Vaginal Prolapse (Symptoms,Causes and Treatment)

Vaginal sagging, also known as vaginal prolapse or pelvic organ prolapse, is a condition that occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs, including the uterus, bladder, and rectum, weaken or become damaged. This can cause one or more of the pelvic organs to bulge into the vagina, leading to discomfort, pain, and other symptoms.

Vaginal sagging can occur for a variety of reasons, including childbirth, aging, menopause, obesity, and certain medical conditions. Treatment options for vaginal sagging may include pelvic floor exercises, vaginal pessaries, hormone therapy, and surgery. Women with vaginal sagging should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of their condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

This article covers the following topics :

What is vaginal prolapse?

Vaginal sagging, also known as vaginal prolapse or pelvic organ prolapse, is a common condition that occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken or become damaged. This can cause one or more of the pelvic organs, including the uterus, bladder, and rectum, to bulge into the vagina, leading to discomfort, pain, and other symptoms.

Vaginal sagging can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

1-Childbirth: Women who have given birth vaginally may be at increased risk for vaginal sagging, as the strain of childbirth can weaken the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs.

2-Aging: As women age, the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs may naturally weaken, increasing the risk of vaginal sagging.

3-Menopause: The hormonal changes associated with menopause can also contribute to the development of vaginal sagging, as lower levels of estrogen can weaken the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor.

4-Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put additional strain on the pelvic organs, increasing the risk of vaginal sagging.

5-Chronic coughing or straining: Chronic coughing or straining, such as during bowel movements, can also contribute to the development of vaginal sagging.

Symptoms of vaginal sagging can vary depending on the severity and extent of the condition, but may include:

1-A sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region

2-Bulging or protrusion of the pelvic organs into the vagina

3-Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse

4-Urinary incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder

5-Constipation or difficulty emptying the bowels

6-Lower back pain or discomfort

Women who experience symptoms of vaginal sagging should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of their condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options for vaginal sagging may include:

1-Pelvic floor exercises: These exercises, also known as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, improving support for the pelvic organs.

2-Vaginal pessaries: These devices can be inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs and alleviate symptoms of vaginal sagging.

3-Hormone therapy: In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended to help improve the strength and elasticity of the tissues of the pelvic floor.

4-Surgery: For more severe cases of vaginal sagging, surgery may be recommended to repair or reconstruct the pelvic floor and provide support for the pelvic organs.

Women with vaginal sagging should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses their specific symptoms and concerns. With prompt and appropriate treatment, many women with vaginal sagging are able to achieve relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Are there different types of prolapse?

Yes, there are different types of prolapse that can occur in the pelvic region. These include:

1-Uterine prolapse: This occurs when the uterus drops down into the vagina, often due to weakened pelvic muscles and tissues. Symptoms may include a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region, as well as discomfort during sexual intercourse.

2-Bladder prolapse: Also known as cystocele, this occurs when the bladder bulges into the vagina due to weakened pelvic muscles and tissues. Symptoms may include urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bladder, and a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the pelvic region.

3-Rectal prolapse: This occurs when the rectum protrudes into the vagina due to weakened pelvic muscles and tissues. Symptoms may include difficulty passing bowel movements, as well as a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the pelvic region.

4-Vaginal vault prolapse: This occurs when the upper portion of the vagina drops down into the lower portion of the vagina, often following a hysterectomy. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, as well as a feeling of pressure or discomfort in the pelvic region.

5-Enterocele: This occurs when a portion of the small intestine protrudes into the vagina, often due to weakened pelvic muscles and tissues. Symptoms may include discomfort or pain in the pelvic region, as well as difficulty passing bowel movements.

The specific type of prolapse that occurs can vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Women who experience symptoms of prolapse should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of their condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How common is vaginal prolapse?

Vaginal prolapse, also known as pelvic organ prolapse, is a common condition, particularly among women who have given birth vaginally or who have gone through menopause. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, up to half of all women may experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime. However, the exact prevalence of vaginal prolapse can vary depending on factors such as age, parity (number of children born), and underlying health conditions. Vaginal prolapse can occur in women of all ages, but is more common in women who have gone through menopause or who have given birth vaginally. Women who are overweight or obese may also be at increased risk for vaginal prolapse, as excess weight can put additional strain on the pelvic organs. Overall, the prevalence of vaginal prolapse is relatively high, but many women with the condition are able to achieve relief from their symptoms with appropriate treatment.

How do I know if I have a prolapse?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area, or notice that your vagina looks or feels different, you may have a pelvic organ prolapse. Other symptoms may include:

*Pain or discomfort during sex

*Lower back pain

*Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating

*Difficulty with bowel movements

*A bulge or lump in the vagina

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Your provider can perform a physical exam to check for signs of prolapse, such as a bulge in the vaginal wall or weakness in the pelvic muscles. Your provider may also recommend further tests, such as imaging or a pelvic floor function test, to better understand the severity and extent of the prolapse.

It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect that you may have a pelvic organ prolapse, as untreated prolapse can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially serious complications. With appropriate treatment, many women with pelvic organ prolapse are able to achieve relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

How does a prolapse affect other parts of my body?

A pelvic organ prolapse can affect other parts of your body in several ways:

1-Urinary system: A prolapse can put pressure on your bladder, causing urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, or an urgent need to urinate.

2-Digestive system: A prolapse can also put pressure on your rectum, causing constipation or difficulty with bowel movements.

3-Sexual function: A prolapse can cause discomfort or pain during sex, making sexual activity less enjoyable.

4-Pelvic floor muscles: A prolapse can weaken the muscles that support your pelvic organs, leading to further problems such as pelvic pain or discomfort.

5-Emotional well-being: The physical symptoms of a prolapse, such as a bulging sensation in the vagina or difficulty with urination, can also affect your emotional well-being and quality of life.

If left untreated, a prolapse can lead to further complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or other problems with your pelvic organs. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you may have a pelvic organ prolapse, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve your overall health and well-being.

What are the symptoms of vaginal prolapse?

The symptoms of vaginal prolapse can vary depending on the severity and extent of the prolapse, as well as the specific organs that are affected. Some common symptoms may include:

1-A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area

2-A bulge or lump in the vagina that may feel like a ball or a mass

3-Pain or discomfort during sex

4-Lower back pain

5-Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating

6-Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

7-Pelvic pain or discomfort

In some cases, you may not experience any symptoms, or your symptoms may be mild and easily manageable. However, if left untreated, a prolapse can worsen over time and lead to more serious complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or other problems with your pelvic organs. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and determine the underlying cause of your condition.

What does vaginal prolapse feel like?

A vaginal prolapse may feel different for each person, but common sensations may include:

1-A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area

2-A bulge or lump in the vagina that may feel like a ball or a mass

3-Sensations of fullness or stretching in the pelvic area

4-Discomfort or pain during sex

5-Lower back pain

6-Urinary incontinence or difficulty urinating

7-Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

8-Pelvic pain or discomfort

These sensations may be more pronounced when standing or exerting pressure on the pelvic area, and may feel more pronounced towards the end of the day. If you suspect that you may have a vaginal prolapse or are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and determine the underlying cause of your condition. With appropriate treatment, many women with pelvic organ prolapse are able to achieve relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What causes vaginal prolapse?

Vaginal prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken, causing them to drop down into the vaginal canal. This weakening of the pelvic floor can occur for several reasons, including:

1-Childbirth: Vaginal delivery can stretch and weaken the pelvic floor muscles, particularly if the delivery involved prolonged pushing or the use of instruments such as forceps or vacuum extraction.

2-Menopause: As women age and go through menopause, the levels of estrogen in their bodies decrease, which can cause the pelvic muscles and tissues to weaken.

3-Chronic coughing: Chronic coughing or straining can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and cause them to weaken.

4-Heavy lifting: Regular heavy lifting can also strain the pelvic floor muscles and cause them to weaken over time.

5-Genetics: Some women may be more prone to pelvic organ prolapse due to genetic factors or an inherited weakness in the pelvic floor muscles.

Other risk factors that may increase your chances of developing vaginal prolapse include obesity, chronic constipation, a history of pelvic surgery, or a family history of prolapse.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vaginal prolapse, it is important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of your condition and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

How is vaginal prolapse diagnosed?

To diagnose vaginal prolapse, your healthcare provider will typically perform a physical exam, which may include:

1-Pelvic exam: During a pelvic exam, your healthcare provider will visually inspect the vagina, cervix, and other pelvic organs for any signs of prolapse.

2-Muscle strength assessment: Your healthcare provider may also ask you to perform certain exercises or maneuvers to assess the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

3-Imaging tests: In some cases, imaging tests such as an MRI or ultrasound may be used to evaluate the extent and severity of the prolapse.

Your healthcare provider may also ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors that may increase your chances of developing a prolapse.

It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect that you may have a vaginal prolapse, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further complications and improve your overall health and well-being.

At what age does a prolapse happen?

Vaginal prolapse can occur at any age, but it is more common in women who are postmenopausal, or who have given birth multiple times. The weakening of the pelvic floor muscles that leads to prolapse can occur gradually over time, and is often a result of natural aging processes or physical strain on the pelvic muscles from activities such as childbirth or heavy lifting.

However, vaginal prolapse can also occur in younger women who have not given birth or gone through menopause. In these cases, prolapse may be caused by other factors such as chronic coughing, constipation, or a genetic predisposition to pelvic floor weakness.

It is important to note that vaginal prolapse is a treatable condition, and with appropriate treatment, many women are able to achieve relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you are experiencing symptoms of vaginal prolapse or are concerned about your risk for developing prolapse, it is important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.

How is vaginal prolapse treated?

The treatment for vaginal prolapse depends on the severity of the prolapse and the symptoms you are experiencing. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary, particularly if the prolapse is mild and not causing any significant discomfort or functional problems. However, if you are experiencing symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or urinary or bowel problems, there are several treatment options available:

1-Pelvic floor exercises: Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs and improve symptoms of prolapse.

2-Vaginal pessary: A vaginal pessary is a device that is inserted into the vagina to provide support for the pelvic organs and alleviate symptoms of prolapse.

3-Surgery: In more severe cases of prolapse, surgery may be necessary to repair the weakened pelvic floor muscles and provide support for the pelvic organs.

4-Lifestyle modifications: Making certain lifestyle modifications such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding heavy lifting or straining can also help alleviate symptoms of prolapse.

Your healthcare provider can work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs and help you manage your symptoms effectively. With appropriate treatment, many women with pelvic organ prolapse are able to achieve relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What happens if the prolapse is left untreated?

If left untreated, vaginal prolapse can lead to a range of complications and health problems, including:

1-Recurrent urinary tract infections: A prolapse can make it difficult to fully empty the bladder, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

2-Urinary incontinence: A prolapse can cause urinary leakage and difficulty with bladder control.

3-Bowel problems: A prolapse can cause difficulty with bowel movements, constipation, and fecal incontinence.

4-Sexual dysfunction: A prolapse can cause discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse and may interfere with sexual function.

5-Ulcers or sores: In severe cases, a prolapse can lead to the formation of ulcers or sores in the vaginal area.

6-Tissue damage: Prolapse can cause tissue damage in the pelvic area, which may require surgical intervention.

It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect that you may have a vaginal prolapse or are experiencing any symptoms of prolapse. With appropriate treatment, many women are able to achieve relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Can you push a prolapse back up?

While it may be tempting to try to push a prolapse back up into the vagina, this is not recommended and can actually cause further damage to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding tissues. In addition, trying to push a prolapse back up on your own can be painful and may increase the risk of infection.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vaginal prolapse, such as discomfort, pressure, or urinary or bowel problems, it is important to seek prompt medical attention from your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can assess the extent of the prolapse and develop an appropriate treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms and improve your overall health and well-being. Treatment options may include pelvic floor exercises, a vaginal pessary, surgery, or lifestyle modifications.

Can vaginal prolapse be prevented?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent vaginal prolapse, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the condition:

1-Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can put added strain on the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of prolapse.

2-Practice good bowel habits: Straining during bowel movements can weaken the pelvic floor muscles over time. To reduce your risk of prolapse, it is important to practice good bowel habits such as drinking plenty of water and eating a high-fiber diet.

3-Avoid heavy lifting: Regular heavy lifting can put added strain on the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of prolapse.

4-Practice pelvic floor exercises: Regular pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can help strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs and reduce the risk of prolapse.

5-Manage chronic coughing: Chronic coughing can put pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and increase the risk of prolapse. If you have a chronic cough, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about treatment options.

6-Consider vaginal delivery alternatives: If you are pregnant, consider discussing vaginal delivery alternatives with your healthcare provider. In some cases, a cesarean delivery may be recommended to reduce the risk of pelvic floor injury.

By taking these steps, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing vaginal prolapse or delay the onset of symptoms. If you are concerned about your risk for developing prolapse or are experiencing symptoms, it is important to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.

What are proper lifting techniques and how do they help prevent a prolapse?

Proper lifting techniques involve using your body’s muscles and joints in a way that minimizes the strain on your pelvic floor muscles and other structures. Proper lifting techniques can help reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse by minimizing the pressure placed on the pelvic floor.

Here are some tips for proper lifting techniques:

1-Use your legs: When lifting objects from the ground, use your legs to lift, rather than bending at the waist. This helps to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the pelvic floor muscles.

2-Keep your feet shoulder-width apart: This provides a stable base for lifting and helps to distribute weight evenly across your body.

3-Tighten your pelvic floor muscles: Before lifting, tighten your pelvic floor muscles by doing a Kegel exercise. This can help to provide additional support for your pelvic organs.

4-Hold the object close to your body: This helps to reduce the strain on your back and pelvic floor muscles.

5-Avoid twisting: If you need to turn while carrying an object, move your feet and turn your entire body, rather than twisting at the waist.

By using proper lifting techniques, you can help reduce the strain on your pelvic floor muscles and minimize your risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse. However, if you are already experiencing symptoms of prolapse or are concerned about your risk for developing prolapse, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can provide you with more personalized recommendations for reducing your risk and managing your symptoms.

Can vaginal prolapse happen again?

Yes, vaginal prolapse can happen again, even after treatment. This is because the factors that contribute to vaginal prolapse, such as pregnancy, childbirth, and aging, can continue to affect the strength and function of the pelvic floor muscles over time. Additionally, some women may be more prone to prolapse than others due to genetic or lifestyle factors.

To reduce the risk of recurrent prolapse, it is important to continue to practice good pelvic floor health habits, such as maintaining a healthy weight, doing regular pelvic floor exercises, avoiding heavy lifting, and practicing good bowel habits. In some cases, additional treatment, such as a pessary or surgery, may be recommended to help prevent recurrent prolapse.

If you have been treated for vaginal prolapse and are experiencing symptoms again, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can assess the extent of the prolapse and recommend appropriate treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrent prolapse.

What’s the outlook for vaginal prolapse?

The outlook for vaginal prolapse depends on the severity of the prolapse and the individual woman’s overall health and lifestyle habits. With appropriate treatment, many women are able to achieve significant relief from their symptoms and improve their quality of life. However, some women may experience recurrent prolapse, particularly if the underlying risk factors, such as obesity or chronic constipation, are not addressed.

The most effective treatment for vaginal prolapse depends on the severity of the prolapse and the woman’s individual health status and preferences. Treatment options range from conservative measures, such as pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle modifications, to more invasive options, such as surgery. In general, the earlier the prolapse is detected and treated, the better the outlook.

It is important for women to seek prompt medical attention if they suspect they may have a vaginal prolapse or are experiencing symptoms such as discomfort, pressure, or urinary or bowel problems. With appropriate treatment and management, many women are able to improve their symptoms and maintain good pelvic floor health over time.

When should I see my healthcare provider for vaginal prolapse?

You should see your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

1-Feeling of pressure or fullness in the vagina

2-Feeling of something coming out of the vagina

3-Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement

4-Painful sexual intercourse

5-Lower back pain

6-Urinary incontinence or leaking urine

7-Recurrent urinary tract infections

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek prompt medical attention from your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can assess the extent of the prolapse and recommend appropriate treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Early detection and treatment of vaginal prolapse can help prevent further progression of the condition and reduce the risk of complications.