Did you know that more than 40% of all women experience some degree of prolapse in their lifetime? That’s more than 14 million women in the U.S. alone! Though the exact cause of vaginal prolapse is unknown, risk factors include pregnancy, vaginal delivery, hysterectomy, obesity, chronic cough, chronic constipation, repetitive heavy lifting, menopause and genetic connective tissue weakness. We are proud to offer a range of vaginal prolapse treatments in Denver, to suit your individual needs.
What is vaginal prolapse?
Vaginal prolapse (cystocele, fallen bladder, rectocele, uterine prolapse) is when the organs inside of the pelvis, such as the uterus, urethra and bladder, protrude toward or through the opening of the vagina. This is caused by a weakness in the pelvic floor, which is the sheet of muscle and connective tissue that stretches from the pubic bone to the tailbone and surrounds the vagina, rectum, bladder and uterus. The pelvic floor’s job is to hold these pelvic organs in place, but when it weakens, the organs can fall out of their positions and stop functioning normally.
FAQs: Vaginal Prolapse in Denver, CO at Aguirre Specialty Care
What are the symptoms of vaginal prolapse?
The most obvious symptom of vaginal prolapse is a bulge protruding from the opening of the vagina. Additional symptoms of vaginal prolapse are pelvic pressure, discomfort, feeling as if something is falling out, difficulty emptying the bladder, urine leakage, difficulty emptying the rectum, fecal incontinence and experiencing a sense of looseness during sexual intercourse.
How do I know if I have vaginal prolapse?
Diagnosing vaginal prolapse is the key to a successful recovery. The presence and severity of vaginal prolapse can be determined during a pelvic exam. During this exam, the anterior vaginal wall, posterior vaginal wall, top of the vagina and uterus are each evaluated for prolapse. After the exam, a stage from 0 to IV is assigned. A stage 0 prolapse means there is no prolapse present. A stage I prolapse means that the vaginal wall bulges down to three centimeters inside the opening of the vagina. A stage II prolapse means that the vaginal wall comes to or slightly through the opening. A stage III prolapse is when the vaginal wall protrudes several centimeters outside of the vagina. A stage IV prolapse is when the entire vaginal wall protrudes through the opening.
Click here to learn more about diagnostic testing.
What are the vaginal prolapse treatments?
There are both non-surgical and surgical vaginal prolapse treatments available. Options vary depending on the stage of prolapse. While the surgical treatment options are minimally invasive, a one-night hospital stay is usually required.
Non-surgical treatment options include:
- Kegel exercises
- Pelvic floor therapy
- Vaginal pessary
Surgical treatment options include:
- Anterior colporrhaphy
- Paravaginal defect repair
- Posterior colporrhaphy
- Perineorrhaphy
- Vaginal vault suspension
- Hysterectomy
How can I get started with treatment for prolapsed vagina?
Please call 303.322.0500 or complete a consultation request form today.
