Road to Prolapse Recovery: What to Expect After Surgery
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Pelvic organ prolapse surgery can be a life-changing decision, helping to restore comfort, function, and overall quality of life. Whether your procedure was performed as an open, vaginal, or laparoscopic surgery, understanding what to expect during the recovery process can make your journey smoother, safer, and less stressful.
This guide is designed to support you through every stage of recovery after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. You’ll find information on typical recovery timelines, safe activity levels, dietary recommendations, self-care practices, and warning signs that may indicate complications. By preparing ahead of time and knowing what to expect, you can take an active role in your healing process and feel more confident as you regain strength and return to your daily activities.
Recovery can vary from person to person, but having clear guidance can help you manage expectations, reduce discomfort, and promote optimal healing. Whether you are planning surgery, just had your procedure, or are a few weeks into recovery, this guide will serve as a helpful resource to support your journey toward feeling your best.
Recovery Timeline and What to Expect
Recovery time after pelvic organ prolapse surgery varies depending on the type of procedure. For open surgery, most people can expect to return to daily activities within about 4–6 weeks, while those who have had vaginal or laparoscopic surgery may experience a quicker initial recovery of 1–2 weeks, though full internal healing continues over several weeks.
In the first few days after surgery, it’s common to feel tired, sore, or generally uncomfortable. Even if you start feeling better quickly, it’s important to remember that internal healing is ongoing, and care should be taken to avoid overexertion during the early stages of recovery.
Caring for Yourself at home
Activity
Rest is important and sleeping supports your body’s healing. Gentle daily walking is encouraged and can help improve circulation, prevent blood clots, reduce the risk of pneumonia, and aid bowel function. Avoid lifting children, carrying heavy grocery bags, vacuuming, or doing strenuous exercise such as jogging, biking, or weightlifting for about 4–6 weeks after surgery. You may shower, but avoid baths for the first week or until your doctor gives approval, and always pat the incision dry. Light vaginal bleeding is normal, so use sanitary pads as needed, but do not use tampons or douche. Check with your doctor about when it’s safe to drive again. Time off work varies depending on the surgery and your job: generally 2–4 weeks for open surgery and around 1 week for vaginal or laparoscopic surgery. Ask your doctor before resuming sexual activity. nothing should be placed in the vagina for roughly six weeks or until cleared.
Diet
Resume your normal diet as soon as possible. If you experience nausea or an upset stomach, start with bland, low-fat foods such as plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, or yogurt. Stay well hydrated, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Post-surgery bowel movements may be irregular, so try to avoid constipation or straining. A fiber supplement or mild laxative may help if needed.
Medicines
Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding your regular medications and any new prescriptions. If blood thinners were temporarily stopped, ask when to restart them. Take pain medications exactly as prescribed, and store or dispose of them safely. If pain medicine causes stomach upset, take it with food or ask your doctor for alternatives. If antibiotics were prescribed, complete the full course.
Incision Care
If tape strips are on your incision, leave them in place for about a week or until they fall off naturally. Wash the area daily with warm soapy water and gently pat dry. Keep the area clean and dry; if it weeps or rubs against clothing, cover with gauze and change it daily.
Other Instructions
If you were discharged with a urinary catheter, follow your doctor’s hygiene instructions carefully. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid pressure on your abdomen and do not wear tight garments like girdles for a few weeks. Your doctor may recommend pelvic-floor (Kegel) exercises once fully healed. Start by squeezing your pelvic floor muscles as if stopping gas or urine flow, holding for 3 seconds, then relaxing for 5–10 seconds. Gradually increase to holding 10 seconds, performing 10 repetitions per session, 3–8 sessions per day. Stop if you feel pain and consult your doctor.
When to Seek Help
Contact your doctor or seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of the following:
- heavy vaginal bleeding
- passing large clots
- severe pain that is not relieved by medications
- signs of infection such as fever, chills, redness, swelling, pus
- foul odor from the incision or vagina
- the incision opening or significant bleeding from the incision site
- urinary problems (pain, blood in the urine, or inability to urinate)
- constipation or inability to pass gas or stool
- swelling, redness, or pain in the legs
- sudden or severe abdominal symptoms
Prompt attention to these warning signs can help prevent complications and ensure a safe recovery.
Follow-Up Care
It is important to attend all scheduled post-surgery appointments to monitor your recovery and address any concerns. Discuss with your healthcare provider the appropriate timing for gradually returning to work, driving, and exercise. Continue pelvic floor exercises as recommended, and consider ongoing physical therapy to support long-term pelvic health and maintain the benefits of your surgery.
Supervising Doctor of This Article
Koichi Nagao, MD PhD
Professor, Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine
Director of Urinary tract reconstruction center, Toho University Omori Medical Center
Director of Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center
Professor Nagao specializes in plastic surgery in the field of reproductive medicine. He completed eight years of plastic surgery training at Showa University before majoring in urology at Toho University. With his meticulous surgical techniques and careful examinations that combines urology and plastic surgery, Professor Nagao became a Board Certified Specialist with multiple associations including the Japanese Urological Association, the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine.