Vaginal prolapse
As we age, the pelvic floor muscles weaken. Often, the weakening of these muscles already starts during childbirth, when they are stretched and never fully recover. Weak pelvic floor muscles can cause vaginal prolapse. This occurs in about a quarter of women. In the case of a prolapse, the bladder, rectum, small intestine, rectum or uterus can sag through the vagina. This causes a lot of discomfort, pain and/or inflammation. Women's Healthcare Center Amsterdam offers you personal care, quality and attention.
Bladder prolapse
A bladder prolapse is accompanied by the sagging of the anterior wall of the vagina. The bladder rests on this and drops down if the anterior wall is too loose. This can be caused by a difficult delivery, but it can also be caused by chronic coughing, straining during bowel movements or frequently lifting heavy objects.
A prolapse of the bladder feels like a ball sticking out of the vagina. Due to the prolapse, many women experience discomfort and pain in the pelvis and have difficulty urinating. They have the feeling that the bladder is not empty after urinating and regularly have bladder infections. Other symptoms are pain in the lower back and during sex. Stress incontinence can also occur if the supporting tissue at the overhang of the bladder to the urethra is not strong enough.
Uterine prolapse
Feeling a kind of ball in the vagina can also mean that the uterus has prolapsed. In severe cases, the uterus can even protrude outside the vagina. The prolapse of the uterus itself often does not cause any clear symptoms. However, the prolapse can put pressure on other organs such as the bladder or intestines, which can cause symptoms.
A uterine prolapse can be recognized by a heavy feeling or pressure in the pelvis. Many women also experience pain in the pelvis, lower abdomen and/or back and during sex. If the uterus puts pressure on the bladder, recurring bladder infections can occur. Constipation and urinary incontinence are symptoms of a more serious prolapse.
Bowel prolapse
In case of a prolapse, it is not the front, but the back of the vagina that is too loose. The back of the vagina forms the support for the rectum. When this is too loose and prolapses, the rectum drops down. In some cases, there is a prolapse of the small intestine, which then drops between the vagina and the large intestine. This often occurs in women whose uterus has been removed.
Symptoms of a bowel prolapse include difficulty passing stool or losing control over bowel movements. Pain is experienced when passing stool and there may be a slimy or bloody discharge from the bulging bowel.
Multiple subsidence at the same time
It is common for one prolapse to cause another prolapse. For example, a bladder prolapse can be the result of a uterine prolapse. This often also causes bladder complaints.
Treatment
There are various treatments available depending on the type and extent of the prolapse. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is one of the options, which trains your pelvic floor muscles and makes them strong enough to support the tissues. In some cases, placing a vaginal ring can also solve the problem. This can be used to put a prolapsed bladder or uterus back in its proper place. In more serious cases, surgery may be performed. This can be done either through the vagina or through the abdomen. This depends on the type of prolapse, the experience of the gynaecologist and the type of surgery.
What can we do for you?
Women's Healthcare Center provides expert care and support for women. Our team of specialisten will do everything they can to help you get the right diagnosis and find the best treatment options.
