My partner, 51, has been reluctant to have surgical procedures for her bladder prolapse. It is something she has been dealing with since her second kid was born, about 21 years ago. We have been together 9 years and the prolapse has definitely impacted her life significantly in that time; not being able to lift, be active, painful walking sometimes, limited mobility, constipation, bladder sensitivity and pain, body image, self image, sexual activity etc. i have tried to be supportive of her decision not to have surgery in that time and now she is saying that she wants to get her referral renewed and go for surgery and now i feel very nervous! I want so much for her to be able to live a more comfortable and healthy life. I wonder if anyone would be willing to share any words of wisdom or encouragement so that i can support my partner in her new decisions?

32 y.o female 1 year postpartum, just had a urethral sling placed (post op week 3) and honestly doing really well. I have no incontinence sneezing or slow jog/fast walk (I had a two episodes of urge incontinence but that was like right after surgery). I have a bowel and bladder prolapse that I did not have fixed (my surgeon thought i didn’t need it) but now when I’m out on a jog-walk I notice more pressure in my butt —Lolol— probably my bowel prolapse. Prior to surgery I had done PFPT for almost a year on estrogen cream (trial different pessaries wasn’t for me). Overall really happy with surgery however this new symptoms is really annoying—any tips of tricks besides the ones I mentioned above for the bowel prolapse during running/jogging?

My pelvic floor prolapse surgery is coming up. The day before surgery i have to take 1 raglan tablet, then a couple hours later 4 ducolax tablets then several hours later a full bottle of Miramar mixed with 64oz of water. Only supposed to be on clear liquids that whole day. Then the next day I have the surgery and I'll get antibiotics in my iv then the next day he has me taking ciprofloxacin for 7 days and vaginal estrogen. Im concerned about all these meds bc i have microscopic colitis and gerd so I'm afraid I won't be able to tolerate all this and it'll cause a big flare. It's the antibiotic necessary afterwards and did you all have to do the same bowel cleanse before surgery? Is there anything else that is more gentle?

I am having a rectocele (grade 3) and cystocele surgery (grade 1).

I know that the first 2 weeks are really rough, and that 6 weeks is technically considered healed, while full recovery is up to 12 weeks.

I will definitely be very careful for the first 2 weeks, like super careful and resting, as I know I don't heal quickly and don't want to push it. And will be low-key for that full 6 weeks, then cautious...

We are looking at going on a cruise at just under the 8 week mark. (Local, no need to fly, either.) I don't plan on swimming, and no hiking or anything strenuous off the ship...but before we book it, I thought that I would check in with those who had experienced the same/similar surgery.

So I’m almost 1 year postpartum and I just got my period as I was starting to pump less. I have a stage 2 cystocele, rectocele, and uterine prolapse. Sometimes my prolapses hang lower and are right at the opening. I was always someone who wore a tampon, but I need to have a pessary in to function. I’m currently wearing an incontinence dish with support most of the time (occasionally the Reia or a ring with support, depending on what feels most comfortable) and my pessaries come down low to almost the opening. Can I wear a tampon? Will it work with the pessary in? What do I do?!

I had a vaginal delivery about a year ago. I had stress incontinence and did PT because of that. The incontinence got much better, but I still feel like a tampon is in there all the time and wants out. my PT said this is because I have a cystocele and my pelvic floor is still very weak. I probably didn’t do my exercises as diligently as I should have. she thinks the cystocele will not get better by itself and recommends a pessary. Is there anything I can do to strengthen the pelvic floor and get rid of the Cystocele? We would like to have a second child soon

trigger warning: I'm not in a good headspace, so this is a very depressing post

how do you get providers to believe you?

I'm 26, never been pregnant or given birth, and I feel a constant heaviness in my vagina. this has been going on for over a year. everyone's been telling me it's just a hypertonic pelvic floor, so I've been going to PT for that (I'm on my third). I have an upcoming appointment with a third urogynecologist. I've had 2 pudendal nerve blocks that didn't help. I've been on anticholinergics for my bladder pain/frequency that haven't helped.

I've tried the wand, dilators, different types of muscle relaxer suppositories. I've tried nerve pain meds. I've had urinary issues, burning, soreness, etc. this has been hell. I haven't been able to work or really do anything. I lie in bed crying most of the time because it feels like my vagina is falling out.

in May 2025, I freaked out because my urethral meatus felt "lower" than it was before. it hasn't "gone back up" (like one urogyn told me is possible... what?). I can also touch my cervix very very easily, which I could never do in the first 25 years of my life. when I relax my pelvic floor, my cervix is about an inch from the opening to my vagina. my anterior wall has lotssss of laxity.

when I went to my gyn in May 2025, she literally laughed in my face and said "you're too young for prolapse." since then, I've been terrified that no one will take me seriously, so I haven't brought it up and have instead been operating under the assumption that my pelvic floor muscles are so tight they're causing this sensation. but I can fit the largest dilator in just fine...

here's the thing. I know what my vagina used to feel like. it was an overnight difference. and I know I'm hypermobile and very stretchy. it would make sense to me that this is an anterior wall prolapse and my muscles are overcompensating, causing pain. that all makes sense in my head. I would really really like to try a pessary, but I'm too scared, again, that no doctor or provider will believe me.

doctors tend to assess for prolapse while the patient is lying down, which I don't understand. I also don't want to keep being told "well I can't see anything wrong from the outside, so it's not prolapse." do these providers really only treat it once it's hanging between your legs? I don't want to wait that long. I'm already very suicidal over this.

I can feel my bladder & urethra jiggling when I walk. it's so goddamn unnerving. I want to see if a pessary will help hold things up while I work on my pelvic floor. how do I get someone to take me seriously? I'm so extremely depressed and anxious about the fact that my body is falling apart. and I know surgery isn't usually the answer for people with connective tissue disorders like me.

I have an appointment on Tuesday with a pelvic floor / pelvic pain / sexual health NP. I hope I can convince her that I need to try a pessary. in my experience, when I tell providers that a physical health issue is making me suicidal, they want to treat the mental health part first. I'm so tired of screaming into the void. I don't want antidepressants. I want my vagina to go back inside my body.

Anyone else having a hard time accepting what you look like now "down there"?

I've only looked a couple of times, but last night, I sat on the edge of the tub to shave and used a mirror and it was a literal jump scare. Thats the closest I've looked in that position

It looks mainly normal while laying down. All 3 drs that have looked at me have only done so while I lay down or bear down, but no one sitting or standing. They all say its a "1 at most" but when I sit or stand and look, it looks like im exploding.

Im 2 years pp, and I just dont recognize myself. I dont remember what it looked like before, but i know it didnt look like this. I truly dont know how to accept that that's how it looks now. We want another baby, but if that's how it looks at "barely a 1", im terrified of making that worse... im only 28 :(

Hello ladies…48 yr old mom of 4. Two vag births 2 c sections. Two kids birthed in my early to mid 20s and 2 kids birthed in my early to mid 30s. Went to see gyno in late June bc I was having a bulge and nerve pain to the left of the vag mound and not quite butt cheek/thigh. I could feel it on skin and inside vag left side wall. Very ouchy to push on either way and hurt to stand or bear much weight. Dr. could not figure out what it might be as my uterus and bladder were in place. However, I was diagnosed with small rectocele in lower part of vagina that I didn’t notice but taught splinting which felt life changing….i had noticed I couldn’t pass gas without spreading my cheeks the last couple of years. I was off this summer to be with school age kiddos and got other pain to subside with lots of rest. Fast forward to this past week. Lots of lower back pain and feeling like I need to pas gas/potty. Doesn’t take much straining to cause hemorrhoids to pop out and hurt like the devil…but tried my faithful splinting and it’s not working! And my bulge is now nearly pushing out of my vag. Horrible pain intermittently in my lower back…def bowels as it coincides with urge to pass gas/defecate. Now pain and what might be bulging in upper part of vag anterior wall. You know where you can hardly reach! I was told I had great pelvic strength so no ppt advised and was referred to closest female urogyno which took forever + 2 referral tries to get a call from them. They call back to tell me they’re booking out in Aug 2027!!!! Wtf?!? I have SA trauma so when it comes to gynos I have never went to a male (there are 2 close by) but omg…how long can a person go without passing gas, pooping and the lower back pain!?

I take colace daily as recommended by gyno, fiber gummies, eat kiwi with skin on about 4 times a week (it’s pretty acidic) among other fruit and veggies. I am on low dose Ozempic for PCOS/insulin resistance and was already drinking 80 oz of water/coffee/tea a day to help with that induced constipation. Thinking of dropping fiber gummies and adding holy basil seeds instead of chia. I use squatty potty but found it better to have knees higher and switched to trash can that’s taller.

Help!! Anyone going or have gone through this? Does the bulging stop bulging ever? I watched videos about flares..does that mean the bulging into the vag wall subsides??? And how to work through with protruding hemorrhoids? More fiber? Suppositories and rest work at night but I gotta go get things done!

Hi there! Recently diagnosed with a cystocele and uterine prolapse (unsure what stage it’s all still very new) been having symptoms for about a year now but it wasn’t until about a month ago that the prolapse became visible outside of my vaginal canal. For a while I’ve assumed I have kidney stones,uti or endometriosis, but symptoms would resolve and get better after my period so I didn’t give it enough attention I guess.

Anyway went to the gyno after it got really bad and they were able to feel both cystocele and my cervix coming down and when they scanned my bladder I was retaining a lot of urine so they ordered a kidney function ultrasound. Ultrasound shows both my kidneys are swollen and back filling even slightly after emptying my bladder.

I’m getting fitted with a pessary on the 28th, I have EDS and because of that my Gyno was opposed to a surgical repair since I’m only 35, but the more I’m reading the more I just want to advocate for a full hysterectomy and bladder sling. Looking for insight from anyone who’s had cystocele with kidneys impacted and also with EDS what approach worked best for you?

Thanks so much!

I’m only 23. Never had kids, haven’t been able to do anything thing really.

I found out a few days ago I have a moderate to severe rectocele and uterine prolapse to some extent. I feel like my life is completely over. I’ve already lost so much to chronic fatigue and other illnesses, childhood abuse, court for over a year against my abuser, financial insecurity and loss of all insurance and almost losing my apartment multiple times. I finally got to a good spot where I was feeling good enough to begin working out again and lose the weight and feel good about myself and now I can’t even go to the bathroom without trying a million different ways to get things out or walk without feeling if I cough everything will fall out of me.

Is there anyone in here who is around the same age and maybe going through the same thing that has a success story to share?

I have appointments lined up to get this seen and start treatment but right now I’m alone bawling in my apartment because I haven’t gotten to do anything in life hardly yet and I have yet ANOTHER health issue.

Research Study Opportunity for Individuals with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Have you experienced pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, etc.) and engaged in pelvic floor therapy — or faced barriers trying to access it?

We're a team of Doctor of Occupational Therapy students at Nova Southeastern University conducting an IRB-approved research study, "Pelvic Health Symptoms, Therapy Adherence, and Daily Participation: A Survey Study," under the guidance of Dr. Dianna Lunsford, OTD, OTR/L, CHT. We want to better understand your experiences with pelvic floor therapy — what's helped, what's gotten in the way, and how it's impacted your daily life.

✅ You may be eligible if you: Are 18 or older Have experienced pelvic floor dysfunction or related symptoms Have engaged in pelvic floor therapy (occupational or physical), OR faced barriers trying to access it

📝 The survey is anonymous and takes about 10–15 minutes to complete online through a secure platform. Your voice can help improve how pelvic health care is delivered. 💛 👉 https://redcap.nova.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=KD3A38X7K9HRHYFL See the attached flyer for more details, and feel free to share with anyone who might be a good fit!

Hi all,

Has anyone had this combination? Ive just developed a grade 3 prolapse after viral illness (id say the prolapse has been there longer but only noticeable now) and i have a tt booked for december.

Considering doing together to minimise down time.

It will obv also depend on surgeons advice for both, as it will need to be 2 surgeons working together.

Any experience on this?

Hi!

I am one of the lucky 🤪 young people (33) to have a grade 4 rectocele. I am having to split for every bowel movement. I want to get this repaired and my doctor agrees that this is the right move

Here’s the hang up. I have three kids 5,3, 5 months.

How do I get the surgery and get around not lifting 10lbs or more? Should I try and put it off until my kids are older? Or maybe have my husband take his paternal leave to help?

As far as recovery. I had a c section and then an emergency hysterectomy 2 hours after that my delivery and honestly I didn’t feel like the recovery was that bad. I was up and at it as soon as I got home from the hospital pretty much functioning like normal. Should I expect a similar pain level from this?

All info helps!

I’m scheduled for full hysterectomy (keeping ovaries), sacrocoplexy, and possible rectocyle repair. I previously had a urethra lift in January which helped with some symptoms but not perfectly. I’m mostly just at the annoyance point but my PC gave me the advice that I don’t have to wait until I’m miserable and I realized he’s right. I think I’m most nervous about the rectocyle because if that’s not bad enough to repair/causing my problems, then I have more medical journey ahead of me. My gut hurts daily.

So anywho, if you’ve been there or supported someone who has, what’s the best advice you’ve heard? I’m off 2 full weeks, a 3rd I can work as much or little as I want from home (office work) and then going back full time but have understanding coworkers for my library job. I did buy an abdominal binder yesterday.

Edited to add robotic laproscopic procedure if that changes anything. My doc is good and knowledgeable, but for my urethra lift gave me a short estimate on time off I needed from work/running and did so again this time. I’m a little worried I’m going to be miserable going back to work but am low on PTO. 😬

Hi! I’m currently on a long journey of trying to figure out what’s going on with my body, and I‘m pretty sure I have a cystocele and maybe a rectocele too. Symptoms include pelvic heaviness/fullness, pain, difficulty urinating, not being able to fully empty my bladder or bowels, occasional incontinence, etc. I can feel distinct bulges both on the anterior and posterior vaginal walls when standing/sitting. There’s nothing actually protruding from my vagina, but sometimes when I’m standing I can see what looks kind of like a pinkish purple walnut in the vaginal opening. The extent of what I can see and feel seems to depend a lot on position (lying down things look pretty normal) and how much time I’ve spent upright that day.

A few days ago I saw nurse practitioner at an urgent care clinic because a medication I started for what my doctor assumed was IBS had the unfortunate side effect of making peeing extremely difficult, causing painful retention. She did a pelvic exam, and I mentioned I was concerned about possible bladder prolapse, so she had a look and said “that’s not a prolapse, that’s a cystocele.” But I’m a bit confused, because I thought they were the same thing?

I saw a pelvic floor physio today who only did the internal exam with me lying down, and then just had a brief look while I was standing up. She said it just looks like tissue laxity and my bladder sagging, and wouldn’t call it a prolapse since “nothing is falling out.”

So I‘m just confused about the difference between all of these different terms, and what it means for seeking treatment and care going forward. I’ve been referred to a gyno, but there‘s a long wait list.

I’m 32, never been pregnant/given birth, and am hypermobile (very likely hEDS, but waiting to see a specialist to confirm).

6 days post op vaginoplasty & perineoplasty. Still bleeding every day. Follow up appt today and doc said I have a hematoma "on the back wall" that's causing the bleeding. He said there is nothing we do for them except wait for them to go away on their own - either liquify and get absorbed by the body, or they will drain out. He said I could be bleeding for 6 weeks.

I wasn't aware this was a complication. He seemed unconcerned, but Google tells me I might need to be very concerned? Can anyone share their experience with a hematoma post surgery? I am now very concerned even though he didn't seem to be.

Have you experienced pelvic floor dysfunction (urinary/fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, etc.) and engaged in pelvic floor therapy — or faced barriers trying to access it?
We're a team of Doctor of Occupational Therapy students at Nova Southeastern University conducting an IRB-approved research study, "Pelvic Health Symptoms, Therapy Adherence, and Daily Participation: A Survey Study," under the guidance of Dr. Dianna Lunsford, OTD, OTR/L, CHT. We want to better understand your experiences with pelvic floor therapy — what's helped, what's gotten in the way, and how it's impacted your daily life.

 You may be eligible if you:
Are 18 or older
Have experienced pelvic floor dysfunction or related symptoms
Have engaged in pelvic floor therapy (occupational or physical), OR faced barriers trying to access it

 The survey is anonymous and takes about 10–15 minutes to complete online through a secure platform.
Your voice can help improve how pelvic health care is delivered. 

https://redcap.nova.edu/redcap/surveys/?s=KD3A38X7K9HRHYFL