Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Women with prolapse may have different symptoms depending on the type of prolapse. The signs and symptoms include:

• Slow urinary stream,

• Difficulty in bowel movements,

• A vaginal lump,

• Protrusion of vagina from the body,

• Painful sexual intercourse,

• Vaginal pain,

• Irritation and

• Bleeding.

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Causes of Pelvic Floor Prolapse

The main cause of vaginal prolapse is weakness in the muscles, tissues, and ligaments that support the vagina and surrounding tissues and organs.

The factors that can cause vaginal prolapse include:

• Frequent lifting of heavy objects,

• Chronic cough,

• Severe constipation,

• Menopause,

• Childbirth,

• Previous surgeries in the pelvic area,

• Advanced age,

• Hysterectomy and

• Obesity.

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Treatment Options for Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Treatment options include:

• Pelvic floor exercises

• Lifestyle changes - to avoid heavy lifting, constipation

• Local oestrogen treatment

• A Pessary, a removable device fitted in the vagina to reduce pain and pressure of pelvic organ prolapse.

If non-surgical treatment does not reduce the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, then surgery is considered. There are several types of surgeries to correct different types of pelvic floor prolapse.

The surgery can be performed laparoscopically or through the vagina, depending on the nature of the prolapse.