Solutions
"At first I was surprised to learn that it was prolapse that was causing pain in my vagina. Now I'm grateful to learn that there are effective treatments that can restore my body." - Rita
It takes courage for a woman to talk openly about prolapse. The signs and symptoms are disturbing, and sharing them means discussing body functions that are intensely private.
Research supports the awkwardness of this dialogue. One study found that women with prolapse endure their symptoms for years, delaying conversations with doctors because of reluctance to discuss the subject.1
Living with painful sexual intercourse, difficult bowel movements, even urinary and fecal incontinence can be severely life limiting. What if you could heal your body and free yourself from the restrictions prolapse imposes on you?
You deserve to know about the latest treatments that are restoring women's bodies and putting them back in control. Depending on the type and severity of your prolapse, your doctor may choose a surgical or a non-surgical treatment. This page will give you more information about both options.
Non-surgical Treatments
Kegel Exercises—These exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and may help relieve some symptoms of minor prolapse. To work effectively, identify the pelvic floor muscles that purposely interrupt the flow of urine in midstream, and then tighten them for three seconds and relax them for three seconds. Kegel exercises are commonly repeated 10 to 15 times per session, at least three times per day.
Vaginal Pessary—This device is placed in the vagina to support surrounding structures and is similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm. Like a diaphragm, it usually is made of silicone and is fitted by your doctor.
Surgical Treatments
- Prolapse Repair Systems—This surgical approach uses a strip of mesh-like material and places it in your body to return prolapsed organs to a more normal anatomical position. It also strengthens structures around your vagina to maintain support. (The use of mesh in surgery is not new. Surgeons have been using it since 1965.) Surgery to correct prolapse generally takes place on an in-patient basis and under general anesthesia.
The mesh is made of loosely woven strands of polypropylene. It conforms to your normal anatomy and is porous so your body tissue can grow into it, providing a framework of support. Depending on your needs, your doctor can choose either a polypropylene mesh or a biologic graft material.
Mesh is used to repair all types of pelvic organ prolapse, including vaginal, cystocele, enterocele and rectocele. More than one type of prolapse can typically be repaired during the same surgery.
Your incisions will be small and should heal quickly. For approximately six weeks you should avoid sexual intercourse, heavy lifting and rigorous exercise.
Most patients experience immediate results after the procedure.
Talk to your doctor about the prolapse treatment that is right for you, and visit www.AmericanMedicalSystems.com.
