Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when laxity of the ligaments and muscles that surround the vagina cause the neighboring organs to fall into the vaginal canal. It presents with a feeling of pressure in the vagina, like the presence of a ball of tissue coming through the vaginal opening, or the sensation that a tampon is stuck in the vagina. It can be alarming for a woman to experience pelvic organ prolapse, but it is not dangerous. It is correctable with safe and effective treatments. Approximately fifty percent of women who have experienced childbirth have varying degrees of pelvic organ prolapse.
Four organs can collapse into the vaginal canal. They include the bladder (anterior vaginal wall prolapse or a cystocele), the uterus (apical or uterine prolapse), the rectum (posterior vaginal wall prolapse or a rectocele), and the small intestine (enterocele). It is difficult, or nearly impossible, for a woman to know which organ or organs have fallen. Dr. Kavaler will be able to tell her upon examination.
Treatments include pelvic organ muscle exercises, (which can be performed with the guidance of a specialty trained physical therapist), the use of a pessary (a silicone disc that is inserted into the vagina and can be fitted in the office), or surgery.
If you think that you have a pelvic organ prolapse, and you want to know your options for treatment, please come and visit us at TUC. Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, Urologist and Uro-gynecologist, offers surgical and non-surgical solutions for pelvic organ prolapse at Total Urology Care of NY.
Below you will find answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you don't find the answer you are looking for please contact us at (212) 218-3900
The goal of pelvic reconstructive surgery is to restore the vaginal canal to its original state, and to support the neighboring organs so that they remain in their correct anatomic position. The surgery can be performed safely and effectively through the vagina, as an outpatient procedure.
Weakness of the pelvic floor often affects more than one area. Depending on the location of your prolapse, there are different surgical strategies for various types of prolapse such as posterior prolapse, anterior prolapse, uterine prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse. Your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms. Dr. Kavaler who is a urologist, uro-gynecologist, and reconstructive surgeon, can discuss all the various options with you to help you decide the best solution.