Pelvic floor woes

[bassackwards]

It's been a year since I gave birth (vaginal delivery assisted by forceps + episiotomy) and things still aren't right down there. Poor bladder control (especially when coughing or when bladder is full) and I get a weird 'heavy' feeling if I try to run - a bit like my vagina is falling out! It's uncomfortable and annoying. Anyone else had this? Is it because I didn't do enough pelvic floor exercises?? I still find it hard to do them regularly. Am wondering if I should see a gynae. Grateful for any advice!

Hi! I’d definitely see a gynae. I had exactly what you’re describing and was diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (which is actually really common). Pelvic floor exercises can help and you do need to do them regularly, but you also need to do them correctly. A gynae/ women’s health physio can help. Personally I am not comfortable running or jumping because it makes the feeling of heaviness/insides falling out worse.

It can be really scary and upsetting to feel things aren’t quite right, so I would see a specialist if I were you. Sadly pelvic floor issues are extremely common after childbirth, but that doesn’t mean you just have to live with it.