What is Vaginal Prolapse?
Vaginal prolapse, a type of pelvic organ prolapse, is a medical condition in which a woman's uterus weakens and falls out of its normal position, causing complications. The condition is not life-threatening, but it can be quite painful and inconvenient if not treated.
What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Prolapse?
Common symptoms of vaginal prolapse include a pull in your pelvis, pain, pressure, a bulge of tissue protruding from your vagina, and the sensation that something may be falling out through your vagina. Women may also experience painful intercourse, urinary tract infections or difficulty emptying their bladder or bowels. Some women, on the other hand, experience no symptoms at all.
What Causes Vaginal Prolapse?
Vaginal prolapse happens when a woman's ligaments and pelvic floor muscles weaken and sag. This typically happens as the result of childbirth, particularly multiple childbirths, and aging. Factors such as obesity, heredity, physical strain and pelvic surgery can increase a woman's risk of developing this condition as well.
What Treatments are Available for Vaginal Prolapse?
Women suffering from vaginal prolapse often have several treatment options. Women whose symptoms aren't severe will likely benefit from non-invasive treatment options, such as Kegel exercises.
For women who have severe symptoms, pessary devices or surgery are often the most effective and reliable options. There are various procedures available to treat uterine prolapse, including tissue grafts onto the pelvic floor support structures. A hysterectomy may also be deemed a good choice depending on the severity of the woman’s case, and whether she is done having children or has no intention of having children.
Vaginal prolapse may be inconvenient and painful, but the good news is that it is treatable. If you suspect that you have some degree of vaginal prolapse, consult with your doctor about your treatment options today.