prolapse after over 2 years

[Gem1984]

Hi girls I had a ring fitted which fell out shortly after and I did not have the confidence to go back as lying down theu could barely feel it. Standing now it protrudes a good inch but yet again it goes back when I lie down... its been over 2 years now... any recommendations as day to day it is so uncomfortable x

[beatitude]

The ring must be too small, surely. We should have check-ups at least twice a year, so it's disgusting they left you like that for two years. It annoys me that they always get us to lie down, which gives them no realistic idea of what it's like when we're standing or moving around! If it was me, I would complain and insist on being given the next size up. Please be confident, as it's your body and no-one knows it better than you do!

[HighlandMo]

Hi. I’m reading this as when the ring fell out you didn’t have it replaced. I have never had a pessary as I didn’t like the sound of them. Instead I researched a bit and I have been using sea sponges for two years now. They work in the same way -by plugging the gap so things can’t fall any further! But I take mine out every evening so things can “breathe” and they’re soft and squishy so very comfortable. It’s worked for me.

[2020newlife in reply to HighlandMo]

Hi there, I've heard a bit about sea sponges. I like the sound of them. 😁 Could I ask if you cut the sponge to size or just experiment with different sizes. Thank you.

[HighlandMo in reply to 2020newlife]

Here’s my response to someone a while back about how I use the sponges:

You can get sponges as menstrual tampons or specially for prolapse. The prolapse ones look far too big to me. Mine are only about 5cm in all directions but the main advantage is that no matter what size you buy they can be trimmed to size. You can get them with or without strings attached (like a tampon). Here is a link to some with string already attached.

puresponges.co.uk/img8996-l...

I have bought natural silk fina sponges and attached dental floss using a darning needle. You can replace the "string" when it looks a bit past it. If you do it this way (much cheaper so you an have lots of them) soak the sponge and feel them all over to make very sure the sponges are free from any little bits of grit from the ocean!!

The same website also tells you how to look after the sponges.

puresponges.co.uk/looking-a...

Every evening I clean that day's sponge with unscented soap and then every 4 days use baking soda to soak the last 4 sponges whilst getting washed and dressed then rinse and squeeze them out and hang them in a mesh laundry bag to air dry. You soon get into a routine for cleaning them angd it only takes a few minutes.

When using a sponge first rinse it and squeeze it out to make it soft. I put a little bit of coconut oil on it and also a little around the entrance of the vagina to help get the sponge in. It's a bit strange to start with but you get to know the angle and where it needs to sit. My first try was a disaster and it felt really scratchy but I tried again a few weeks later and took a bit more care and it was fine. Some days it's so comfortable I forget it's there and some days the sponge slips a bit and feels uncomfortable - maybe the sponge is too small or too big or maybe it's not in right. Whatever, it gives me confidence that my insides can't escape and gives me time to work on the exercises that might work long term.

[2020newlife in reply to HighlandMo]

Thank you so much. Really appreciate your reply!

[HighlandMo in reply to 2020newlife]

You’re welcome. A prolapse is scary so any help is good.

[SonsyLass in reply to HighlandMo]

Would a sponge work for a grade 4 prolapse? I've had two different ring pessaries ( by GP) and a Gellhorn pessary at my first hospital Gyn. Appointment, and all of them have come out after two days.Gellhorn fitted in March, all subsequent appointments were cancelled due to Covid. Finally got a telephone appointment two days before Christmas, nearly nine months after fitting, asking how it was! Was then asked would I like to try another one, or to onto the list for surgery for repair operation and probable hysterectomy.

Having had only one rather disappointing appointment with Gyn. Department, I asked for another appointment with someone who can give me further information and advice about surgery.

I don't feel I've even had a proper physical examination.

[HighlandMo in reply to SonsyLass]

To be honest, I doubt it would help grade 4 but there’s no harm in giving it a try. I’d say mine is maybe grade 2.5 but, like you, I don’t feel I have had a proper examination for anyone to know (or care). The GP had a quick look whilst I was lying down and agreed that my guess that I had a prolapse was correct. She tested for urine infection and sent me to a specialist physio. I had to wait a few months for the appointment - did my own research and started using sponges. The physio didn’t do an examination either and when I asked what had prolapsed she said the GPS referral said cervix! The physio had never heard of anyone using sponges.

[sketer in reply to HighlandMo]

Bless you so much for this information.It is so needed and appreciated

[2020newlife]

I'm wondering if you've tried pelvic floor exercises? Lots of suggestions online.

[mary6549]

Hi Gem, I was diagnosed with a cystocele prolapse in April 2019, I have a pesssary ring fitted and I can honestly say it has worked out for me, I don’t feel it at all, I get it changed every 6 months, and get on with everyday life with confidence, I know the pesssary ring doesn’t work for everyone