Hysterectomy for Prolapse? - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

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Hysterectomy for Prolapse?

Hysterectomy for Prolapse?

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Ask A Doctor

My doctor explained that I have uterine prolapse. What are the treatment options and what is involved with a uterine prolapse, cystocele and rectocele?

Uterine prolapse has been described by women, in the vernacular, as “having your insides fall out.” Put simply, prolapse is the uterus descending into the vaginal canal. A prolapse is not, in most cases, life-threatening; it is by most accounts “quality-of-life-threatening.” Studies show that about 15% of hysterectomies are performed to correct prolapse. Some of those hysterectomies could be avoided with alternatives, such as using a pessary, or undergoing uterine suspension surgery.

A pessary is a rubber, ring-shaped device worn in the vagina to help reposition and support the uterus. Doing Kegel exercises, losing excess weight, and quitting smoking can all enhance the results of pessary use. For women who wish to preserve their uterus for childbearing, another option is uterine suspension. Uterine suspension surgery is a not viewed as a permanent cure; its effects usually don’t last a lifetime. After childbearing is completed, most doctors will recommend a hysterectomy as the best permanent solution for prolapse.

What causes prolapse? Pregnancy and childbirth are major contributors. Heredity, obesity, poor nutrition, smoking, chronic constipation, chronic coughing, frequent heavy lifting, estrogen loss after menopause, pressure from fibroids, and simple aging and gravity can also contribute to developing the condition. Complications of uterine prolapse can include incontinence, vaginitis, cystitis, and a higher risk of uterine cancer.

The first symptom of prolapse is usually urinary incontinence. Because the uterus supports or rests on a variety of other organs, a uterine prolapse can be associated with prolapse of other pelvic organs such as:

Cystocele: This is a falling bladder, which may feel as though you cannot empty your bladder completely, and may have a urinary tract infection or stress incontinence.
Enterocele: The small intestine falls into the back of the vagina.
Rectocele: The rectum falls into the vagina, causing constipation. Stools may also back into a sort of pouch, forming a bulging rectum.
Urethrocele: The muscles supporting the urethra separate, and the urethra sags into the vagina.

Many women are relieved and happy to discover that their hysterectomy for prolapse improves their quality of life. But because a hysterectomy is a major, life-altering surgery, it is advisable to investigate other options for treating prolapse before proceeding with a hysterectomy.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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Find A Doctor Near You

Jonathan Y Song, M.D. 2455 Dean St. Suite A St. Charles IL 60175 (630) 513-9160	Bruce Pierce, M.D. 2 Princess Road Lawrenceville NJ 08648 609-896-0777	Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673
David Mainman, M.D. Desert Bloom Obstetrics & Gynecology 6452 E. Carondelet Drive, Suite A Tucson AZ 85710 520-885-5300	Mini Somasundaram, M.D. 4845 Knightsbridge Boulevard Suite 220 Columbus OH 43214 (614) 583-5552	Michele Cowling, M.D. 303 Nicollet Blvd Burnsville MN 55337 952.460.4000
David Zisow, M.D. 2005 Rock Spring Rd Ste. 3 Forest Hill - Baltimore MD 21050 410-879-1139	Melvin Ashford, M.D. 2603 White Bear Avenue N Maplewood MN 55109 651-600-3035	Amie Napier, M.D. Medical City Hospital 7777 Forest Lane Suite A331 Dallas TX 75230 9725667760

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