What are the chances of success? 85% of women having a vaginal hysterectomy for uterine prolapse are cured permanently. About 15% of women develop a further prolapse of the vaginal vault months or years after their first surgery. These figures may vary depending on the severity of your original prolapse.
Can The Uterine Prolapse Be Treated Without Hysterectomy? A Resounding YES! Many gynecologists feel the best way to treat a falling uterus is to remove it, with a surgery called a hysterectomy, and then attach the apex of the vagina to healthy portions of the ligaments up inside the body.
A hysterectomy for uterine prolapse removes the uterus that has dropped into the vagina. When the symptoms of uterine prolapse become debilitating for a woman and nonsurgical treatments and surgical options to repair the uterus are not appropriate, we recommend hysterectomy.
This condition occurs in up to 40% of women who have undergone a hysterectomy. Normally, the uterus supports the top of the vagina, so when the uterus is removed, that support is lost.
Hysterectomy may be recommended for uterine prolapse. A procedure that keeps the uterus in place.
Surgery is usually done only when the prolapse is affecting your daily life and your doctor thinks surgery will help. Consider surgery if: The prolapse causes pain. You have problems with your bladder and bowels.
If your pelvic organ prolapse doesn't bother you, your health care provider might recommend treating your prolapse without surgery. If symptoms get worse and significantly affect your quality of life, surgery might be needed. Weakness of the pelvic floor often affects more than one area.
Hysterectomy, a surgery to remove a woman's uterus, is sometimes performed to treat uterine prolapse. However, vaginal prolapse can occur after hysterectomy (regardless of the reason for hysterectomy).
Prolapse of the vaginal vault after hysterectomy may occur when the structures that support the top of the vagina and uterus are not reattached at the time of the initial procedure or due to weakening of these supports over time.
A prolapse is not life threatening, but it can cause pain and discomfort. Symptoms can usually be improved with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes, but sometimes medical treatment is needed.
The success rates for vaginal hysterectomy are very positive, with 85% of women being permanently cured of their uterine prolapse. The remaining 15% will experience vaginal vault prolapse again in the future.
An untreated prolapse can cause sores on the cervix (opening to the uterus) and increase chances of infection or injury to other pelvic organs.
Symptoms of moderate to severe uterine prolapse include: Seeing or feeling tissue bulge out of the vagina. Feeling heaviness or pulling in the pelvis. Feeling like the bladder doesn't empty all the way when you use the bathroom.
It usually takes about 1 to 4 weeks to recover from laparoscopic hysterectomy. Recovery time varies for everyone. Here's what you can do to speed your recovery.
If you have pelvic organ prolapse, avoid things that could make it worse. That means don't lift, strain, or pull. If possible, try not to be on your feet for long periods of time. Some women find that they feel more pressure when they stand a lot.
A fallen bladder, also known as cystocele or prolapsed bladder, is common after hysterectomies. It involves the bladder falling into the vaginal canal.
After your uterus is removed (hysterectomy) all the normal organs that surround the uterus simply fill the position previously occupied by the uterus. Mostly it is bowel that fills the space, as there is lots of small and large bowel immediately adjacent to the uterus.
How serious is a prolapsed uterus? Uterine prolapse can disrupt normal activities and be uncomfortable. Very mild cases may not require treatment or cause any discomfort. However, severe cases may make it difficult to pee or have a normal bowel movement.
Vaginal Vault Prolapse (After Hysterectomy)
The top of the vagina drops down, creating a bulge. In severe cases, the top of the vagina may protrude outside of the vagina. It also may occur with small intestine prolapse (shown here), anterior vaginal wall prolapse, or posterior vaginal vault prolapse.
Another common problem is that your partner may feel the “bulge” of your prolapse during intercourse. It can feel strange, but since the walls of the vagina are mobile and flexible, likely, you will not experience pain during intercourse.
Your Recovery
You can expect to feel better and stronger each day. But you may get tired quickly and need pain medicine for a week or two. You may need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery and 1 to 2 weeks to recover from laparoscopic surgery or vaginal surgery.
Uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissue in your pelvis weaken. The weakness lets the uterus drop down into your vagina. Sometimes, it comes out through your vaginal opening. Nearly half of all women between ages 50 and 79 have this condition.
At present, the cost of female genital surgery (also known as labiaplasty or vulvoplasty), which involves the changing of the size and shape of the vagina, are only reimbursed under Medicare if a doctor deems it a medical necessity.
The four categories of uterine prolapse are: Stage I – the uterus is in the upper half of the vagina. Stage II – the uterus has descended nearly to the opening of the vagina. Stage III – the uterus protrudes out of the vagina. Stage IV – the uterus is completely out of the vagina.