When vagina collapses (genital or pelvic organ prolapse)

This is an unpleasant change that usually occurs to women after childbirth, menopause or surgical removal of the uterus.

 

Genital prolapse often occurs as a result of childbirth, menopause or hysterectomy. (jlp)

 

What is genital or pelvic organ prolapse?

 

Muscles, connective tissue, the skin in nerves and the area around vagina form a complex network that holds organs, tissue and structures in place. This network also includes vaginal walls. If any body part becomes weak, it can cause genital prolapse or the collapse of the vagina. In that case, body parts such as the uterus, bladder, urethra, small intestine, rectum or vagina in fact slip out of place because there’s no longer any support. Without treatment or an operation they can fall further towards the vagina or even through the vaginal opening, which affects strongly both sex life and various bodily functions.

 

Weak structures in the vagina can cause the collapse of the vaginal walls. (jlp)

 

Types of genital prolapse

 

The so-called rectocele (prolapse of the rectum) is the collapse of the back wall of the vagina. The consequences are noticed during the functioning of digestive organs, in the form of breaking wind and leaking liquid faeces. Cystocele (bladder prolapse) is a result of the collapse of the front vaginal wall and it’s felt in a gynaecological examination. It causes leakage of urine in slight exertion, such as coughing, sneezing or exercise. Enterocele (prolapse of the small bowel) is the weakness of upper structures of the vagina. Uterine prolapse occurs as a result of weak connective tissue located at the top of the vagina. The uterus drops down and thus weakens both the front and back walls of the vagina. Women usually feel uterine prolapse as a pain in the lower abdomen, a painful sensation between the vagina and rectum, and dragging or heaviness. Experts distinguish several grades of uterine prolapse. Vaginal vault prolapse occurs as a result of hysterectomy, i.e. surgical removal of the uterus. As it supports the whole inside, 10% of women experience this type of prolapse after the aforementioned procedure. Owing to the prolapse, the vaginal walls start slipping down because they become weak. It can also happen that the top of the vagina is pushed through the vaginal opening, which could turn the vagina inside out. About a third of women can experience any type of prolapse in their lifetime, either after childbirth, menopause or hysterectomy. A lot of women don’t seek medical help.

Weak structures in the vagina can cause the collapse of the vaginal walls. (jlp)

 

Symptoms of genital prolapse

 

Symptoms depend on the type of prolapse. Women describe prolapse as a heavy sensation in the vagina, dragging and pain. The following symptoms occur with all types of prolapse :

-          pressure on the vagina

-          painful sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)

-          a bulge in the area around the vaginal opening

-          a more intense pain when lying down

-          an inflammation of the urinary system

Certain types of prolapse can cause difficulty in emptying the bladder leakage of urine, and breaking of wind or an enlarged vaginal opening. Some women don’t develop any symptoms despite prolapse.

 

Experts distinguish several types of genital prolapse. (jlp)

 

Treatment for genital prolapse

 

In the case of any symptoms, you definitely need medical help. It’s often required to undergo an operation, but treatment depends on the type of prolapse, its causes and development, and on the fact whether a woman is sexually active. New and improved techniques of operation enable surgeons to restore the position of organs. A woman can achieve a normal level of activity after three months. Thus, problems that affect sex life are solved too. In taking care of yourself at home, your gynaecologist would probably advise you to avoid lifting heavy things as well as any strain. As an alternative to an operation, you can use vaginal pessaries. These are rings used to hold the prolapsed uterus, which also function as a contraceptive. They have to be removed and cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Kegel exercises are also recommended to strengthen vaginal muscles, while oestrogen replacement therapy has the same effect on vaginal muscles.

 

 

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