prolapse
At Women’s Health Plus we specialise in treating women who have experienced pelvic organ prolapse. We are able to provide a range of treatments depending on the type of prolapse and the stage it has reached, including laser therapy,
Neotonus Chair therapy, vaginal pessaries and vaginal repair surgery. Vaginal prolapse occurs when - as a result of damage to the vaginal supports - the weakened walls begin to bulge into the vaginal canal or to protrude from the vagina.
Vaginal prolapse can take several different forms:
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Cystocele — this is when the front wall of the vagina is weakened and the bladder protrudes into the vaginal canal
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Rectocele —the bowel bulges into the vaginal canal as a result of weakening of the back wall of the vagina
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Vaginal vault prolapse — this form of prolapse is when the top part of the vagina collapses into the vaginal canal with or without a hysterectomy
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Uterine prolapse — this is when the uterus collapses into the vagina or outside it in severe cases
There are a number of causes of vaginal prolapse. It can occur as a result of childbirth, the onset of menopause or as part of the ageing process. Other causes include the frequent lifting of heavy objects, chronic constipation or frequent severe coughing, while being obese can also be a contributing factor. In some women, vaginal prolapse is a result of previous pelvic surgery, such as hysterectomy.
Just as vaginal prolapse can take different forms, so too is there a variety of symptoms, some of which may not be instantly noticeable. These can include a lump or bulge in the vagina, or tissues protruding from the front or back wall. There may also be a heavy or dragging sensation in the vagina (particularly when coughing or sneezing, or engaging in physical activity), or you may have difficulty in urinating or emptying your bowels. Some women will experience pain or discomfort during sex as a result of a prolapse, or experience reoccurring urinary tract infections (UTI).
At Women’s Health Plus, we are able to provide a variety of treatments for vaginal prolapse, depending on the nature and stage of the condition. In some cases, this may involve advising you on positive changes you can make to your lifestyle, such as stopping smoking or improving your diet. It could also be the case that pelvic floor exercises will be an effective treatment, guided by our Women's Health Physiotherapist, as might the use of vaginal pessaries, laser therapy or Neotonus Chair therapy.
In some cases, it may be necessary to undergo vaginal repair surgery, which essentially involves reattaching the vagina to its supports, although the precise nature of the procedure will depend on the type of prolapse you have experienced. Your doctor will be able to advise you as to what type of surgery may be required.
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