vaginal wall prolapse help!

[mamaharrison]

I need help! I am freaking out alittle bit. I was inserting my sea sponge tonight and noticed that my vagina felt very different. I felt around and what I thought I was feeling the inside of my vaginal wall, but it was on the outside. So, I got a mirror and I took a look and it is in fact bulged almost out of my vagina. Both my anterior and posterior walls are bulged and almost touching at the opening of my vaginal canal. I am in no pain at all physically, but I am an emotional wreck. I had a vaginal birth 2 years ago and it was TOUGH. I purple pushed with an epidural and couldn't feel anything, as a result, I had a third degree tear along {i think} my posterior/rectal side vaginal wall that required a large number of sutures--I was told Jocelyn's arm was born at her head and this left her elbow jutting out which must have carved through my vaginal wall. The only thing I can think this is is a prolapse of my vaginal walls. I am scared. I know nothing about this and I don't know what to do. I have only heard horror stories about prolapses ie: they never heal, you always have the weakness, you will eventually have a uterine prolapse, bladder prolapse, rectum prolapse. What will this mean for future pregnancies/labors/births, for my sex life, for my wellness? What should I do? Please help me, mamas. Is this as huge of a deal as I feel like it is or is it common?

[MidwifeStephPDX]

Hi There,

Sorry this is going on for you! It definitely feels scary when things aren't where you expect them to be! So, first a disclaimer: since I'm not your midwife and haven't examined you, I don't know for sure what is going on for you, so this shouldn't take the place of a medical professional seeing you and determining what is happening.

Generally speaking, if a woman has a prolapse, we refer her to a physical therapist who specializes in women's health-- and therefore pelvic floor work. The woman who is most know for this is Tami Kent, whose website and book also gives lots of info: http://www.wildfeminine.com/

Don't despair though! This is an unfortunate but common complication after pregnancy and birth. The most importnat thing is to take care of it before having another baby. Obviously, if your pelvic floor is so weak that tissues are prolapsing, then extra pressure (from another baby, strenuous exercise, etc) can exacerbate the problem. I have seen really severe prolapses, much worse than the typer you're describing, and all of them have been repaired by work with a physical therapist.

Best to you!

[midwife2mama]

Along with physical therapy, I have had a few clients have great success with acupuncture and Pilate's. Both together and separately.  See if there is an acupuncturist in your area that has worked with women and prolapse in the past.  Do not despair.  You CAN overcome this!

Take Care

erin

[mandib50]

moved to health and healing :)