Vaginal repair surgery (colporrhaphy) Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about vaginal repair surgery
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What are pelvic floor muscles and why do I need to strengthen them?
- Why shouldn't I use tampons for at least six weeks after vaginal repair surgery?
- How can I avoid constipation after having vaginal repair surgery?
What are pelvic floor muscles and why do I need to strengthen them?
Your urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the body), vagina and anus pass through the pelvic floor muscles. Strengthening your pelvic floor can help stop vaginal wall prolapse and accidental leakage from your bladder or bowel.
Explanation
Pelvic floor muscles form a sling passing from the coccyx (tip of your spine) at the back to the pubic bone at the front. The urethra, vagina and anus pass through the pelvic floor, so strengthening your pelvic floor can help stop accidental leakage from your bladder or bowel and reduce your risk of vaginal wall prolapse. It may also increase sexual satisfaction, as you are able to contract and relax your vaginal wall muscles better.
Check with your physiotherapist or surgeon before you do these exercises after your operation.
- Get into a comfortable position, either lying on your back or sitting upright in a chair.
- To find your pelvic floor muscles, imagine you are trying to stop yourself from passing wind and stop the flow of urine at the same time. Try to lift the front and back passages.
- As you contract the muscles try to breathe normally - don't hold your breath. Don't squeeze your legs together as you contract.
Try to do 10 slow contractions (tighten the muscles for up to 10 seconds, release and rest for four seconds and repeat contraction) and 10 quick contractions (squeeze, lift firmly and let go quickly). You need to do these exercises 5 to 10 times a day and continue to do them for the rest of your life.
Further information
- The Cystitis and Overactive Bladder Foundation
01908 569169
www.cobfoundation.org - The Bladder and Bowel Foundation
0845 345 0165
www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org
Sources
- Pelvic floor exercises. The Bladder and Bowel Foundation. www.bladderandbowelfoundation.org, accessed 30 October 2008
Why shouldn't I use tampons for at least six weeks after vaginal repair surgery?
After vaginal repair, you will have some vaginal bleeding, similar in amount to a normal period. However, you must not use tampons because they may increase your risk of getting a vaginal infection.
Explanation
During vaginal repair, your surgeon will cut through the vaginal wall from the inside to help repair and strengthen the ligaments and muscles in your vaginal wall. After the operation you are likely to have some vaginal bleeding for up to four weeks. It's important that you don't use tampons because they can increase your risk of getting a vaginal infection.
It's not really understood how tampons increase your risk of infection, but it's thought tampons that are left in the vagina over several hours can encourage growth of bacteria. It's also possible that a tampon could get contaminated when you are inserting it into your vagina and so bacteria could be carried from the outside into your vagina.
Surgeons recommend you don't use tampons for at least six weeks after having a vaginal repair.
Further information
- The Toxic Shock Syndrome Information Service
www.toxicshock.com
Sources
- Toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The Merck Manuals. www.merck.com, accessed 29 April 2008
How can I avoid constipation after having vaginal repair surgery?
A diet rich in fibre, fruit and vegetables and having plenty to drink is often all that is needed to prevent constipation.
Explanation
Mild constipation is common after surgery. But it's important to try and avoid this because straining when you go to the toilet is uncomfortable and puts pressure on the healing wound.
To help prevent constipation, make sure that your diet is rich in fibre. Fibre is essential for healthy bowel function. When fibre passes through your bowel, it absorbs a lot of water and increases the bulk of any waste matter. It also makes the waste softer and increases the speed and ease with which it passes through your bowel. Eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day and wholemeal bread, rice or pasta will usually provide enough fibre to keep your bowel function healthy.
To prevent or relieve constipation, it's also important to remain well hydrated. Drinking six to eight glasses of fluid (that's about two litres) per day is usually sufficient.
Further information
- Food Standards Agency
www.eatwell.gov.uk
Sources
- Dietary fibre. British Nutrition Foundation. www.nutrition.org.uk, accessed 27 May 2008
- Water and soft drinks. Food Standards Agency. www.eatwell.gov.uk, accessed 27 May 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Mr Naim Boutros, MBchB, LRCP, MRCS, MRCOG, Dip Ultrasound, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Medway Maritime Hospital NHS Trust, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Vaginal repair surgery (colporrhaphy) factsheet
Visit the vaginal repair surgery (colporrhaphy) health factsheet for more information.
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