Berkeley Parents Network: Rectocele

Berkeley Parents Network

Rectocele

Berkeley Parents Network > Advice > Pregnancy & Childbirth > Rectocele

Anyone had success healing without surgery?
Rectocele following vaginal birth
Related page: Prolapse / Cystocele

Anyone had success healing without surgery?

January 2006

I am 4 mos. post partum with a rectocele from the delivery. Has anyone had success healing without surgery? I have gotten mixed advice from the doctors, but one specialist said to give it time and it would improve. Has anyone had this get much better? Did the end of brestfeeding help? Any advice to speed healing?
Thanks!!
Still healing at 4 mos.

I also had a rectocele as well a cystocele and noticed it at about 4mo. postpartum of baby #2. I did stop nursing b/c I was told that estrogen would help re-tone the muscles down there. It's hard to say if it made a difference. It seems that the healing is a very slow process. I am 1 yr. postpartum now and it's hard to say if it got better or I just got used to things being in a bit of a different place. I think it has gotten a bit better, but after days of heavy lifting or pushing I can feel things a bit out of whack. I did some physical therapy, learned exercises to re-tone the area and electric stimulation to re-teach the muscle what to do. It was hard to keep up the routine on a daily basis with working full time and having 2 kids. The physical therapist seemed to think it would get noticible better If I could dedicate that kind of time. Meanwhile I try not to think about it and hope to have more time for exercising in the future. Also anti- depressants really helped me b/c I was pretty bummed about it. anon.

Rectocele following vaginal birth

December 2005

I have a rectocele follwing a vaginal birth with a second degree tear 3.5 months ago. I have gotten mixed messages from the doctors, but a specialist said it would improve within the year. Has anyone recovered from a rectocele without surgery? How long did it take and how full was your recovery?
Thank you
still healing

I have a rectocele I never repaired, and it's 20 years later. It definitely improved in the first year, but it does remain with me. The condition varies so it's hard to give advice, but obviously, in my case, I've lived with it. It's embarrassing to discuss, but the greatest problem is with bowel movements, and I've really improved my diet (lots of veggies and fiber!) to contend with the problem. I've read that rectocele repairs may not last, and surgeons are therefore less likely to repair. That said, I am actually considering having my condition repaired after all these years..... I'd hang in there to monitor the healing and evaluate surgery later. Good luck to you. anon

The opinions and statements expressed on this website are those of parents who subscribe to the Berkeley Parents Network. Please see Disclaimer & Usage for information about using content on this website.