Recovery Time after Rectocele Surgery

By Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach — Certified Pelvic Floor Fitness Specialist · Published December 21, 2021

Direct Answer

Recovery from rectocele surgery typically takes 4-6 weeks, during which heavy lifting should be avoided. Gentle movement, proper nutrition, and pelvic floor-friendly self-care like sitz baths and stool softeners support healing in the early days, while a post-op physiotherapy assessment around 8 weeks can confirm you are ready to safely return to more intense exercise.

Key Takeaways

• Typical recovery time after rectocele surgery is 4-6 weeks, with heavy lifting off-limits for at least 6 weeks.
• Gentle movement, such as pelvic tilts and bridges, can begin in the first or second week if your body feels ready.
• Nutrition matters for healing: protein, easy-to-digest foods, and supplements like Vitamin C can support tissue repair.
• Perineal herb sitz baths, frozen herb-soaked pads, and stool softeners can ease early discomfort.
• A post-op physiotherapy assessment around 8 weeks after surgery can help confirm you are ready for more intense exercise.

Photo by Adam Winger on Unsplash

I have experienced a stage 2 rectocele that I lived with for 9 years. I tried everything to manage it but, in the end, chose surgery because my quality of life was suffering.

I had a very successful outcome and I know that a big reason for that was because I was informed. I knew what questions to ask my doctor.  I understood the benefit of preparing my pelvic floor for surgery. I was also very intentional with my recovery and return to exercise.

Typical recovery is 4-6 weeks with heavy lifting off-limits for at least 6 weeks. The challenge lies in the uninformed person who used to use symptoms to guide movement. Surgery can fix the symptom but doesn’t address what contributed to the problem developing in the first place. I recommend working with a pelvic floor physio ahead of time to address faulty or non-optimal movement patterns so they are not an ongoing issue after. Returning to exercise too soon, especially if the contributing factors to the prolapse have not been addressed is not recommended and can increase the chances of recurrence. Movement is recommended in the recovery to help with healing but take it slow and gradual. 

Recovering from pelvic floor surgery is in many ways like postpartum recovery. The focus in the early days is rest and tissue supporting nutrition. I recommend perineal herbs to add to your sitz baths, stool softeners for the first few days, along with eating protein and foods that are easy to digest and supplements that help heal tissues like Vitamin C. Some organic cotton pads will be needed and you can even soak a few in the perineal herbs and then freeze them to place on the perineum.

Gentle movement around the house later the first week and into the second coupled with some gentle movements like pelvic tilts and bridges may feel good. Listen and feel for any signs that it is too much. Bed rest is not recommended but overexertion isn’t either.

Pre-book a post-op assessment with your physiotherapist for around 8 weeks after your surgery.  They can help gauge your readiness for more intense exercise and remember to see them annually going forward. 

Are you considering surgery as an option to feel like yourself again?

Surgery can be a great option for people but there is often shame associated with it.  I want to take the shame away and provide you with everything you need to know so you can make an informed decision and achieve a positive outcome.

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! Learn more by clicking the button below.

Here is my journey on my Prolapse Surgery

• Preparing For A Rectocele Repair – Prolapse Surgery
• Riding The Rollercoaster of Emotions – The Days Before Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery The first few days - Prolapse Surgery - Rectocele Repair
• Post-Op Recovery Week 2 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery Week 3 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery Week 4 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery Week 5 - Prolapse Surgery - Rectocele Repair
• Post-Op Recovery Week 6 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery
• Post-Op Recovery Week 7 - Rectocele Repair - Prolapse Surgery Check-In With My Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist
  
  

Related Reading:

Vaginal Hysterectomy and Pelvic Floor Repair Surgery

Menopause & Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Daily life can be challenging with Rectocele Prolapse

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does recovery take after rectocele surgery? Typical recovery is 4-6 weeks, with heavy lifting off-limits for at least 6 weeks; your own timeline depends on your health and the specifics of your surgery.

When can I start moving around after rectocele surgery? Gentle movement around the house is fine later in the first week and into the second, and gentle exercises like pelvic tilts and bridges may feel good if your body is ready; avoid both bed rest and overexertion.

What can help with healing after rectocele surgery? Eating protein and easy-to-digest foods, taking supplements like Vitamin C, using perineal herb sitz baths, and using stool softeners can all support tissue healing in the early days.

When should I see a physiotherapist after rectocele surgery? Pre-book a post-op assessment with your pelvic floor physiotherapist for around 8 weeks after surgery, and plan to see them annually going forward.

When can I return to more intense exercise after rectocele surgery? Your physiotherapist can help gauge your readiness for more intense exercise at your post-op assessment, so it is best to wait for their guidance rather than pushing yourself too soon.

Is it normal to feel shame about needing rectocele surgery? No, and it is very common to feel that way. Surgery can be the best option for many people, and being informed about what to expect can help you feel confident rather than ashamed.

Whether you are preparing for rectocele surgery or recovering from it, a strong, well-supported pelvic floor can help with your healing and long-term results. Join the Buff Muff membership for guided programs built to support your pelvic floor before and after surgery.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our episode:
My 5 Year Rectocele Post-Op Update - Would I Do It Again?

Listen to the episode