Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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Pelvic organ prolapse is a dropping or bulging of vaginal or pelvic organs due to weakness of the surrounding supporting tissues or childbirth damage. There are several types of this condition, including:

Complete genital prolapse – protrusion of entire female organ out of vagina.
Uterine prolapse – protrusion of the uterus into or through the vagina.
Vaginal vault prolapse – protrusion of the top of the vagina into the lower portion of the vagina or through the vaginal opening.
Cystocele – protrusion of the bladder into or through the vagina.
Rectocele – protrusion of the rectum into or through the vagina.
Enterocele – protrusion of bowel into or through the vagina.
Urethrocele – protrusion of the urethra into the vagina.

Medical Treatment Options

Medical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse include a pessary, which is a flexible device made of silicone that is worn in the vagina and provides support for prolapsed organs. Exercises that strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor may be prescribed with a pessary, and may enhance the ability to retain the pessary in the vagina. Hormone- replacement therapy, which can improve the quality of the vaginal tissue, may also be prescribed. These measures may relieve symptoms and reduce the prolapse. If they do not, surgery may be the desired option.

Surgical Treatment Options

Surgical treatment involves reducing the prolapse and, in many cases, restoring normal anatomy. There are many types of surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, with each procedure addressing a specific prolapse. We perform all procedures using minimally invasive techniques and as outpatient surgery, providing patients with the fastest, least painful recovery possible. Importantly, we do not use vaginal mesh in any prolapse repair. (For more information on vaginal mesh, click here.)