Prolapse of the vaginal wall

Prolapse involves the anterior or posterior wall of the vagina bulging into the vagina or out of the vaginal entrance. The uterus can also sink into the vagina, even so much that the cervix comes outside. In the professional language, this is called cystocele, rectocele or uterovaginal prolapse. The reason this happens is that the connective tissue of the pelvic floor has become weaker and more lax. This can be caused by several conditions, such as inheritance, obesity, child births, and increasing age.

What symptoms are common in prolapse?

The condition is not dangerous, and many people who have given birth can have a mild degree of such changes without causing symptoms. With more severe degree of prolapse, one may experience significant ailments. In case of prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall (cystocele), it may be difficult to empty the bladder completely, and this can sometimes lead to frequent urinary tract infections in the long term. In case of prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall (rectocele), feces can accumulate in the lower part of the intestine so that one must press against the perineum in order to completely empty the intestine. The prolapse can cause a feeling of gravity in the lower abdomen, some describe it as a small “balloon” that comes out into the vaginal opening. Some people feel that the vaginal opening is too wide, which can lead to an unsatisfactory sexual life, and are bothered by air entering and leaving the vagina in connection with certain body movements (garulitas).

How is the survey?

The doctor conducts a regular gynecological examination and assesses the vaginal opening and pinching force of the pelvic floor muscles. With the help of a speculum, one can establish whether there are anterior or posterior vaginal walls that bulge down, and the degree of prolapse of the uterus itself. Often there is a combination of these. It is also common to examine the partition between the intestine and vagina using a finger in the rectum.

If one has significant ailments and the doctor finds large deviations from the normal anatomy, we can refer you further for surgical treatment. Some may also benefit from attempting a ring pessary that holds the protrusion up.