Understanding Vaginal Prolapse: Causes and Treatment
After childbirth, many women experience a condition known as vaginal prolapse. This can lead to pain, discomfort, urinary incontinence, and even embarrassment as they struggle to understand how to manage their symptoms. Luckily, there are advanced options available that can help women restore strength to their pelvic floors and correct prolapse.
What Is Vaginal Prolapse?
Vaginal prolapse occurs when the vagina slips out of its natural position, falling into the vaginal canal and creating a bulge. When the vagina weakens and droops from its natural position, it can cause the sensation of a lump in the pelvic region. Some prolapses are small while others are large; smaller prolapses are known as incomplete vaginal prolapses; large vaginal prolapses are called complete prolapses, and they occur when organs begin to protrude out of your vaginal opening.
What Does Vaginal Prolapse Look Like?
In severe cases, you will notice a pink bulge coming out of your vaginal opening. This is due to a severe or complete case of prolapse. In other cases, you may not see anything but feel as though you have a lump or bulge in your pelvic region.
Symptoms of vaginal prolapse can also include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or bowels
- Urinary incontinence
- Pain during sexual activity
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should speak with your gynecologist. They can help diagnose your condition and offer advice for the best next steps.
What Causes Vaginal Prolapse?
Whenever the muscles around the pelvic floor weaken, the risk of vaginal prolapse increases. Some women develop it due to age while many experience prolapse after having a baby. Aging, obesity, lifting heavy weights and chronic straining to defecate can also cause vaginal prolapse.
How to Fix Vaginal Prolapse
There are two options for correcting vaginal prolapse: surgery and therapy.
Surgical Treatment Options
In severe cases, you may require a procedure called a vaginal vault suspension. This involves lifting the dropped organs and reattaching them to muscles on the pelvic floor.
Another option is called a sacrocolpopexy, a procedure that involves attaching a specialized mesh to the tailbone and using it to lift the vagina. A sacrocolpopexy is a minimally invasive procedure done by making small incisions in your abdomen.
Doctors do not generally rush to perform surgery as many cases of vaginal prolapse can be treated with non-invasive methods. It is best to explore all your options thoroughly before committing to a surgical procedure.
For non-mesh treatment options for vaginal prolapse, meanwhile, ARMS Medical’s VNEW is a surgical, non-synthetic, non-mesh vaginal prolapse surgery solution.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
You can explore various treatment options to manage and treat vaginal prolapse, including:
- Vaginal exercises (Kegels) to strengthen the pelvic floor
- Pilates exercises that lift the pelvic floor and strengthen the core
- Lifestyle changes, including diet enhancements and exercise for weight loss
- Vagina pessary, a special type of sling that is inserted into the vagina and provides support
Is Vaginal Prolapse Reversible?
Yes, many cases of vaginal prolapse are fully treatable, and patients go on to experience a full recovery. In some cases, patients may need ongoing symptom management to maintain their confidence, comfort and healthy pelvic floor function.
How to Prevent Vaginal Prolapse After Childbirth
While you can’t directly prevent vaginal prolapse from childbirth, you can work to prepare your body for the process through Kegels and pelvic floor exercises. By strengthening your pelvic floor, you can reduce the risk of weakened muscles causing your vagina to fall.
Working with your doctor to address concerns and taken preventative action is key to protecting your body and taking care of your health.
Contact Arms Medical for Personalized Care
Speak with a pelvic floor expert who can help you manage prolapse and rebuild a strong core. Our tailored treatments are based on individualized treatment plans that help address your unique symptoms and experiences. Reach out to us today to find a physician who uses state-of-the-art treatment to correct vaginal prolapse.
