Post-Op Recovery Week 2 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery

All in all recovery from prolapse surgery has been easier than I had anticipated. Sensations vary from day to day which means my emotions and anxiety does too! Here is a recap of my second-week post-op.

By Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach — Certified Pelvic Floor Fitness Specialist · Published December 29, 2020

Direct Answer: Two weeks after rectocele repair surgery, recovery often feels easier than expected, though sensations and emotions can still vary from day to day. Gentle restorative walks and preparing thoughtfully for the eventual return of intimacy are common parts of this stage.

Key Takeaways

• Many women find week 2 recovery easier than anticipated, though feelings can still fluctuate day to day.
• Gentle, restorative walks can be reintroduced gradually as comfort allows.
• Intercourse is typically off-limits for about 6 weeks after prolapse surgery.
• Preparing supportive products, like a good lubricant, ahead of time can ease anxiety about resuming intimacy later.
• Sitz baths, red light therapy, and topical care can help manage tenderness during this stage.

Pain and Discomfort
I was off pain meds at the start of my second week and I no longer had the pressure pain when I felt a bowel movement coming on. I had stopped doing my sitz baths but added them back in later due to the discomfort in my perineum. I have a couple of spots that are really tender. I also notice a pulling sensation when I sit in certain positions and when I wipe after a BM. The sitz baths and red light therapy and polysporin have helped.

Walking and Restorative Exercise
I have been a bit more active - went for 3 decent walks this week. After the first one, I felt ready to sit and my vagina was a bit achy. I took the next day off and then did another one followed by a day of rest. My pace was slower but it felt good to move and be out in the fresh air.

I am doing the Core Confidence Exercise Program for my recovery. I initially designed it with my partners in Bellies Inc for postpartum recovery but we recognized its applicability to anyone needing to retrain their core. I started with just breathing and visualizing my pelvic floor action in week 1 and then added in a few voluntary pelvic floor activations in week 2. I also added in some pelvic tilts and bridges. I usually do 1-2 sets of 10 in the morning and on occasion, I would do another set later in the day.

Symptoms
It is too early to get a true assessment of the change in symptoms. I do notice that I don't feel like there is something in my vagina when I bend or stand in certain positions but I do have other sensations in there now which I am attributing to the incision. My poops come out straighter!

Preparing
Intercourse is off-limits for 6 weeks and I anticipate the first few times to be a bit uncomfortable. I bought some CBD lube from Foria in anticipation.  

Thoughts and Emotions
I have up and down emotions. Every little symptom has me thinking and analyzing (the downside of knowing too much) and I try to be patient and recognize I am still healing. I of course question my decision daily and am hopeful that it will be a positive outcome in the end. I viewed the surgery as an opportunity to best support my other organs given that a pessary was not in the cards for me prior to surgery. My goals are to be able to use a pessary when/if needed, have pain-free sex and have at least a 50% improvement in the symptoms that were interfering with my life. Of course, 100% elimination of symptoms is ideal but I know that may not be realistic.

Once I hit the 6-week mark I will be back using vaginal estrogen and will be seeing my physio around 8 weeks. I will return to my full hypopressive workouts and will begin progressive loading of my glutes and legs along with release work. I have definitely developed gripping tendencies over the last several years.

My word for 2021 will be - soften.   

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Pelvic Surgery Success is a one-of-a-kind program that will take you from feeling depressed, anxious, and consumed by fear of surgery to informed, confident and calm so you can put your nagging symptoms behind you and get back to living life with spontaneity and joy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recovery from prolapse surgery easier than expected for most women?
Many women find that recovery feels more manageable than they anticipated, though day-to-day sensations and emotions can still vary quite a bit.

When can I start walking after rectocele repair surgery?
Gentle walks can often be reintroduced within the first couple of weeks after surgery, gradually increasing pace and distance as your body allows, with rest days in between.

How long is intercourse off-limits after prolapse surgery?
Most surgeons recommend waiting about 6 weeks after rectocele repair before resuming intercourse, to allow full healing.

What can help with tenderness during early prolapse surgery recovery?
Sitz baths, red light therapy, and topical care like Polysporin are commonly used to help manage tenderness and support healing in the early weeks.

Related Articles

• Preparing For A Rectocele Repair – Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery From Prolapse Surgery – Rectocele Repair
• Post-Op Recovery Week 3 – Rectocele Repair, Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery Week 4 – Rectocele Repair, Prolapse Surgery
• Riding The Rollercoaster of Emotions – The Days Before Prolapse Surgery

Gentle, consistent movement is such an important part of recovery like this. Join the Buff Muff membership for guided pelvic floor programs that support you through every stage of healing.

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