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If you feel heaviness in your pelvic area, vaginal pain, irritation or bleeding, or sense a mass bulging in your vagina, you may have vaginal prolapse (also called pelvic organ prolapse); a medical condition affecting over 30 million women worldwide. What a relief to know that this condition is treatable and there are now a number of minimally invasive treatment options available.

Understanding vaginal prolapse

There are a number of muscles, ligaments, and other tissues that elevate and support the vagina. These structures provide support for other pelvic organs as well, including the uterus, urethra, bladder, and to some extent, the rectum.

Vaginal prolapse, (or vaginal organ prolapse) happens when pelvic structures, like the bladder or rectum, bulge into the vaginal wall due to a weakening in these important support structures. Sometimes, if left untreated, these structures may fall to a point that they prolapse – or push through – the vaginal opening.

Take the prolapse quiz — ask yourself these questions:

Have you felt a bulge or lump in your vagina, or feel like something is falling out?
Do you experience pain or discomfort during intercourse?
Do you experience vaginal pain, pressure, irritation, bleeding or spotting?
Do you experience problems with urination, or difficulty with bowel movements?
Do you have frequent lower back pain?

If you answered “yes” to two or more questions you may be experiencing some form of vaginal prolapse. Discuss your symptoms with a specialist experienced in diagnosing and treating vaginal prolapse.

Some common causes of vaginal prolapse:

Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
Menopause
Previous surgery, such as a hysterectomy
Obesity
Aging
Genetics

Types of vaginal prolapse:

Vaginal vault prolapse – occurs when the apex of the vagina descends into the vaginal canal
Cystocele prolapse – (bladder prolapse) – dropping of the bladder into the vagina
Rectocele prolapse – (rectal prolapse) – pushing of the rectum into the vaginal wall
Enterocele prolapse – (intestinal prolapse) – bulging of the small intestine into the vaginal wall

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Vaginal prolapse treatment options

Surgical options – Prolapse repair surgery restores “fallen” organs to their normal anatomical position and strengthens the support structures. A soft mesh (synthetic, biologic or both) is often used. The mesh is soft and pliable and is designed to allow your body tissue to grow into it, providing additional support. Traditionally, prolapse surgery may have involved a long hospital stay, but now AMS offers advanced treatment options that offer:
- Minimally invasive solutions
- Minimize tissue trauma
- Restore normal anatomy with the potential for a shorter recovery than with open abdominal approaches.
- Minimize pain compared to more invasive procedures.

Clinical studies of AMS vaginal prolapse treatment solutions indicated efficacy rates greater than 90%. ¹ Click here for more information on AMS vaginal prolapse treatment solutions.

Non-surgical treatments – Depending on the severity of the prolapse, doctors may prescribe different therapies prior to surgery. They might include:
- Kegel exercises – By repetitively tightening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, some women find relief of minor prolapse symptoms through simple physical therapies.
- Vaginal pessary – Similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm, this device is placed into the vagina where it supports surrounding pelvic structures.

Insurance Coverage

AMS vaginal prolapse treatment options are covered by Medicare and most private insurance carriers. For more information, click here.

Who treats vaginal prolapse?

Urologists – Specialists who deal with the diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, including the ureter, bladder and urethra, as well as the male reproductive system.
Gynecologists – Specialists who deal with the health of the female reproductive system.

Click here to find a specialist in your area.

Vaginal prolapse is not a normal part of aging – restore your body and get back to life.

Start by talking with a specialist who is experienced at diagnosing and treating vaginal prolapse.

Click here for more information about AMS vaginal prolapse repair treatments.

Click here to locate a specialist near you

Warnings, Precautions and Contraindications

Risks and Precautions: Surgical procedures to correct prolapse are not recommended for all patients. You should discuss the benefits and risks for this procedure with your doctor, especially if you have blood coagulation disorders, compromised immune systems, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant in the future. After this prolapse procedure, you may notice some incontinence that had been hidden before the surgery. As with most surgical procedures, inflammation and infection may occur; which may require additional medical treatment. Ask your doctor about which activities to avoid right after surgery, and when you may resume your normal routine.

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¹ Gauruder-Burmester A, Koutouzidou P, Rohne J, Gronewald M, and Tunn R. “Follow-up after polypropylene mesh repair of anterior and posterior compartments in patients with recurrent prolapse.” International Urogynecology Journal 2007.

You’re not alone.

More than 30 million women suffer from pelvic organ prolapse, yet many women are too embarrassed to talk to their friends, families, or even their doctors about this condition.

Loss of bladder control?

If you’re coping with vaginal prolapse, you could also be suffering from stress urinary incontinence.

Considering a hysterectomy?

Because important, supportive ligaments may be removed during your surgery, you may face an increased risk of vaginal prolapse. Be sure your doctor is current on the latest treatments that provide support for your pelvic organs and prevent vaginal prolapse.

Leading the way.

American Medical Systems (AMS) delivers medical devices and treatments that help restore pelvic health, including a number of options in vaginal prolapse treatment.