Uterus, bladder, and rectum are the pelvic organs of the body. These organs are supported by different ligaments, muscles, connective tissue, and fascia. When these support structures weaken or damage, they become unable to support the pelvic organs anymore.

Genital prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs slip down from their normal anatomical position. They either press against the wall of the vagina or protrude into the vagina. It happens when the support structures become weak and thereby unsupportive.

What are the different types of genital prolapse?

Pelvic organs may prolapse independently or along with other genital organs. Based on it, the different types of genital prolapse are-

• Uterine prolapse - When the pelvic support structures get weak, the uterus and cervix drop down into the vaginal canal. The condition is called uterine prolapse.
• Cystocele - A layer of thick tissues supports the wall between the bladder and the vagina. When these tissues get weak, a portion of the bladder descends and presses into the wall of the vagina, causing cystocele.
• Urethrocele - Urethra, the tube leading from the bladder to the outside of the body sometimes descends and presses into the wall of the vagina, causing urethrocele. Most of the time, this condition occurs along with cystocele. Therefore, the term cystourethrocele is often used that indicates the prolapse of both parts of the urethra and the bladder.
• Rectocele - When the ligaments and tissues supporting the wall between the rectum and the vagina get weak, the rectum finds its way to descend and press into the wall of the vagina, causing rectocele.
• Enterocele - The area between the uterus and rectum is called Pouch of Douglas. When the tissues supporting it and the vagina gets weak, the Pouch of Douglas descends and presses into the wall of the vagina, causing enterocele.
• Vaginal vault prolapse - When the top of the vagina descends, it is called vaginal vault prolapse. It usually occurs among women who have had a hysterectomy.

So, these are the different types of prolapse and are graded as per their severity as first, second, and third degree prolapse.

Who is susceptible to genital prolapse?

Genital prolapse is more common among postmenopausal women. It is usually found in women who have had children. However, the chances of genital prolapse occurring among young women and women who have not had children are also there. Since the reason for genital prolapse is lack of pelvic support due to weak ligaments and muscles, it can affect women above 55 to 60 years of age more frequently.

What causes genital prolapse?

Some most common reasons for genital prolapse are the following-

• Advancing age
• Pressure in the abdomen due to a sudden increase in weight, obesity or some respiratory disorder
• Delivering large size babies
• Hysterectomy
• Obstetrical trauma
• Poor quality of ligaments, pelvic muscles, and connective tissue
• Fall in estrogen level especially during menopause
• Previous pelvic surgery

What are the symptoms of genital prolapse?

Genital prolapse shows different symptoms depending upon the area concerned and its severity. Some most common symptoms include the following-

• Intense pain in the lower abdomen
• A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen
• A sensation of a lump in the genital area
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Pain in the sacro-lumbar area
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Problem in defecation
• Discomfort during physical activities like walking
• Urinary incontinence

Is genital prolapse preventable?

Some lifestyle changes can help you prevent the problem. For instance, if overweight is a causal reason, try reducing your weight. Avoid lifting heavy objects and treat conditions like chronic coughing and constipation that alleviates the problem manifold.

Furthermore, one can prevent the possibility of genital prolapse by practicing contraction exercises of the pelvic muscles. It can be done during pregnancy and the first few weeks after giving birth. The exercise can be performed sitting, standing, or lying down. You have to actively tight and lift the pelvic muscles at regular intervals.

How is genital prolapse cured?

When the non-surgical approaches are not helping, surgical repair of prolapse is recommended. The surgery repairs and reconstructs the pelvic support structures and restores them to their normal positions. The procedure starts by identifying the remaining normal tissue and restoring support by rejoining them.

Different surgical procedures treat genital prolapse that depends on which organ or organs have descended. Age and previous medical history are other crucial factors that determine the type of surgery to be performed. If more than one pelvic organ has descended, a combination of procedures will be required.

Surgical treatment of genital prolapse is a complex procedure. Therefore, it is very important to consult only a highly experienced doctor and surgeon for the same. A skillful surgeon will be able to examine the problem and give the right treatment.

Dr. Sumina Reddy is a renowned gynecologist and infertility expert in Hyderabad. With years of experience and expertise, she can deal with different issues and complications in women. Visit Dr. Sumina Reddy’s Clinic to know more about genital prolapse and get the best treatment.