Vaginal Prolapse: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments - Maximed Turkey

What is Vaginal Prolapse?

Vaginal prolapse is a condition in which the uterus falls from its normal position and into or outside of the vagina. In severe cases, it can push other organs out as well. It's largely a result of weakened pelvic muscles, especially the support ligaments which normally keep the uterus in place.

The conditions can either happen as a result of childbirth or age-related weakening. If left untreated, it could lead to fatal complications such as bowel perforations and bleeding – so anyone who suspects they may be suffering from vaginal prolapse should consult their doctor immediately.

The phrase "vaginal prolapse" is used to describe the condition of the vaginal tissue, which has fallen out of its proper position at the cervix.

There are two types of vaginal prolapse:

• Vaginal vault prolapse, which occurs when the upper part of the vagina drops into or pushes on your lower abdomen or your thighs.
• Vaginal bladder/uterine prolapse, which occurs when part of your uterus drops into or pushes on your vagina.

According to The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's website, "a uterine descent (or uterine/vault) is one in every five hundred deliveries.

What causes vaginal prolapse?

When you undergo vaginal delivery, your pelvic floor muscles are put under stress. This can result in the weakening of the muscles, which could lead to prolapse.

·    Other causes include Aging, which could lead to a weakening of the pelvic muscles and ligaments.

·    Childbirth: Prolapse becomes more common after vaginal deliveries. Women who have given birth multiple times are at an even higher risk of developing prolapse.

·    Additionally, women who have been pregnant for a long time or have given birth to large babies are also more likely to develop the condition.

·    Chronic constipation, which over time can put pressure on your pelvic muscles and lead to prolapse. Constipation is often caused by swallowing air while eating.

What treatment options are available?

The main aim of treatment is to correct and prevent the downward slide of your pelvic organs. The most effective treatments for this condition involve surgical repair and strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles.

How is vaginal prolapse diagnosed?

The doctor will ask you questions and give you a physical examination to diagnose vaginal prolapse. He/she may ask:

• Have you had a vaginal delivery before?
• Have you had a Cesarean section (C-section) before?
• Is the uterus and bladder sitting low on your belly (retropulsion)?
• Do you outgas during normal sitting and lying positions (gas and/or odour)?

If there is no urgency to treat prolapse, we encourage you to educate yourself on the condition. We've posted an informational brochure for those new to prolapse as well as a glossary of terms some may find unfamiliar (see the bottom of this page). If immediate treatment is needed, an appt. with a board-certified surgeon is always available for you just show up.

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is vaginal prolapse?

Vaginal prolapse is surprisingly common in some parts of the world, affecting about 50% of women over the age of 50 in developing countries. It's less common in western countries, but it can still affect up to 30% of women after they've had more than one child.

Vaginal prolapse and Childbirth?

The more children you have and the longer you push while giving birth, the higher your risk will be. By collaborating to empower caregivers with information, we can help reduce this devastating childbirth injury.

What is the difference between prolapse and a vaginal vault?

A prolapse occurs when the muscles of someone's vagina no longer support the organs in the vagina. The organs may push outward through smaller or larger openings in the walls of your vagina. Some women may experience both kinds of conditions, with some tissue slipping out externally and others having larger amounts slip inward. A vaginal vault is an organ that stays inside your body and supports other organs like your uterus and bladder. Your pelvic floor helps support these organs without causing pain or discomfort.

What are the different kinds of vaginal prolapse?

There are three main types of pelvic organ prolapses: cystocele, urethrocele, and rectocele. Cystocele is when your bladder pushes forward into your vagina. Urethrocele is when your urethra pushes forward into your vagina. Rectocele is when your bowels push forward into your vagina. You may also have more than one kind of pelvic organ prolapse at the same time. This combination of all the different kinds of organ prolapses is known as multiple cystoceles, multiple urethroceles, or multiple rectoceles.

What causes a pelvic organ prolapse?

About half of all cases of pelvic organ prolapse are caused by childbirth (vaginal delivery). Other factors such as age, obesity, and high heels may also contribute to the development of vaginal prolapse.

Many women who experience partial or complete prolapse after birth say that they experienced pain during their child-birth. This pain is called dyspareunia which means: "pain between." Pain during childbirth is not always present and can be painful or not painful. Even if you had no pain during your labour, your body may still be sensitive to the changes it experiences during this time.