Vaginal Prolapse

[akemt]

I'm a 26 y/o mother of 3, ages 4.5, 3, and 3 months. All were inductions at 37, 38+, and 37 weeks due to complications with varrying induction lengths, medications used to induce, pushing times, etc. I have a feeling I've had minor prolapse for years and never knew, and it has simply progressed over time and with each pregnancy. I have had some of the symptoms for years now, though luckily not incontinence ones! I've just noticed the actual "bulge" and started researching. I don't know how much of a background I should write...feel free to ask if needed.

What I've noticed: In the last few weeks, a prolapse of some sort into my vaginal area...either posterior wall or cervical, not anterior...and it is just inside my hymen, very visible and right there when I wipe.

Questions:
1. I'm 3 months postpartum and have read online that doctors won't diagnose untill a year postpartum because of the length of time needed to heal from pregnancy. Is that really the case? My understanding hemodynamically, atleast, is that the postpartum period is usually considered over by 6 weeks.

2. If I'm not having incontinence issues and expect to try for another pregnancy in about 3 years, do I need to see the doctor specifically for this or can it wait?

3. Will this diagnosis have any medically significant (not comfort issues) effect on a future pregnancy? Miscarriage rates? Postpartum bleeding? Delivery type and gestation?

4. Would this cause any family planning concerns in relation to limiting the number of future pregnancies, age at the time of pregnancies, etc?

I feel like I've been to the doctor so often of late that I don't want to make the trip and incur the expense if it is only an informational meeting for me and not otherwise medically necessary. Any information would be greatly appreciated, including, but not limited to, an answer as to whether it is likely I need to see the doctor sooner than later. Thanks in advance.

[mic]

Hi akemt! You have some very good questions which I would suggest you present to you doctor with a visit sooner than later. I am a 44 years old and a mother of two (daughter 20, son 13) who is in the recovery stage from pelvic orgran prolapse surgery. I had three mesh slings placed under my urethra, bladder, and vaginal wall (hysterectomy performed in 2004 so no cervix or uterus to worry about). My prolpase went from a minor buldge in Jan '07 to a major prolapse in a 6 month period. I had a huge buldge which felt like a orange protruding out my vagina that was horrible. I hated going to the bathroom because everytime I would wipe all I would feel is buldge. Being devasted when I was told about the surgery I am now extremely happy it was done. I understand you are considering having another child and would strongly suggest you speak with your doctor because if the prolapse is only a stage 1 or 2 you may be able to use a pessary for some comfort. I can tell you as the prolapse worsens you get pain in your lower back and groin like you wouldn't believe. Standing and getting into a sitting position can become very unbearable and no pain medicine helps if you want to continue with your normal daily routine. PLEASE, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR SOONER THAN LATER! Mic

[ATS]

Hi,

I completely sympathise with you as I am a mother of two, 5 years & 17 months and I to have prolapse. It is truly devastating and hard to deal with but I am trying to live with it. You are early post partum and things can change a lot during the first year so do not rush into anything. You may want to visit a site called Wholewoman as there are ladies on there who have had babies since discovering they have prolapse and they have birthed their babies with no further worsening of their condition and I am sure they would give you a wealth of advice and support.

I wish you all the best and hope things improve for you.