Cystocele
A. Normal Female Pelvic Anatomy
B. Cystocele Prolapse
Uterine Prolapse
A. Uterus
B. Prolapsed Uterus
Rectocele
A. Normal Female Pelvic Anatomy
B. Rectocele Prolapse
Much like a hammock, muscles and ligaments keep the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) in place. During childbirth, these muscles and ligaments can get stretched or can tear, becoming too weak to hold the organs in their natural position.
When this occurs, the bottom of the uterus, the floor of the bladder, the rectum, or all three can sag
through the muscles and ligaments and protrude into the vagina. This is called Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).
Typical symptoms of POP include:
• Pressure or pain in the pelvic region that won't go away
• A pulling or aching sensation that may feel worse during intercourse or menstruation
• Feeling like something is falling out of the vagina
Prolapse is very common and is treatable. Together with your doctor, you can develop a treatment plan that meets your specific needs and lifestyle. Treatments include both non-surgical and surgical therapies.
Non–Surgical Therapy
Non–Surgical Therapy is typically for addressing mild symptoms of prolapse. Treatments include:
• Kegel exercises: a series of pelvic floor exercises that are designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles
• Vaginal Pessary: a small device, similar to a diaphragm that is inserted into the vagina to hold the prolapsed organs in place. Pessaries are often effective with mild to severe Pelvic Organ Prolapse, but do require routine care.
Surgical Therapy
Surgical Therapy is used to address moderate to severe symptoms of prolapse and typically is
used to repair or reinforce the “hammock” of muscles and connective tissue that support the
pelvic organs. Prolapse repairs can be done vaginally, abdominally, or laparascopically.
During the procedure, the surgeon repositions the prolapsed organs and secures them using
sutures, synthetic mesh, or a biologic graft tissue. Caldera‘s Ascend product is a synthetic mesh
designed to rebuild the support for the pelvic organs via a minimally invasive vaginal procedure
that typically allows patients to go home the next day.
Click here to download a guide about correcting Pelvic Organ Prolapse.