Looking for help with descending perineum syndrome (DPS)

Posted by ClarePank @samanthamichel, Dec 30, 2024

Good Morning,

I'm a 30 year old mother (seven months postpartum with my first child) I was just diagnosed with descending perineum syndrome (DPS) and a slight rectocele after undergoing an MRI defecography. This diagnosis came after months of experiencing obstructed defecation and straining which has had a major detrimental impact to my life. Both my urogyn, colorectal surgeon, and pelvic floor physical therapist misdiagnosed me initially as having pelvic floor spasms. It seems from my research that this is a rare condition (especially considering my age) and not a lot has been written about the topic. Has anyone in this forum experienced something like this and if so what was your treatment like? I'm desperately looking for information. Thanks to anyone that can point me in the right direction!

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Rubyslippers | @triciaot | Dec 30, 2024

I find ScienceDirect has a good search engine to find current relevant info on medical topics. Full articles are not always available, but if info seems to apply to the situation you might bring it to the attention of your physician.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/search?qs=Descending%20perineum%20syndrome
One of these articles associates connective tissue disorders, like Ehlers Danlos, with young women and DPS. Although this type of diagnosis may not help resolve anything for the DPS, it would provide some answers for other issues you might be experiencing.

I had a rectocele repair at 47, but it was no doubt from the birthing of my first child (age 27) that was a natural birth, with the typical perineum cut, but forceps were used which I imagine tore the area even more. (It was quite painful!!). The rectocele repair, called a posterior repair, was done by my gynecologist who was an excellent surgeon. But only after I saw a colorectal surgeon who concurred that the rectocele repair was needed.
By the way, my gynecologist said I should avoid an anterior repair in the future if at all possible. Messing with the bladder is more complicated than the wall holding back the colon. There are more residual problems after an anterior repair.
For my issues, the posterior repair was successful and I’ve had no more issues.

Best wishes on your journey to find answers and resolution!