Vaginal Prolapse Treatment in Baltimore, MD

A cystocele occurs when the tough fibrous supporting tissue that holds the bladder in its place at the top of the vagina is torn or stretched during childbirth or with chronic pressure, such as heavy lifting, coughing, or constipation. Damage in this supporting structure allows the bladder to prolapse or fall into the vagina or be visible through the vaginal opening. In the most severe cases, a woman can see her bladder through the vaginal opening while standing or straining.

Cystocele can cause a disruption in the function of the bladder, such as incomplete bladder emptying, loss of urine with exertion, discomfort and pain during and after intercourse, and urinary urgency and frequency.

Cystocele repair is usually accomplished very successfully through the vagina in an outpatient procedure that repairs the torn or stretched fibrous tissues supporting the bladder. This repair allows the bladder to return to its original position and in most cases, the loss function can be corrected at the same time.

Rectocele occurs when the fibrous tissue that makes up the posterior wall of the vagina tears or is damaged resulting in a herniation of the rectum into the vagina. This defect is also called a posterior defect and usually results as a consequence of childbirth and forces that tear the support structures of the vagina during delivery of the baby, with chronic constipation or cough, heavy lifting, and obesity.

The appearance of a rectocele is of a bulge with straining or on standing up. Also may feel like an obstruction during penetration with intercourse.

Women suffering from prolapse may complain of vaginal laxity or looseness during intercourse. Sometimes even the sensation of air escaping the vagina may be present. Complaints regarding difficulty emptying the bowel are common.

Repair of a rectocele may be through hormonal therapy, therapy, or minimally invasive, and outpatient surgery. The results of treatment are very successful and patient satisfaction usually is very high.

Uterine prolapse or prolapse of the womb occurs when the connective tissue suspending the uterus and pelvic floor muscles are damaged and the uterus has moved from its original position to a lower position in the vagina, sometimes even protruding through the vaginal opening.

Usually, the sensation is one of pressure when a patient is on her feet, or straining, palpation of a bulge through the vagina, pain or discomfort during intercourse, soreness post intercourse, bowel or urinary difficulty, and back pain.

Usual causes are trauma to the pelvic organs during childbirth, staining, heavy lifting, hormonal deficiency, chronic constipation, and cough.

Many treatment options for this problem has been devised ranging from pessary placement, to minimally invasive suspension of the uterus, to removal of the uterus. The treatment depends on the severity of the prolapse and patient expectations. Treatment is usually successful with very satisfactory results.

Many times after a uterus is removed the vaginal cuff or the top of the vagina is not properly secured, or if it was it detaches from its points of attachments and a vaginal cuff prolapse occurs. In simple terms, the top of the vagina falls through the vaginal opening.

A woman may feel a bulge through the vagina, or difficulty with bowel movement or urination, difficulty with intercourse and occasional vaginal bleeding from erosion of the vaginal mucosa rubbing on clothing.

Treatment options for this problem are pessary to support the prolapse or surgical. Minimally invasive operation, robotic surgery, and vaginal surgical techniques are effective treatment options.