Vaginal Prolapse

Introduction

A woman should speak with her doctor if she has any symptoms that could point to a vaginal prolapse. Very seldom is a vaginal prolapse a fatal ailment. Nevertheless, the majority of prolapses progressively deteriorate and may only be treated surgically or with intravaginal pessaries. Therefore, prompt medical attention is advised in order to assess for and avoid problematic symptoms and problems resulting from the weakening of the vaginal muscle and tissue.

Self-Care at Home

At-home treatments for vaginal prolapse include one or a combination of the following:

1. Activity modification: The doctor may advise refraining from heavy lifting or straining if the vaginal prolapse is causing minimal or no symptoms.


2. Pessary: A pessary is a small device, usually made of vinyl, that is placed within the vagina for support. In order to prevent infection, pessaries need to be removed and cleaned on a regular basis. Certain pessaries are made to let the woman handle this on her own. Other types must be removed and cleaned by a doctor. In order to assist stop infection and degradation of the vaginal wall, estrogen cream is sometimes used in conjunction with a pessary. Pessaries might be unpleasant or have a tendency to fall out for certain women.


3. Kegel exercises: These are exercises that are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises might be used to treat mild-to-moderate cases of vaginal prolapse or to supplement other treatments for prolapses that are more serious

Other Therapy

Physical therapy such as electrical stimulation and biofeedback may be used to help strengthen the muscles in the pelvis.

biofeedback may be used to help strengthen the muscles in the pelvis.

1. Electrical stimulation: A doctor can apply a probe to targeted muscles within the vagina or on the pelvic floor. The probe is hooked up to a device that measures and delivers small electrical currents that contract the muscles. These contractions help strengthen the muscles. A less intrusive type of electrical stimulation is available that magnetically stimulates the pudendal nerve from outside the body. This activates the muscles of the pelvic floor and may help treat incontinence.


2. Biofeedback:: Muscle activity on the pelvic floor and in the vagina is tracked by a sensor. The woman can strengthen these muscles with workouts that the doctor suggests. In rare circumstances, these exercises might assist in reversing or relieving some vaginal prolapse symptoms by strengthening the muscles. The doctor may be able to assess whether the targeted muscles will benefit from the exercises by using the sensor to track the muscle contractions that occur during the activities.

Follow-up

A woman receiving treatment ought to arrange follow-up appointments with her physician to assess her progress. Pessaries must be taken out and cleaned on a regular basis in order to avoid infection.

Prevention

• Women at risk for vaginal prolapse should avoid heavy lifting, if possible.


• Obesity  puts extra stress on the muscles and ligaments within the pelvis and vagina. Weight control may help prevent this condition from developing.

Outlook

Vaginal prolapse is rarely a life-threatening condition. Some cases that are mild can be treated without surgery, and most severe cases of vaginal prolapse can be completely corrected with surgery.

Vaginal prolapse surgery results are usually good, with a low recurrence rate.