Your Weekly Guide to Healing After Prolapse Surgery
Table of Contents
Recovering from pelvic organ prolapse surgery is a journey that requires patience, care, and guidance. For many patients, the road to healing can feel overwhelming, especially when balancing rest, activity, and daily responsibilities. Understanding what to expect during each stage of recovery can help you regain strength safely, protect your healing tissues, and reduce the risk of complications.
This weekly guide is designed to walk you through the recovery process step by step, offering practical advice on activity, pelvic floor exercises, diet, incision care, and warning signs. By following this roadmap, you can approach your healing with confidence and clarity, making the transition back to your normal routine smoother and more manageable.
Week 0 – Surgery & First Few Days
Goals: Rest, protect incision, prevent complications.
| Focus Area | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Short, gentle walks in room or hallway. Avoid strenuous activity. |
| Pain Management | Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Ice packs can reduce discomfort. |
| Incision Care | Keep incision clean and dry. Wash gently with mild soap. Tape strips may remain ~1 week. |
| Diet & Bowel Care | Drink fluids, eat soft or bland foods if nauseated. Avoid straining. |
| Warning Signs | Call doctor for heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or incision issues. |
Week 1 – Gentle Movement & Monitoring
Goals: Increase circulation, prevent constipation, support early healing.
| Focus Area | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Mobility | Gradually increase walking distances. Avoid stairs if possible. |
| Pelvic Floor | Gentle pelvic floor contractions (if cleared by doctor). |
| Daily Living | Showering allowed; avoid baths. Light household tasks only. |
| Diet & Bowel Care | Fiber, fluids, mild laxatives if needed. |
| Warning Signs | Call the doctor if there is persistent pain, unusual bleeding, fever, or leg swelling. |
Weeks 2–3 – Gradual Activity
Goals: Restore normal light activity, continue incision healing, start gentle rehabilitation.
| Focus Area | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Mobility & Exercise | Walk daily. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise. |
| Pelvic Floor | Continue gentle Kegels and light core engagement if comfortable. |
| Work & Daily Life | Short periods of work or normal activity; avoid prolonged standing or heavy tasks. |
| Sexual Activity | Avoid intercourse, tampons, or pessaries unless cleared by doctor. |
| Warning Signs | Contact healthcare provider if there are any signs of infection, bleeding, urinary issues, or worsening pain. |
Weeks 4–5 – Slowly Returning to Normal
Goals: Increase strength, stamina, and functional activity.
| Focus Area | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Mobility & Strength | Walk longer distances, light lifting (under 10–15 lbs) if approved. |
| Pelvic Floor Rehab | Increase Kegel duration and repetitions gradually. |
| Exercise | Gentle, low-impact activities (walking, stretching). Avoid high-impact or heavy lifting. |
| Diet & Bowel Care | Maintain hydration and fiber intake to prevent constipation. |
| Follow-Up | Continue routine check-ins with your doctor or pelvic floor therapist. |
Week 6+ – Return to Routine
Goals: Resume most daily activities safely.
| Focus Area | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Mobility & Exercise | Return to more normal activity, low-impact exercise; gradually increase intensity. |
| Pelvic Floor Therapy | Consider supervised pelvic floor physical therapy for optimal long-term function. |
| Sexual Activity | Usually allowed after doctor clearance (~6 weeks). |
| Heavy Lifting & Impact Sports | Slowly reintroduce once cleared; monitor body response. |
| Follow-Up Care | Attend post-op check-ups and continue to monitor for any warning signs. |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your doctor or seek emergency care right away if you notice any of the following:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or passing large clots
- Severe pain that isn’t relieved by prescribed medications
- Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, redness, swelling, or pus
- Foul-smelling discharge from the incision or vagina
- Incision opening or significant bleeding from the surgical site
- Urinary issues, including pain, blood in the urine, or inability to urinate
- Constipation or inability to pass gas or stool
- Swelling, redness, or pain in the legs, which could indicate a blood clot
- Sudden or severe abdominal pain
Paying prompt attention to these warning signs is essential to prevent complications and support a safe, smooth recovery.
What to do After Prolapse Surgery
Attending all scheduled post-surgery appointments is a critical part of your recovery journey. These visits allow your healthcare provider to monitor your healing, check your incision, evaluate your pelvic floor function, and address any questions or concerns you may have.
During follow-up appointments, discuss the safest and most appropriate timeline for gradually returning to daily activities, including work, driving, and exercise. Every recovery is unique, and your provider can help tailor a plan that balances activity with proper healing.
Continuing pelvic floor exercises as recommended is key to maintaining the strength and support of your pelvic muscles. In many cases, ongoing pelvic floor physical therapy can provide additional guidance, help correct posture and movement patterns, and maximize the long-term benefits of your surgery.
Regular follow-up care also helps identify potential issues early, preventing complications and ensuring that you regain comfort, function, and confidence. By staying engaged in your recovery plan and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you give yourself the best chance for a smooth, safe, and lasting recovery.
Using FemiCushion Happiness
After recovery from pelvic organ prolapse surgery, supporting and strengthening your pelvic floor is recommended to prevent recurrence and improve overall pelvic strength. FemiCushion Happiness is designed to provide gentle, targeted support while helping to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and promote proper pelvic alignment. Many patients find it especially helpful during prolonged sitting, exercise, or light household tasks, providing consistent pelvic floor training throughout daily life. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on when to start using FemiCushion Happiness after surgery, and begin gradually to ensure comfort and safety. With regular use, it can be a valuable tool in supporting your recovery and maintaining long-term pelvic health.
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.