After cystocele surgery: healing and daily care

Cystocele surgery supports the front vaginal wall and the bladder above it. Pelvic aching, tiredness, light vaginal bleeding or discharge, and temporary changes in bladder emptying can occur during early healing. Swelling may make the vaginal area feel different before tissues settle. Improvement is usually gradual, and the timing varies with the operation performed, other procedures done at the same time, and your general health.

Take prescribed medicines as directed and keep any wound-care instructions close at hand. Gentle walking helps restore mobility, but build up slowly and follow the surgeon's limits for lifting, driving, work, exercise, baths, sex, and anything placed in the vagina. Avoid straining by drinking enough fluid, eating fibre-rich foods, and using a recommended bowel medicine if needed. If you were sent home with a catheter, follow the emptying and hygiene plan and confirm when it will be reviewed.

Seek prompt surgical advice if you cannot pass urine, the catheter stops draining, pain is increasing despite medication, bleeding becomes heavy, discharge smells unpleasant, a wound becomes red or drains pus, or you develop fever or chills. New calf pain or swelling, chest pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting, or severe bleeding needs emergency care. A new vaginal bulge should also be assessed, although swelling alone can change sensations during healing.

Before resuming normal routines, ask which activities are safe at each stage and what symptoms should trigger a call. Find out whether pelvic floor rehabilitation is suitable, how to manage constipation or coughing without straining, when bladder function will be checked, and whether ongoing heaviness, leakage, urgency, or discomfort requires an examination.