What do you tell people if you’re having intimate surgery?

[PhoebeMcPeePee]

I’ve got a rectal prolapse (rectocele) requiring surgery and whilst I’m aware it’s just a body part, I’m not desperate to share so much detail with colleagues or casual friends and acquaintances. Those of you who have had any rectal or gynae related surgery, what do you tell people?

I haven’t but I wouldn’t.

Why would colleagues or casual friends and acquaintances need to know? Just say surgery and change the subject.

This is exactly what I was going to say.

I’d just say gyne surgery.
I haven’t even told my husband that I had labiaplasty in my early twenties (twenty years ago, cosmetic reasons) because people are still really judgy about it.

I had posterior prolapse surgery last year. I told HR what I was having, told my male boss that I was just having surgery and I told everyone else what it was.

I wasn't embarrassed about the area of the surgery, more embarrassed that I needed it in the first place.

Mine didn't work either and I had to have several follow up surgeries. By that point everyone knew where the surgery was as I had been sitting on a donut cushion for 6 months 😂

I wouldn't say that!

It's really serious. Don't downplay it. You will feel absolutely rotten afterwards, don't lead anyone to an expectation that you'll be up and about quickly.

Reading your comment has made me realise I would say that because I don't like people fussing.

Ah, sadly you need to get over it. I was the opposite and no one in my family fussed!

It's really painful and really emotionally upsetting and you honestly need to take it very easy. I was shocked at how it made me feel.

Abdominal surgery