Post-Op Recovery Week 5 - Prolapse Surgery - Rectocele Repair

As I write this I am at the tail end of week 5 post-op. Tomorrow will be the 6 week mark but technically 6 weeks will end on Monday the 25th.

By Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach — Certified Pelvic Floor Fitness Specialist · Published January 18, 2021

Direct Answer: By week 5 after rectocele repair surgery, prolapse symptoms often resolve, though some women still notice tightness, dryness, or discomfort with certain movements or intimacy. Reintroducing activity, and intimacy, gradually and gently, in step with your body's signals, is the safest approach.

Key Takeaways

• Prolapse symptoms commonly resolve by week 5 post-rectocele repair, even while other healing continues.
• Vaginal dryness or tightness can still occur during this stage of recovery and is a normal part of healing.
• Non-penetrative intimacy can often be reintroduced gradually before penetrative sex is comfortable.
• Toys and tools designed for intimacy can be a gentle way to reconnect with pleasure during recovery.
• Always follow your surgeon or pelvic floor physiotherapist's guidance on when it is safe to resume specific activities.

My prolapse symptoms are gone but I am struggling with how weak I feel. I recently reviewed my DUTCH test results and it showed that my estrogen is in the post-menopausal range! Here I was thinking I was being proactive and doing the surgery before I reached menopause. I was quite shocked by that result but it could explain some of the laxity I feel in my pelvis. I will be starting vaginal estrogen again (I was only on it for 2 weeks prior to surgery) the week of the 25th.

I am surprised by how weak I feel. I was strong going in to surgery and I felt like the repair to the vaginal wall would make things feel more 'tight'. So far I don't feel that. I know that my strength will continue to improve and I am going to be fitted for a pessary so I feel that may make a difference.

I am more aware of my urethra which I believe is related to the estrogen but also I wonder if the bulge of the rectocele was masking other symptoms or if some of the symptoms I felt before surgery were not actually from the rectocele. It could also be that new symptoms, or what I perceive to be new symptoms are a result of the incision and the healing/adhesions. I will know more once I see my surgeon and my pelvic floor physio.

My pooping, especially later in the day, has definitely improved so that is a win and I no longer feel like I have gas or stool trapped.  

My perineum is finally feeling better. I determined that Epsom salts were actually irritating so I went back to my perineal herbs and I also started using a perineal herb spray as well which seemed to help. I did red light therapy about 3 times this week.

For exercise, I am now doing the core breath, the bridge, the clam, the bent knee lift and added in the seated march. I noticed my incision a bit more being seated on the ball and missed a couple of days but have aimed to do my exercises at least once but usually twice a day. I checked in with my friend and former business partner Julia who is a pelvic floor physio in Toronto. She supports kegels and the core confidence program for my recovery. It was nice to get her reassurance too!

I am really interested to see if my 'lift' part of my Kegel is better after surgery or not. I feel like it might be so I am hoping what I feel is what my physio feels.  My lift was hindered prior to surgery and my physio wasn't sure if it was from the rectocele or because I was already partially contracted (not releasing).

I am doing about 50% of my hypopressives as well which feels good. I really missed them!

I have found this week hard mentally because of the weakness I have felt. I found it hard to be patient. I worried about what fitness will look like for me if I continue to feel weak. I worried about sex and what it will feel like. I worried about if all the things I was doing were right. I worried a lot. I kept reminding myself of a quote I heard from the Chopra App "worrying is like praying for what you don't want." I am trying to stay focused on a positive outcome and remind myself that the return to higher intensity fitness for postpartum people is 4-6 months at least. It is the same if not longer for post-op.  

I had a day of frustration and tears yesterday when I got my DUTCH test results and crying felt cathartic. This has been a VERY emotional process.  

My mantras and affirmations each day go something like this;

I am strong, calm and confident
I am getting stronger every day
I will return to pain-free sex
I am healing beautifully
I am grateful for my body

Oh - and...I had 2 orgasms this week.  No penetrative sex for at least another week (not sure I will be ready then, to be honest) but we tried some other stuff including my Empress from VUSH

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do prolapse symptoms go away after rectocele repair surgery?
Yes, for most women prolapse symptoms resolve within the first several weeks after surgery, often by around week 5, even as other aspects of healing continue.

Is vaginal dryness normal during recovery from prolapse surgery?
Yes. Dryness and tightness are common during healing and typically improve with time; a good lubricant and gentle reintroduction of activity can help.

When can I resume intimacy after prolapse surgery?
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before penetrative intercourse, but non-penetrative intimacy can often be reintroduced sooner if it feels comfortable and is approved by your surgeon.

Can toys or devices help during the recovery process?
For some women, gentle, non-penetrative intimacy tools can be a comfortable way to reconnect with pleasure while still respecting surgical recovery timelines.

Related Articles

• Preparing For A Rectocele Repair – Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery From Prolapse Surgery – Rectocele Repair
• Post-Op Recovery Week 6 – Rectocele Repair, Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery Week 7 – Check-In With My Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
• Riding The Rollercoaster of Emotions – The Days Before Prolapse Surgery

Rebuilding pelvic floor strength and confidence goes hand in hand with recovering from prolapse surgery. Join the Buff Muff membership for guided programs that support you at every stage of healing.

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