uterine prolapse?

[zannster]

I had my baby in January via c-section, and I just recently noticed that I have something protruding out vaginally. It looks like just part of the vaginal wall. What's really weird is that I had a pelvic exam back in May, and everything was fine then. I haven't done anything really strenuous, aside from lower ab exercises. Does this seem like it could be a uterine prolapse (or something similar) this long after the birth? It really didn't bother me until I saw it (I was checking out something else, LOL) but now it really bugs me. Just wondering if anyone here has experience with this.

[Belle]

:scratch: I'd give your practicioner a call to be on the safe side. Uterine prolapse is pretty serious.

[applejuice]

I read that a pessary, a ring, could hold it in...

...but a ligament could have torn or been pulled, so you need to get that taken care of immediately,...

BTW, doctors sometimes tell women that a caesarean will prevent this kind of problem.

[crazy_eights]

It could be a rectocele or cystocele where basically you have a herniation of the vaginal wall from either the rectum or bladder. I doubt it is a uterine prolapse as you wouldn't see vaginal wall, you would see/feel your cervix at the introitus and sex would be very uncomfortable. I'd have it checked out.

[zannster]

And the verdict is...

I have a cystocele.

I guess that this is better than a uterine prolapse, but it still sucks. :(

[TurboClaudia]

you might consider looking for a physical therapist trained in pelvic floor rehabilitation.

a google search for pelvic floor physical therapist muncie indiana yielded these links:
http://www.vulvodynia.com/_vvpros/_vvpros/0000000d.htm
http://www.stjohnshealthsystem.org/feb2002SH.pdf

also, if you know any midwives or doulas, ask them if they have any recommendations for physical therapists specializing in pelvic floor rehab. to learn more about what the therapy is like, do a search in the health and healing forum for pelvic physical therapy.

warmly,
claudia

[zannster]

Thanks, I'll look into it. :)

[crazy_eights]

My midwife in Israel highly recommended something called 'ring therapy' which focused on strenthening all sphincter muscles. You might look into that too.