Things such as vaginal childbirth, hysterectomy, obesity, and aging can predispose a woman to vaginal herniation known as pelvic organ prolapse. The bladder, rectum, uterus, and bowel may begin to bulge into or beyond the vagina. The different types of pelvic organ prolapse are named for the area of vaginal herniation or the organ that is herniating into the vagina. Prolapse may be associated with different levels of discomfort, sexual dissatisfaction, and bladder and/or bowel problems. However, even severe degrees of pelvic organ prolapse are often asymptomatic. There are numerous ways to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Vaginal rejuvenation surgery however is not a treatment for significant pelvic organ prolapse. However many women with pelvic organ prolapse also have vaginal relaxation. This may be treated with procedures such as the GyneShape Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation at the same time as an insurance based prolapse surgery.
A group of strong fibers made up of collagen and muscle support the organs of the pelvis. These tissues, referred to as fascia, ligaments and the levator muscles, surround the vagina and reach out to the bony walls of the pelvis. They keep the vagina in its normal anatomical position and prevent the bladder, intestines and rectum from herniation. When there is injury to or weakness of these supporting structures, pelvic organ prolapse can occur. The type of prolapse, or failure, is defined by the area of herniation.
The anterior wall of the vagina normally supports the bladder. When a woman is lying on her back, the bladder's normal position is between the vagina and muscles of the lower abdomen. When herniation occurs, the bladder may protrude into or beyond the vagina. This is called anterior compartment failure or cystocele. When the prolapse is beyond the opening of the vagina, the anterior wall of the vagina bulges out. This may appear as a small golf ball sized bulge but can be larger than a softball. When the prolapse is less than 2 cm from normal position and associated only with symptoms of vaginal relaxation, this is called stage one prolapse and may be treated with the GynePulse incisionless vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
The posterior wall of the vagina normally provides support to the rectum. When a woman is lying on her back in bed, the rectum's normal position is underneath the vagina, toward the bed. When herniation occurs the rectum may protrude up into or beyond the vagina. This is called posterior compartment failure or rectocele. When the prolapse is beyond the opening of the vagina, the posterior wall of the vagina bulges out. This may appear as a small golf ball sized bulge but can be larger than a softball. When the prolapse is less than 2 cm from normal position and associated only with symptoms of vaginal relaxation, this is called stage one prolapse and may be treated with the GynePulse incisionless vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
The uterus normally sits at the apex or top of the vagina. The bottom or opening of the uterus is called the cervix. The cervix protrudes into the top of the vagina, between the anterior and posterior walls. When herniation occurs, the cervix and uterus may protrude into or beyond the vagina. This is called uterine prolapse or procidentia. When the prolapse is beyond the opening of the vagina, the cervix and apex of the vagina bulges out. This may appear as a small donut shaped bulge but can also take on the shape of a small football. No degree of uterine prolapse may be treated by vaginal rejuvenation surgery. However, vaginal rejuvenation surgery for vaginal relaxation may be performed at the time of surgery for uterine prolapse (e.g. Hysterectomy).
When the apex or top of the vagina herniates, uterine prolapse occurs. When herniation of the apex of the vagina occurs in a woman who has had a hysterectomy, it is referred to as Apical Failure or Vaginal Vault Prolapse. When the prolapse is beyond the opening of the vagina, the apex of the vagina bulges out. This may appear as a small golf ball sized bulge but can be much larger than a softball. This bulge often contains intestine which normally are retained above the vagina. The bulge of intestines into or beyond the vagina occurs with apical failure and is referred to as an enterocele. When the prolapse is less than 2 cm from normal position and associated only with symptoms of vaginal relaxation, this is called stage one prolapse and may be treated with GynePulse incisionless vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
