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[quote=Anonymous]I've had a rectocele for many years, following the birth of my now-16-year-old DC1. It did not cause any particular problems during my pregnancy with DC2, nor did the situation appear to worsen after DC2's birth. My GYN describes my rectocele as "moderate." It may worsen after menopause, it may not.

My rectocele was more severe and much more bothersome during DC1's first year. I did not have a period until DC1 was 13 months old, so my estrogen levels were very low and my OB said my vaginal tissues were very dry and thin, which exacerbated the rectocele. (Sex was very painful for me during this time, too, although not related to the rectocele but more to the thin/dry tissues.) Once I started my period again (even though I continued BFing), things rapidly improved in all ways "down there," LOL. So IME, there is no way to evaluate your situation so close to having delivered, especially if you are breastfeeding. Also your muscles and ligaments may not have had enough time to recover. It is quite likely that your rectocele will improve at least somewhat over the coming months.

(Also, despite the fact that I didn't get my period until about a year after DC2 was born, I did not have anywhere close to the same rectocele/vaginal tissue issues after DC2's birth.)

re exercise--I don't have experience with weight lifting, but I have no problems running or doing yoga. My rectocele is always more noticeable when I am constipated and right before my period starts, but I am still able to exercise.

re heavy lifting--I don't have this kind of job, but I did have some trouble with heavy lifting during DC1's first year. I don't think it made the rectocele worse, necessarily, but I was very aware of the rectocele when I lifted things during that period. No trouble with heavy lifting now.

re sex--I have had no troubles related to the rectocele--no pain at all. I can't feel anything different because of it. I really don't think your DH will feel it either. (Things might "feel" different to both of you, but I don't think that's because of the rectocele.) Also, your rectocele and resulting "bulge" are exacerbated by gravity--it is much less apparent when you are lying down.

re repair--I haven't had surgery obviously and feel no need for it, although my GYN has told me that often a rectocele worsens in menopause, so perhaps I will consider it in the future. I will say again that I think it is much too early for you to be thinking about this.

After DC1's birth, I was tremendously upset about this development. But given some time it became no big deal. Try not to obsess about this too much. Even if you continue to have problems and opt for surgery, you will be in a better frame of mind about the whole thing in a few months or a year. The PP who noted that you are more likely to be overly upset because you are hormonal is absolutely right.

Whatever I am doing, my rectocele is always, always more noticeable when I am constipated. Drinking lots of water, eating lots of fiber, etc, really really help. Also, if I do get somewhat constipated, when I have a bowel movement I usually insert 2 fingers into my vagina and press back against the bulge; it really helps. (TMI!)

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