cystocele

Body: 

I used to do the WW exercises everyday and then I read on here that they were not shown to help any for women that had had hysterectomies. My cystocele is just a nuisance and at times very uncomfortable. How do you ladies handle it? Have any of you had success with the exercises even though you have 'been spade'?

Hi Meribelle,

I am not aware of such a definitive statement on the matter here on the site. Our position is that we believe the WW postural work is the very best a post-hysterectomy woman can do to stabilize her pelvic organs. However, there remain several questions and concerns.

It is a reality you will not be able to obtain the same level of reversal as a woman with her uterus. The uterus is the all-defining organ of support within the pelvis. Without it, the bladder and intestines are set adrift.

The hard reality is, there is no surgical cure for this.

The age-old a&p repairs do not work - they are conceptually flawed and simply set women up for more severe prolapse. The mesh re-inforcements do not work, as women like our member Sammy are painfully aware. The different ways the vaginal vault is suspended to the spine all have their own set of risks and do not address cystocele.

Here is a quote you may appreciate from the International Urogynecology Journal:

"In 1909, Ahlfelt stated that the only problem left unresolved in plastic gynecology was the permanent cure of cystocele. Nowadays, the surgical management of cystocele remains problematic with a plethora of surgical options available to the clinician."

The post-hysterectomy woman is faced with a difficult decision whether to live with the nuisance of significant cystocele-rectocele or submit to surgery in hope of relief.

If it were me I would be using an external support garment, WW posture, hands-and knees exercises, and any additional aids (salve, pessary) to stabilize my condition and avoid surgeries where the risks are clearly defined over 150 years of historical record. However, each woman must come to her own conclusions.

Please know we are sending you lots of healing and supportive thoughts.

Christine