Vaginal Prolapse

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Over 30% of women in their later years will suffer from vaginal prolapse. On average, 250, 000 women a year will have a persistent enough problem with it that it will require surgery. Even with these large numbers, vaginal prolapse is not a well-known problem, which is why Dr. Kristine Whitmore, Chief of Urology at the Pelvic and Sexual Institute, came by to tell us more.

What is a Vaginal Prolapse?
A vaginal prolapse occurs when the ligaments holding the pelvis together begin to stretch or tear, and the organs inside protrude out of the vagina. It can be caused by numerous factors, including childbirth, menopause, obesity, chronic cough caused by smoking, and genetically loose connective tissue. There are different levels of severity depending on how far the organ protrudes, or the level of discomforted associated, but that depends on the type of prolapse that the woman is experiencing.

Types of Prolapse
There are three main types of vaginal prolapse. Prolapse of the anterior (front) vaginal wall, prolapse of the posterior (back) vaginal wall, and Uterine and Vaginal Vault Prolapse (apical or top). Anterior Vaginal Prolapse is the most common in women, and happens when the bladder or urethra prolapses through the vagina. Posterior vaginal prolapse is when the small or large bowel, prolapses through the vagina. And uterine and vaginal vault prolapse, the second most common in women, occurs when the womb drops into the vagina.

Treatments
Though vaginal prolapse is rarely life threatening, it is painful. Thankfully, there are treatments available. Some women may require surgical intervention, while others do not. For women who don’t require surgery, they may use a bio feedback machine to stimulate their selective muscles to relax, which is usually accompanied by 30-50 pelvic muscle crunches a day. There is also the option of using an incontinence ring or gellhorn pessary, which is designed to keep the organs in place specifically for the type of prolapse and the severity. If surgery is required, patients may choose to place a little piece of tape over the organ to secure it, or even use a skin graph to connect the ligaments to keep the organs in place.

Prevention
There is no sure-fire way to prevent vaginal prolapse, but there are known ways to lessen the probability of acquiring it. Some preventative measures include quitting smoking, losing weight, and avoiding constipation.