FEMALE GENITAL PROLAPSE
Vaginal prolapse occurs when one or more of the organs in the pelvis slide down from their normal position and form a bulge in the vagina.
It can be the womb (uterus), bowel, bladder or top of the vagina.
A prolapse is not fatal, but it can cause pain and discomfort.
What are the symptoms of vaginal prolapse?
- Full sensation and discomfort (heaviness) in the pelvic region
- Back pain
- Feeling or seeing an unusual lump coming out of your vagina
- Problems urinating
- Painful sexual intercourse or numbness
Types of prolapse
The four primary types of prolapse are:
- The bladder protruding from the front wall of the vagina (anterior prolapse)
- The womb bulging or prolapsing into the vagina (uterine prolapse)
- The upper part of the vagina sliding down – this happens to some women after they have had surgery to remove their wombs
- The bowel bulging forward into the back wall of the vagina (posterior wall prolapse)
It's possible to have more than 1 of these at the same time.
What are the causes of vaginal prolapse?
Pelvic floor muscles comprise of muscles and supportive tissue that secure the pelvic organs firmly. Over time, due to childbirth or pregnancy, these muscles may weaken and cannot keep the organs in place. Several things can weaken your pelvic floor, including:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Getting older and menopause
- Long term constipation or coughing
- Having had a hysterectomy
- Constant heavy lifting
Symptoms can usually be improved with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes, but sometimes medical treatment is needed.
If the prolapse causes debilitating symptoms like discomfort and the sensation of a lump, pain or urinary symptoms, then Dr Theron can perform surgery to repair the prolapse.
Based on the degree of the prolapse, Dr Theron will plan what type of surgical repair can be done. This can be Trans-vaginal repair, laparoscopic repair or open surgery.
MALE UROLOGY
FEMALE UROLOGY
PAEDIATRIC UROLOGY
GENERAL UROLOGY
CALCULI OF THE KIDNEYS, BLADDER AND URETER
