Why rectocele now?

Body: 

Hi ladies,

I am now 10 months pp and thought my cystocele was slowly improving with WW posture and exercise, but now I think I have a rectocele :(. I don't understand....WAH! I have never been constipated, never strain, poop daily, soft poop..I don't get it! I can see the back wall of my vagina sort of puffing out,with lines on it...boo hoo! Why Why Why!?! What else can I do? It sort of looks like my vagina is collapsing in. Also, my poop comes out in small, soft pieces (does this mean anything) This is so depressing..any advice? Thanks!

Hi sea turtle. Here is the explanation, from Saving the Whole Woman (page 34):

“It is well known…..that collapse of the front vaginal wall does not often exist in isolation…..As the vaginal wall gives way, the rectal wall has more leeway to balloon anteriorly, which causes the vaginal wall to be stretched even more. A combination cystocele/rectocele is the most common presentation of pelvic organ prolapse.”

So in all likelihood, this did not just come out of nowhere. But remember that this type of prolapse is what Christine calls “nature’s pessary”. These ‘celes provide support and keep the cervix from falling too far out of position.

You are still PP with an active baby who is providing more physical challenges with each passing day. Your body is still changing. Stay with posture and good bathroom habits. Take care of yourself and continue to protect your lumbar curvature as much as you can. - Surviving

Hi sea turtle,
The same thing happened to me, only in the opposite order. I had a rectocele and can feel a cystocele slowly developing. Don't be alarmed, I know this is a shock to find out, but hope is always there! The above advice is fantastic. I would also ask, do you know about splinting? My OB told me about it for my rectocele. He said if two fingers are inserted into the vagina and gently pressed down during a bowel movement, the stool can move through your bowels completely. I don't think there is any harm in this, its been the only thing keeping me sane for the past several months. Good luck, and btw I am 9 months pp, only first baby! Some people are just more prone to different things, but at least you know what the problem is and have tools to fix it :)