Prolapse

What is a Prolapse?

A prolapse is a descent of one or more of the pelvic organs into the vagina.

This includes; the bladder,( Anterior compartment prolapse), bowels (Posterior compartment prolapse) or uterus(Uterine Prolapse).

Symptoms of a Prolapse

Vaginal bulging, aching or heaviness
Incomplete emptying of bowels or bladder
Incontinence

What can help my Prolapse?

A supervised pelvic floor muscle training program-, where a program of treatment is planned to suit your individual needs, with the advice of a pelvic floor physiotherapist or continence nurse advisor.
Suitable lifestyle advice and modifications such as improving your diet, fluid intake, exercising and losing weight
Exercise modifications
being aware of good bowel and bladder habits to avoid straining on the toilet
Vaginal Pessary ( (a plastic or rubber device that fits into your vagina) carefully measured and placed into the vagina to provide inside support for your pelvic organs)

The surgery approach

Surgery can be done to repair torn or stretched support tissues and ligaments. There are different ways to do this surgery including:

abdominal approach
vaginal approach
laparoscopic (keyhole)
robotic

The surgery makes the vaginal wall stronger and helps the tissues support the pelvic organs. Talk to your surgeon about what is the best surgery option for you.

After surgery
To prevent prolapse coming back again, you should make sure you:

have expert training to make sure your pelvic floor muscles work to support your pelvic organs
don't strain when using your bowels
keep your weight within the right range for your height and age
learn safe ways of lifting, including sharing the lifting of heavy loads
see your doctor if you have a cough that won't go away, and
see your doctor if simple things don't seem to make it better.

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