11:04 here - I just saw this thread pop up again and thought I would reply. Still almost no symptoms here though we are planning to TTC soon. I'm a little nervous as to what that will mean for my rectocele. OB mentioned that there is a stage late in the first tri - early in the second tri where the uterus is growing that could cause trouble when urinating. She said it may not be an issue for me, but some women have had to be catheterized to empty their bladder. Praying I don't have to deal with that!

I really think you'll find huge relief when you stop breastfeeding. I noticed it all the time when breastfeeding and now it's rarely on my mind. Just another part of life. Hoping you get relief too!

So thankful that I've come across this thread. I'm 7 weeks pp and have what I believe to be a stage 1 or 2 rectocele that is uncomfortable when I'm busy during the day and maybe a stage 1 cystocele that has no symptoms. I'm normally very active, into lifting weights, sprinting, plyo, etc. and am devastated that I may not be able to do these things anymore. Hoping for improvement when I'm finished breastfeeding.
This thread is the only one I've come across that gives me much hope for things to return to normal (or close to).
The original poster, and others who are in a similar position, how are things now?

Anonymous wrote:OP, I was diagnosed with a rectocele after my DS was born. I too noticed a small bulge but didn't have any other symptoms. Fast forward to weaning at 12 mos postpartum and I have zero issues. Can't even find bulge anymore. Apparently breast feeding hormones exacerbate the situation. I will need surgery eventually (not mesh) but won't do it until after I'm done having kids. I don't know what a subsequent pregnancy will mean for me and how I will manage that (a pessary maybe?) but I have had no issues exercising since I started up around 8 weeks postpartum.

Anyway, all this to say that I too was pretty devastated by the diagnosis but pleasantly surprised at how much better things are with time and hormone changes. There's hope!

Quoted PP here, I'm not sure what stage mine is, but I assume at least stage 2 because I could see and feel the bulge at the entrance to my vagina as well. When I was diagnosed, my OB said there was a tear in my fascia that would need to be repaired eventually but would not require mesh. They would simply reattach the tissue. Honestly, I probably won't do the repair until my symptoms flair up again. At the time of diagnosis, I wanted to have it ASAP and just deal with c-sections for my next children. Obviously that was my hormones talking

In terms of sex, it hasn't really been all that different. I was really self-conscious and depressed about it and didn't want my husband anywhere near there at first. As it turns out, a previous PP is correct, when laying down it kind of goes away. Now that I'm weaned the bulge is gone completely, even when standing or sitting on the toilet. The lack of estrogen makes it seem so much worse.

Being on your feet as an RN might make it more annoying, but as my OB said, the damage is pretty much done. Nothing you do is going to make the tear (if you have one) any worse.

As previous posters have noted, avoiding constipation is key. On days I know I haven't had enough water, I can tell I have more difficulty feeling like I'm able to completely "empty" when going #2.

I have a moderate cystocele from DC who is 2. My OB said surgery was an option but only if it really bothered me. I know it sounds impossible, but I am used to it now and nothing is different - sex, lifting, being on my feet all day, etc. I do kegels and some exercises, but nothing unusual for a post-partum person. It is NBD at this point, although for about three months I thought my vag was going to fall out every day... It is just one of those "mommy" adjustments for me.

Thanks all for the continued feedback!

NP, I found this workout video that gets very good reviews for helping with prolapse issues and ordered it on Amazon:
http://www.hab-it.com/our-videos/