@lisakimm_menopausecoach: 📌 Vaginal splinting: when external pressure isn’t enough. With a rectocele, the rectum bulges forwards into the back vaginal wall, creating a pocket where stool can become trapped 💩 Pressing externally on the perineum may help some women—but for others, it simply isn’t enough. 👉 By gently supporting the back vaginal wall internally, some women can flatten the pocket and create a straighter route for the stool to pass. 🔸 This is called vaginal splinting. The support is applied vaginally rather than through the rectum. It is not scooping or digital evacuation ❌ A rectocele is the condition most commonly associated with vaginal splinting, but it isn’t the only possible explanation. Other causes of obstructed bowel emptying can include: 🔸 An enterocele 🔸 Internal rectal intussusception 🔸 Pelvic-floor muscles that do not relax and coordinate properly 🔸 More than one pelvic-floor problem occurring together Splinting may help manage the immediate problem, but it does not diagnose or treat the underlying cause. If you regularly need internal support to empty your bowel—particularly alongside pain, bleeding, constipation, leakage or a vaginal bulge—speak to your GP and ask about referral to a pelvic-floor physiotherapist, urogynaecologist or colorectal specialist. 🔸 Always use clean hands 🔸 Keep nails short and smooth 🔸 Use lubricant if needed ⚠️ Never dig, scrape or force ✨ Vaginal splinting is a recognised technique included in NHS prolapse guidance. It isn’t disgusting. It is how some women manage a genuine bowel-emptying problem 🤍 📚 Sources: CUH; Apostolis et al., 2012. #rectocele #prolapse #menopause #womenshealth #constipation

Lisa Kimm | Menopause Coach

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Friday 28 August 2026 18:17:51 GMT