Pelvic Organ Prolapse
While often associated with pregnancy and childbirth, a pelvic organ prolapse can also happen later in life, sometimes caused by heavy lifting or strain. It happens when the uterus, vagina, bowel or bladder slips out of place due to the weakening of surrounding muscles. The symptoms are pain, heaviness in the vaginal area and frequent urination.
What causes a pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is caused by either a weakness in the supports of the pelvis or by an increase in the pressure inside the abdominal cavity.
The most common causes of weakness of the supports are:
- pregnancy and childbirth
- ageing and menopause
- hysterectomy
- a genetic tendency
What to expect
To diagnose a prolapse your doctor will need to perform a vaginal examination. You can choose if this happens on your initial visit. A vaginal examination is always done in a private and respectful way and you are welcome to bring a support person.
A speculum, a plastic or metal instrument, may be inserted. This is used to separate the walls of the vagina so your doctor can see into your vaginal cavity to diagnose exactly which organ(s) are prolapsing.
Treatments
One solution to reduce or lessen the symptoms of a prolapse is a vaginal pessary. This is a small silicone or plastic device that is inserted into the vagina to provide support for the uterus. This is usually only a solution for women who do not wish to have surgery or are hoping to have more children. It does not fix the prolapse but does help with symptoms.
Surgery
Depending on the age and stage of the patient, there are surgical options available. Most women will opt for keyhole surgery through the abdomen, where the surgeon will use sutures or in some cases graft materials such as TVT, when applicable and advised, to support the organs. Your doctor will explain all options available to you, should surgery be a necessary or helpful solution in the case of prolapse.
Our gynaecologists are some of the most experienced surgical specialists in Christchurch.
Angela provides the full spectrum of gynaecological care to her patients with special interests in fertility, high risk obstetrics and the management of endometriosis.
Gynaecologist
A highly experienced laparoscopic surgeon, Geeta specialises in treating endometriosis, abnormal smears, pelvic pain, infertility, abnormal bleeding and fibroids.
Gynaecologist
Greg specialises in male and female fertility management, early pregnancy care, IVF, and fertility delay surgeries as well as in treating ovulation disorders.
Gynaecologist
A skilled surgeon, Pip focuses on treating menstrual irregularity, precancerous conditions and ovarian pathology, and has a special interest in high-risk obstetrics.
For further reading about pelvic organs and associated issues, see our Knowledge Hub
- Pelvic Organs
- Gynaecological Services, Pelvic Organs
- Pelvic Organs
