Pelvic prolapse apparently worse 6 YEARS after 2x births ?

[Geranium879]

Hi everyone,

Feeling pretty fed up and looking to speak to others with experience of POP.

I have two children, born 6 and 7 years ago.

Birth 1 - 72 hrs in labour, back to back baby, vaginal birth under epidural, severe tears. (Unsure of grade… needed to be stitched back up).

7 months between end of one pregnancy and start of the next. Had a rectocele during this time (needed to split etc). During second pregnancy had an episode of severe prolapsing whilst in the shower - something very smooth around the size of a tennis ball prolapsed fully out of vagina. Went back in my time I got to MAU!

Pregnancy 2 - placental abruption during labour, category 1 EMCS section under GA.

Rectocele caused issues until youngest child was around 12-18 months, then spontaneously resolved…. Or so I thought!

I am now 40 for the last few months have had an intermittent dragging/pressure feeling on my pelvis. Not painful just very uncomfortable. Sometimes I notice it more than others. Been pretty bad during my period. Sometimes I have a couple of weeks where I am barely aware of it…. Also (TMI probably) when I put my finger into my vagina I can very clearly feel my cervix pressing firmly into my rectum. The whole thing seems quite low but seems to be pushing backwards rather than downwards (like on the illustrations where you see the uterus literally falling down the vagina). I wonder if I have more than one type of prolapse going on.

the feeling is horrible and will be more pronounced for days at a time.

I’ve had internal exams by GP (said things looked a bit prolapsed but admitted she was not an expert and referred me to pelvic physio) blood tests (all normal), stool test (normal), awaiting pelvic ultrasound. Also awaiting appt with pelvic floor physio but have several more weeks to wait.

my question I guess is … is it really possible that after 5ish years of no symptoms, I am now having POP issues again? Can these things really raise their heads again years later ?

Also wondering about the cervix pressing firmly into the rectum / posterior wall thing - does anyone else have this and have you found anything to help?

Many thanks!

hopeful bump

In those 6-7 years Im guessing you’ve been doing plenty of lifting children? Coughing from lurgies they bring? Bouncing around stuff / running after them?

Possibly without textbook technique and good pelvic floor engagement beforehand and during.

With a pre existing massive vulnerability. And Youre now approaching peri menopause, where the tissue starts to change.

Rather than being a surprise, it was probably closer to inevitable.

A good physio is life changing.

Gosh I hadn’t thought of lifting the children. Yes I’ve been doing tonnes of that. Thank you.

If you’re in a position to, definitely consider private physio. POGP website has a list of specialists. Even a single appointment can be really helpful.

Thanks @ScaryM0nster ill look into a private appt.

lying here with a feeling of constant pressure in my rectum, it’s driving me potty. sigh I’ve a feeling I’m in this for the long haul.

Try lying with your legs up against the wall and doing some really deep slow breathing.

That can sometimes bring some relief.

(and at the risk of stating the obvious - do not get constipated or strain. Any hint of things heading that way, get on the laxatives).

Thanks @ScaryM0nster I really appreciate the tips