Article: Uterine Prolapse and Related Issues - Hysterectomy the Answer?

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Article: Uterine Prolapse and Related Issues - Hysterectomy the Answer?
What is a Uterine Prolapse? How about Rectocele? Or Cystocele? What treatment options are there?

Muscular weaknesses in the pelvic area can result in protrusion or herniation (falling) of the uterus, vagina, bladder and/or rectum. Childbirth and aging can lead to a weakening of these muscles that provide pelvic support.

Rectocele - fallen rectum
Cystocele - fallen bladder
Enterocele - fallen small intestine
Uterine Prolapse - fallen uterus
Vaginal Prolapse - fallen uppermost portion of the vagina

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Prolapses

Hormone therapy (post menopausal women)
Kegel exercises
Pessary (A mechanical means of muscle support to prevent the tissues of the vagina from spilling out. There are various sizes, types, and shapes of pessaries. The pessary is tailored to fit the individual woman.

Surgical Treatment Options for Prolapses

Anterior colporrhaphy - surgical correction of cystocele
Retropubic urethropexy - elevation of the angle between the urethra and bladder
Sling procedure to provide support for the urethra to increase the resistance to urinary flow
Posterior colporrhaphy or perineorrhaphy - correction of rectocele
Sacrospinous ligament colpopexy - correction of vaginal wall prolapse
Enterocele repair - reinforcement of the vaginal supporting structures to prevent herniation of the small intestine.
Hysterectomy

These repairs can be done with or without 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.