- Abnormal Smear
- Abnormalities of the Uterus
- Abnormalities of the Vagina
- Adenomyosis
- Amenorrhea
- Atrophic Vaginitis
- Bacterial Vaginosis
- Barrier Contraception
- Bartholins Cysts
- Caesarean Section
- Cervical Cancer
- Cervical Screening
- Childbirth
- Chlamydia
- Clitoral Hoodectomy
- Colposcopy
- Colposcopy
- Contraceptive Pill
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Dyspareunia
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Endometrial Hyperplasia
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Gonorrhoea
- Heavy Periods
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hymenoplasty
- Hysterectomy
- Incontinence
- Incontinence
- Infertility
- Intrauterine Devices
- Labial Reduction
- Loss Of Libido
- Menorrhagia
- Menstrual Disorders
- Miscarriage
- Natural Family Planning
- Oligomenorrhoea
- Ovarian Cancer
- Ovarian Cysts
- Pelvic Floor Exercises
- Pelvic Floor Restoration
- Perineoplasty
- Polycystic Ovaries
- Polymenorrhoea
- Post-Coital Bleeding
- Pregnancy Scanning
- Premature Menopause
- Progesterone Contraceptive Pill
- Pruritus Vulva
- Sterilisation
- Syphilis
- The Wart Virus
- Thrush
- Treatment for CIN
- Uterine Cancer
- Uterine Prolapse
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vaginal Cysts
- Vaginal Discharge
- Vaginal Infections
- Vaginal Prolapse
- Vaginal Tightening
- Vulva Cancer
- Vulval Anatomy
- Vulval Dystrophy
- Vulvodynia
- Well Women Checks
Vaginal Prolapse
Vaginal prolapse is a condition that involves any of the organs surrounding the vagina to enter into the vagina. This can occur as a result of the weakening of the muscles that hold the organs in place, possibly caused by pregnancy or simply being overweight. The bladder is most commonly found entering the vagina during a vaginal prolapse, and this can cause many difficulties involving incontinence and discomfort. There are a number of ways to treat this condition, from taking hormone supplements to undergoing surgery.
As mentioned before, women who have been through pregnancy may experience vaginal prolapse, as the pregnancy causes the muscles in the abdomen to weaken, and the organs may move down into the vagina. Being overweight also causes these muscles to weaken, and this can also happen to women who have gone through menopause, as the changes in hormone levels can have an effect on the muscles. There are a number of other factors that can cause this condition, mostly anything that involves straining. Constipation can put stress on the muscles, as can lifting heavy weights or any similar activities. These activities should be avoided to decrease the risk of experiencing a vaginal prolapse, especially if someone is already suffering form the condition.
Depending upon the severity of the prolapse, different symptoms will present themselves. Women experiencing mild or early stages of a vaginal prolapse may not notice the condition at all. It may not cause any pain or discomfort, and the organs entering the vagina may not be felt or seen. As the condition develops, a woman may experience a sensation of heaviness or dragging in the vagina, along with pain or discomfort when walking, sitting or during intercourse. During its most severe stages, it is often possible to diagnose a case of vaginal prolapse instantly, as the organs almost protrude slightly from the vagina.
Many cases of vaginal prolapse cause no pain or discomfort, and therefore don’t need to be treated in any way. For mild cases with noticeable symptoms, patients are often advised to regularly perform a number of exercises aimed to strengthen the muscles holding the organs in place. There are also hormonal supplements available to help strengthen the tissue in the abdomen. These treatments are mostly to prevent further development or ease the symptoms. More severe cases require surgery to move the organs, or possibly remove some of them to treat the condition.