Vaginal Prolapse
Vaginal prolapse is a condition caused by damage to the vaginal supports. As the support of the vagina is lost the weakened walls of the vagina bulge into the vaginal canal and can protrude out of the vagina.
Traditionally prolapse has been defined by the abdominal organs sitting behind the part of the vagina that is bulging.
Several types of vaginal prolapse conditions have been indentified and they include:
- Cystocele – When the front wall of the vagina is weakened the bladder pushes into the vaginal canal
- Rectocele – When the back wall of the vagina is weakened the bowel bulges into the vaginal canal
- Vaginal vault prolapse – Top portion of vagina collapses into vaginal canal
- Uterine prolapse – Uterus prolapses into the vagina
Causes
The main cause is weakness in the muscles, tissues, and ligaments that support the vagina, surrounding tissues and organs.
The factors that can cause vaginal prolapse include
- Childbirth
- Frequent Lifting of Heavy Objects
- Chronic Cough
- Severe Constipation
- Menopause
- Previous Pelvic Surgery including hysterectomy
- Mature Age
- Obesity
Symptoms
Women with prolapse may have different symptoms based on the type of prolapse.
The Signs & Symptoms Include
- Difficulty in urinating and/or Emptying of the bowel
- Dragging Sensation in the vagina
- Noticeable Bulge/Vaginal Lump
- Protrusion of tissues at the front and back wall of the vagina
- Pain is not usually a symptom and unlikely to be helped by surgery.
Treatment Types
Vaginal Support Pessaries
Vaginal Repair Surgery
Laparoscopic Uterosacral Ligament Vault Resuspension
(Vault Prolapse)
Laparoscopic Uterosacral Ligament Hysteropexy
(Resuspension of uterine descent)
Treatment is only indicated when the prolapse is symptomatic. The majority of women will have a noticeable improvement in symptoms following a prolapse repair operation. Long term success rates vary depending on the degree of prolapse, the type of procedure and the number of risk factors present in each individual circumstance. Your specialist will be pleased to discuss these with you and advise the most appropriate option(s) for you.
Specialists
