A vaginal prolapse occurs when the supporting sling (or ligaments) that holds the womb and other pelvic organs in position is no longer strong enough to do this effectively.
The womb may descend or ‘drop down’ in varying positions, pressing on other pelvic organs such as the bladder or bowel and resulting in different types of prolapse. A prolapse may be described as ‘something coming down’ in the vagina. It may cause backache and difficulty in controlling the bladder and sometimes the bowel, or discomfort during sexual intercourse.
The sling (or ligaments), the walls of the vagina and the pelvic floor muscles could have become weakened for various reasons, the most common being pregnancy and childbirth. Other causes may be a chronic cough (as with smokers or people with chest problems), straining when constipated, continuous heavy lifting, or following menopause when the decrease in production of female hormones effects the elasticity of the tissues.
The surgery to repair a prolapse is often combined with a hysterectomy, in which case the womb is usually removed vaginally and the vaginal walls are strengthened and repaired at the same time, using stitches which dissolve. If the womb is not removed, the sling (or ligaments) will be shortened to lift the womb back into place.
This will allow the bladder and bowel to return to their correct position. The supporting muscles (pelvic floor muscles) may also need repair due to stretching. On occasions these muscles and the vaginal walls need repairing at some time after a woman has had a hysterectomy.
At the Surrey Park Clinic, we are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of Vaginal Prolapse and offer personalised care at our accessible clinic at a time to suit you. Please call 01483 454 016 to arrange your consultation.