Vaginal Prolapse
What is Cystocele?
Cystocele is an example of when the tissues between the bladder and vaginal wall weaken, causing the bladder to apply pressure on the front vaginal wall and in some cases, drop into the vagina and cause pressure on other organs. This can happen when the various muscles and ligaments surrounding the bladder weaken or stretch from childbirth, excessive straining, or age. Because of the overall effect on the bladder in this circumstance, this condition has also more commonly been referred to as “dropped bladder.” It is also referred to as an anterior prolapse, which means the front (or anterior) vaginal wall has collapsed, allowing the bladder to bulge downward into the vagina.
Symptoms of Cystocele
Because of the strain on the bladder, more common symptoms relate to urinary troubles. This may include loss of urinary control when coughing, laughing or sneezing (also known as stress incontinence), or a feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bladder after urinating. You may also experience frequent bladder infections. Because of the shift in the organs, you may also notice a feeling of pressure in your pelvis or vagina. This can also be identified by a discomfort when your strain, cough, bear down, lift, or have intercourse. In more severe circumstances you may have a feeling of sitting on a ball or notice a bulge protruding from the vaginal opening.
Cystocele Treatment
Treatment for Cystocele really depends on the severity of the condition. More mild cases benefit from exercise that strengthens the muscle tissues. For women who have experienced menopause, estrogen therapy may be beneficial as it helps keep the pelvic muscles strong. Additional supports, called pessaries, inserted into the vagina can also be used. When surgery is required, it normally includes a reconstructive procedure that not only puts the bladder back in place, but it will also repair damage made to surrounding organs or tissue.
A cystocele (herniation of the bladder against the vagina), rectocele (herniation of the rectum against the vagina), and enterocele (herniation of the small intestines against the vagina) are all forms of vaginal prolapse.
This type of prolapse can be corrected with a vaginal surgical procedure that restores the vagina and surrounding structures to their original position.
What is Rectocele?
The pelvic organs are supported by various muscles and ligaments. Over time, these tissues stretch as a result of childbirth, excessive straining or age causing the pelvic organs to shift from their normal location. Rectocele is the form of Vaginal Prolapse that occurs when the tissues between the rectum and vaginal wall become damaged or weak, allowing the wall of the rectum to prolapse or bulge into the vagina. Although this situation is more common among women who have had multiple pregnancies with vaginal deliveries, it can also develop in women over time who have had challenges with chronic constipation, excessive weight, performed regular heavy lifting, or have a chronic cough.
Symptoms of Rectocele
Mild cases of Rectocele may not experience specific symptoms. However, in more severe cases you’re likely to notice vaginal discomfort or pain during intercourse. You may also notice a pulling or tugging sensation in your pelvis area or a feeling of pressure or pain. This pressure may also rest on other organs like the bladder, causing symptoms of stress incontinence. The most prominent symptom for most patients is a soft bulge of tissue in the vagina.
Treatment for Rectocele
Treatment for Rectocele really depends on the severity of the condition. More mild cases benefit from Kegel exercise that strengthens the pelvic muscle tissues. Additional nonsurgical options includes inserting a pessary into the vagina for support. For situations where the rectocele bulges outside the vagina, surgery is recommended. This will typically include a reconstructive process that not only repairs the tissue damage in the rectum and vagina, but the surgeon will also repair damage made to surrounding organs or tissue. These procedures can be performed using minimally invasive surgery techniques, which reduces the recovery time experienced by a patient.
What is Enterocele?
Enterocele, also known as a small bowel hernia, is an example of a complication that affects women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus). It occurs when the pelvic organs, supported by various muscles and ligaments, stretch and weaken, allowing the small intestine to shift and fall into the vagina, resulting in a bulge in the vaginal canal. The weakening can happen as a result from childbirth, excessive straining, or age, and causes the pelvic organs to shift from their normal location.
Symptoms of Enterocele
Mild cases of Enterocele may not experience specific symptoms. However, in more severe cases you’re likely to notice vaginal discomfort or pain during intercourse. You may also notice a pulling or tugging sensation in your pelvis area or a feeling of pressure or pain. This pressure may also rest on other organs like the bladder causing symptoms of stress incontinence. The most prominent symptom for most patients is a soft bulge of tissue in the vagina.
Treatment for Enterocele
Enterocele treatment really depends on the severity of the condition. More mild cases benefit from Kegel exercise that strengthens the pelvic muscle tissues. For women who have experienced menopause, estrogen therapy may be beneficial as it helps keep the pelvic muscles strong. Additional nonsurgical options includes inserting a pessary to support the vagina. When surgery is required, it normally includes a reconstructive procedure that not only puts the small intestine and the vagina back in place, but it will also repair damage made to surrounding organs or tissue. These procedures can be performed using minimally invasive surgery techniques, which reduces the recovery time experienced by a patient.
