 periods since feb 2007 and this is my first period with a copper coil so I wasn't really sure what to expect at all.

So, does this sounds like a prolapse? Do I have to see the doctor? Is there any point? I'd really rather not, not because I'm worried about displaying the goods but because I/we've got more than enough going on ATM as it is.

It does sounds like a rectocele to me. If you google it and look at the symptoms then you'll see if any of it sounds familiar.

If so, it can be anything from very mild to severe, so don't panic in first instance. Pelvic floor exercises can help a lot.

Yes, go to the doctor, definitely. It could be a pile though, ie a swollen varicose vein, rather than a prolapse. Good luck- but you do need to get it checked out.

I have a prolapse and i didn't have any wee problems but i had a bulge and it felt like i was sitting on a ball. Do your pelvic floors and go to the docs they'll sort it out. Good luck!

Thanks for the input, it's good not to be on my own with this anymore .

Well, I googled and yes, it does sound a lot like a rectocele. Deep joy.

i think I might have a slight feeling of fullness . No other symptoms though, thank goodness.

So, it's pelvic floor exercises all the way for me then! I wonder if I've been doing them much right. Is there a 'best' way to do them, or is it simply quantity?

Oh, bugger. Do I have to used pads now? I hate them. I was just about to invest in a mooncup .

and and and.

Do I have to go to the doctors straight away? Could I not do a few weeks of hefty pelvic floors first and see if it starts to diminish.

Please miss.

Sorry DTD not sure about pads (I hate them too) but wrt pelvic floor exercises you need to 2 different types of the exercises to build up both strength and stamina.

The instruction leaflet which you can download from here explains them well.

Good luck

You can try pelvic floors first, but they will have to be VERY fastidious.

A friend of mine has had bladder problems recently and the GP has referred ger for an op, but the consultant recommended pelvic floor stuff first and says she might avoid the op if she is super-vigilant.

Thank you all for taking the time to discuss a strangers fanjo on as Saturday night. lol.

I think I will try with the pelvic floors before I go to the doctor, I certainly haven't being doing them right. Thanks for the link Montifer.

I really, really hope I can still use tampons .

Pelvic floors will definitely help.

It's really important to avoid constipation too, as this aggravates a rectocele.

As you say, such lovely issues to talk about

Oh and avoid lifting heavy stuff and straining too.

And trampolining.