What Is Splinting? - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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What Is Splinting?

What Is Splinting?

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What is splinting?

A rectocele occurs when the wall between the rectum and vagina weakens, allowing a bulge to form into the vagina. Some women with rectoceles experience constipation due to difficulty pushing stool past the bulge. Straining during a bowel movement worsens the bulge, so “splinting” becomes necessary to help the stool pass. Splinting means inserting one’s fingers into the vagina to push the bulge in and assist the stool in passing through the rectum. Though splinting alleviates the constipation temporarily, Sisters say that it is an unpleasant process that has a significant negative impact on a woman’s quality of life.

An alternative to splinting for some women is using a pessary. A pessary is a plastic device inserted into the vagina to support the vaginal wall. However, depending on the location and severity of the rectocele, a pessary may or may not help with a woman’s difficult bowel movements. Plus, pessaries must be fitted by a doctor and removed monthly for cleaning and reinsertion. They are generally not a sufficient permanent fix, and most women eventually opt for repair surgery when their rectoceles become severe and splinting is a daily issue.

In the meantime, if you are having to splint regularly to have a bowel movement, you can work on reducing straining by taking steps to keep your stool soft and regular by increasing fiber in your diet, staying well hydrated, and taking stool softeners as necessary.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Susan D. Hunter, M.D. 626 Ed Carey Dr Harlingen TX 78550 956-428-4868	Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D. 9101 North Central Expressway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75231 214-826-2979	Steven McCarus, M.D. 400 Celebration Place Suite310 Celebration FL 34747 4073034190
Christopher Stroud, M.D. 11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive Suite 101 Fort Wayne IN 46845 2609695071	Mark Richey, M.D. 1200 Airport Heights Ste 205 Anchorage AK 99508 9072724443	Wilfredo R. Ramos, M.D. 5301 F Street, Suite 210 Sacramento CA 95819 (916) 453-3440
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888	Nonnie-Marie Estella, M.D. 10 Research Place Suite 520 North Chelmsford MA 01863 978-459-8300	John Lenihan, M.D. 314 ML King Jr. Way Suite 104 Tacoma WA 98465 253-403-5432

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