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Rectocele repair how long before stitches dissolve?

Posted , 7 users are following.

terrie2904
terrie2904

Hi all I am 5 1/2 weeks post op for rectocele I have had no problems so far, however could feel something when bending over inside, so had a gentle investigation and found a sharp end of a stitch.. I am going away next week and was hoping to resume marital relations again with my husband as my surgeon said 6 weeks, but worried this isn't possible now as I don't want to do any damage to the wound or cause infection plus I think this may hurt my husband.  Would a warm bath help dissolve the stitches or should I wait until the stitches completely dissolve? I am seeing my surgeon on 24th January for post op checks Thanks

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • steph16921
    steph16921 terrie2904

    Posted

    Ugh tell me about it. Mine are still there. I'm 9/10 weeks post op. Dr tried to snip them shorter but was too painful with no numbing med. she said the deep ones could take months to dissolve. And yes it hurts my hubby. He calls it a bear trap in there now lol... Well kinda not lol

  • Jan999
    Jan999 terrie2904

    Posted

    Sutures can take up to 14-16 weeks to dissolve but that's not a bad thing. You want your repair to last so the longer the sutures stay in place the better.

  • Hijadeonagro
    Hijadeonagro terrie2904

    Posted

    Hi Terrie, I have been having intercouse many times with stitches inside (specially one that sting a lot to me) and my husband never noticed it and of course it didn't harm him at all.

    But if it is the case, ask your doc to remove them but I am afraid you will need local anesthesia.

    Let's see what Matron says...

  • terrie2904
    terrie2904

    Posted

    Thanks ladies I might try with my husband next week, I was concerned about doing damage but if you think it's ok to have intercourse with stitches especially if they can take months to dissolve I will give it ago.

    Steph that made me chuckle the 'bear trap' my husband is definitely nervous as years ago I had a coil fitted and they didn't trim the end and he felt it and has never forgot the pain! 

    • Jan999
      Jan999 terrie2904

      Posted

      I don't think I'm saying it's ok terrie. A post op check is usually the time when a urogynaecologist will tell you having intercourse is ok. I always advise you check with you GP or consultant.

    • steph16921
      steph16921 Jan999

      Posted

      Oh yes of course you must be cleared by your dr first
  • terrie2904
    terrie2904

    Posted

    Ok so I'm best to wait until I see the surgeon then at the end of January thank you

    • Hijadeonagro
      Hijadeonagro terrie2904

      Posted

      Hi Terrie, I thought your doctor had given his permission to have sex already, but I can tell from your words that he hasn't. In that case I would wait until the last check and permission.

      nevertheless, if the stitch has not been dissolved by that time, you could try a bit little by little because maybe you are taking for granted that it will be painful and maybe it won't ! Or you could try with lubricant or condoms. It's just an idea 😊

    • terrie2904
      terrie2904 Hijadeonagro

      Posted

      Hi sorry for the delay in responding I've been away for Xmas the doctor did say I could have intercourse at 6 weeks which would be this Thursday so may try then feeling apprehensive! 

  • robyn94818
    robyn94818 terrie2904

    Posted

    And I want to add that a bath won't make them dissolve faster. I wouldn't think a bath is advisable yet anyway as that can cause infection to track into operated areas via the sutures. I'm sure your Urogynae can let you know if you can have a bath. You don't want them dissolving faster yet anyway as being in longer isn't a bad thing. It gives more time for deep healing.

  • Jan999
    Jan999 terrie2904

    Posted

    Terrie it is ok to have a bath once you are 6 weeks post op. That is the general advice given and is safe with all of the different sutures used. 
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