
Depending on your age and whether you wish to become pregnant, surgery can repair the uterus or remove it. When indicated, and in severe cases, your uterus can be removed with a hysterectomy. During the surgery, the surgeon can also correct the sagging of the vaginal walls, urethra, bladder, or rectum.
What are the treatments for prolapsed uterus?
Prolapsed Uterus Medications. Estrogen replacement therapy may be used to help the body strengthen the muscles in and around the vagina. Estrogen cream or suppositories inserted into the vagina help in restoring the strength and vitality of tissues in the vagina but only in selected postmenopausal women.
What is the best treatment for a prolapsed bladder?
The stages can help determine the best type of care for your situation. If you are diagnosed with a prolapsed bladder, there are a variety of treatment options. A pessary is a device that can be inserted into the vagina to support the bladder. Internal measurements of the vagina are taken to determine the size of pessary needed.
What are my Bladder Replacement options?
The surgeon has a few options. They might rebuild the support for the bladder by using your body’s own tissue. Or, they might insert a mesh and attach it to a bone. A mesh has risks though, including the chance that it may cause an infection or deteriorate over time.
What is a fallen bladder after hysterectomy?
A fallen bladder, also known as cystocele or prolapsed bladder, is common after hysterectomies. It involves the bladder falling into the vaginal canal. I had a complete hysterectomy 14 years ago and now my bladder is “fallen” and I want to know what my options are. Someone told me the only thing I could do is bladder suspension - is this true?

What is the success rate of prolapse surgery?
Pelvic prolapse surgery is successful. About 85 to 95% of women have long-term success with pelvic prolapse surgery. The success rate is not 100% because risk factors can remain after surgery. This includes factors such as chronic constipation, weak connective tissue, and muscle and nerve problems.
What is the best surgery for prolapsed bladder?
A healthcare provider may recommend surgery to repair the vaginal wall support and reposition the woman's bladder to its normal position. The most common prolapsed bladder repair is an anterior vaginal repair—or anterior colporrhaphy.
How successful is a bladder prolapse repair?
Approximately 94% achieved surgical success when it was defined as the absence of prolapse beyond the hymen. Subjective cure (absence of bulge symptoms) occurred in 92.1% while absence of re-treatment occurred in 97.2% of participants.
What is the latest treatment for prolapsed bladder?
Severe prolapsed bladders that cannot be managed with a pessary usually require surgery to correct them. Prolapsed bladder surgery is usually performed through the vagina, and the goal is to secure the bladder in its correct position. The bladder is repaired with an incision in the vaginal wall.
Is a pessary better than surgery?
Conclusions. In women with POP of stage II or higher undergoing surgery, prolapse symptoms were less severe than in those who were treated with a pessary, but 72% of women who were treated with a pessary did not opt for surgery.
How long does it take to recover from prolapsed bladder surgery?
You may need about 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover from open surgery and 1 to 2 weeks to recover from laparoscopic surgery or vaginal surgery. It is important to avoid heavy lifting while you are recovering, so that your incision can heal.
How long is hospital stay for prolapse surgery?
Vaginal prolapse repairs typically take about 2.5 hours and patients usually stay in the hospital for one night. Occasionally patients will stay for two nights for comfort reasons. Restrictions after surgery include no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for 2 weeks.
How painful is prolapse surgery?
Usually the graft is anchored to the muscles of the pelvic floor. Generally this surgery is not very painful. You may feel as if you have been 'riding on a horseback'. You will have some discomfort and pain, so please do not hesitate to take pain medication.
How long does a bladder lift last?
Bladder suspension surgery works well to treat stress incontinence in most cases. Success rates for open retropubic suspension surgery range from 85%-90%. But, the effects do not last forever. Symptoms can return over time, usually after five years.
When should you have surgery for a prolapsed bladder?
Consider surgery if the prolapse is causing pain, if you are having problems with your bladder and bowels, or if the prolapse is making it hard for you to do activities you enjoy. An organ can prolapse again after surgery. Surgery in one part of your pelvis can make a prolapse in another part worse.
Is pelvic floor repair major surgery?
A pelvic floor reconstruction is a major surgical procedure that is designed to restore strength and integrity to the pelvic floor by addressing each of these prolapsing organs, one by one, and either rebuilding the supporting layer, or removing the fallen organ.
What are the side effects of prolapsed bladder surgery?
The most frequent complications included erosion through the vagina, infection, pain, urinary problems and recurrence of the prolapse and/or incontinence. In some cases, erosion of the mesh and scarring of the vagina led to discomfort and pain, including pain during sexual intercourse.
How do you treat uterine prolapse?
Some more severe cases of uterine prolapse require surgery. Doctors often perform the surgery laparoscopically, where they insert instruments through the navel. They may also go through an abdominal incision. In both cases, they pull the uterus back into place, reattaching the ligaments for support.
How to diagnose a prolapsed uterus?
To diagnose a prolapsed uterus, your doctor will perform a vaginal exam. They may ask you to bear down as though you are pushing out a bowel movement. They will look to see how much tissue is prolapsed into or out of the vagina.
How to cure pelvic prolapse?
However, avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged standing will reduce the symptoms. Physiotherapy may help with the use of the pelvic floor exercises and equipment aimed at stimulating and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. The aim would be to relieve any discomfort and in mild cases, possibly cure the prolapse.
How long does it take to recover from a bladder prolapse?
Following this the recuperation period is 2 -3 months and you must avoid heavy lifting and stretching for three months. Bladder prolapse.
What is the most common surgery for prolapse?
Finally, surgery – The most common surgery for prolapse is a pelvic floor repair . This is a term used to describe basic repairs to the pelvic floor. More specifically, the term anterior repair refers to correction of the front wall of the vagina; and posterior repair, to correction of the back wall of the vagina.
Can a prolapse of the womb occur after an operation?
For example, a prolapse of the womb can occur after an operation for prolapse of the vagina and vice versa. Prolapse surgery usually improves or cures the symptom of ‘something coming down below’ or the lump in the vagina. Symptoms that relate to bladder and bowel problems, including constipation or incontinence, are not always improved.
Can bladder problems be improved?
Symptoms that relate to bladder and bowel problems, including constipation or incontinence, are not always improved. Similarly, problems with your sex life may not be improved with surgery. In some cases, some new bowel or bladder symptoms develop after prolapse surgery, which may require further treatment in the future, including further surgery.
Can you have incontinence after pelvic surgery?
This problem usually gets better with time. There is a small risk of venous thrombosis (clots forming in your legs and lungs) with any pelvic surgery.
What is the best way to support your bladder?
To do them, you squeeze and release the muscles that cut off the flow of urine. A device called a pessary might help support your bladder. This is a plastic or rubber ring that your doctor fits especially to you. It’s a common alternative to surgery, especially if surgery would be risky for you.
Why does my bladder break through my vagina?
If you experience any of these, the problem might be your bladder. The bladder sits in sort of a “hammock” of muscle and tissue inside your abdomen. When the tissue gets weak, the bladder can break through it and go into your vagina. Doctors call this bladder prolapse.
What is it called when you break through the tube that carries urine?
Your doctor might also discuss a condition that affects the tube that carries urine from your bladder outside your body. It’s called the urethra, and it also can break through its support and into the vagina. When that happens, it’s called urethrocele. It is not unusual for it and cystocele to occur at the same time.
What exercises help you hold your bladder in place?
Exercises might strengthen the muscles that help hold the bladder in place. They’re called Kegel exercises. To do them, you squeeze and release the muscles that cut off the flow of urine.
How do you know if you have a bladder infection?
But if you do have symptoms, here’s what they might include: You feel pressure in your pelvis or vagina. When you cough or lift something, you feel discomfort in your abdomen. You have repeated bladder infections. Your urine may leak out unexpectedly. Or, when you pee, the stream might be weak or take a long time.
What is the procedure called when you cut your abdomen?
That might involve a technique called laparoscopic surgery. For that, they makes very small cuts and uses special instruments through the openings. Or, instead of cutting into your abdomen, the surgeon might operate through the vagina. If you have surgery, the medical team may put you to sleep.
Can bladder prolapse happen again?
If you’re young, keep in mind that bladder prolapse can happen again. Even if you have surgery now, you may end up needing another operation down the road. If you’re older, any other health issues you have may affect your decision. Your plans about having children.
What is the best treatment for pelvic organ prolapse?
Examples include: Estrogen therapy: This treatment is most commonly recommended for the treatment of cystocele. Topical estrogen creams or pills can be used to boost estrogen levels ...
How to treat prolapsed vagina?
Many women with mild cases of prolapse (sometimes associated with a condition called Relaxed Vaginal Outlet) can relieve their symptoms with easy-to-do exercises and a few lifestyle changes. These include: 1 Kegel exercises: Kegels are useful for all types of pelvic organ prolapse and are exercises that strengthen the muscles that control urination. (You can identify these muscles by stopping urine midstream.) Patients can do three sets of ten each day: Tighten the muscles and hold for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. With regular tightening, a woman may be able to reinforce her pelvic floor to provide support for prolapsed organs. 2 Weight loss: If a woman is overweight, losing some of the weight mass may decrease pressure on her pelvic floor and improve her symptoms. This lifestyle change is helpful for mild rectocele, enterocele, and uterine prolapse. 3 High-fiber diet: Eating a diet high in fiber can reduce constipation, a problem that can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor. Such dietary alterations are proposed for mild rectocele, enterocele, and uterine prolapse. 4 Avoid heavy lifting: Heavy lifting can strain and weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
What are the symptoms of pelvic prolapse?
The most common symptom of pelvic prolapse is constipation, but others include painful intercourse, bleeding from the vagina, incontinence, pelvic pressure, and pain in the groin or lower back. If symptoms are severe, or if prolapse interferes with the urinary or reproductive systems, surgery may be needed to correct the problem.
What is pelvic floor prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse (pelvic floor prolapse) occurs when these muscles and ligaments are weak or damaged, causing the pelvic organs to shift and slip below their normal positions. Although pelvic organ prolapse is defined as a shift in any pelvic organ, the type of prolapse is identified by the organ that has dropped.
How to reduce constipation in the pelvic floor?
High-fiber diet: Eating a diet high in fiber can reduce constipation, a problem that can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor. Such dietary alterations are proposed for mild rectocele, enterocele, and uterine prolapse. Avoid heavy lifting: Heavy lifting can strain and weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
Can a woman with a relaxed vaginal outlet relieve symptoms?
Many women with mild cases of prolapse (sometimes associated with a condition called Relaxed Vaginal Outlet) can relieve their symptoms with easy-to-do exercises and a few lifestyle changes. These include:
Can surgery repair a prolapsed pelvic floor?
And surgery, though very effective, may not be able to repair all prolapsed organs. Treatment success depends on the severity of the prolapse. And in some instances, such as when surgery further injures the pelvic floor, prolapse can occur in another area.
What is the best treatment for uterine prolapse?
The most common treatment options for uterine prolapse are, from the least invasive to the most invasive, exercises, a pessary, and surgical resuspension of the uterus.
What is it called when the uterus moves down?
The drifting down of the uterus into the vagina is called uterine prolapse .
Why is rectocele less common in women who have not undergone a hysterectomy?
The reason for this is that removal of the uterus causes the displacement of the bowel and rectum. The bowel drifts down and fills the space where the uterus had been, pulling the rectum down with it, which creates a rectocele.
What is a pessary for?
With a more significant second or third degree prolapse that was unresponsive to the modification of Kegel exercises, a pessary will usually provide the needed support to the uterus. Pessaries come in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are nineteen different types.
How many degrees of uterine prolapse are there?
There are three degrees of uterine prolapse: first degree, second degree, and third degree. First-degree uterine prolapse is slight and without symptoms. Most women are unaware that they have a first-degree uterine prolapse unless a doctor mentions it during a pelvic exam.
What is the difference between a second degree and a third degree prolapse?
With second-degree prolapse, the uterus descends a little further down into the vagina, and the cervix may be near or at the opening of the vagina. With a third-degree prolapse, the cervix and sometimes the uterus may protrude slightly or significantly out of the opening to the vagina. Women with a third-degree prolapse sometimes wonder ...
Can a woman have a rectocele after a hysterectomy?
Some women develop bladder prolapse whether or not they undergo hysterectomy, but rectocele is a consequence of hysterectomy for the majority of hysterectomized women. Rectocele is less common in women who have not undergone a hysterectomy.
How to diagnose uterine prolapse?
The health care professional can diagnose uterine prolapse with a medical history and physical examination of the pelvis. The doctor may need to examine the patient in both standing and recumbent positions. She may be asked to cough or strain down to increase the intra-abdominal pressure.
What is the first degree of a prolapsed uterus?
Prolapsed uterus can be described in the following stages: First degree: The cervix descends down ward into the vagina. Second degree: The cervix comes down to the opening of the vagina. Third degree: The cervix is outside the vagina. Fourth degree: The entire uterus is outside the vagina. This condition is also called procidentia.
How many stages of prolapsed uterus?
A prolapsed uterus is divided into four catagories or stages that indicate how far the uterus has dropped. Stage I: The cervix drops into the vagina and the uterus drops near the vaginal opeing. Stage II: The uterus drops to the vaginal opening. Stage III: The uterus comes out of the vagina. Stage IV: The entire uterus is out ...
Why does my uterus sag?
As a woman ages and with age-related decrease in the concentration of the hormone estrogen, her uterus can move downward into the vaginal canal, causing the condition known as a prolapsed uterus. Muscle weakness or relaxation may allow the uterus to sag or come completely out of the body.
What is the fourth degree of uterus?
Fourth degree: The entire uterus is outside the vagina. This condition is also called procidentia. This is caused by weakness in all of the supporting ligaments. Other conditions are usually associated with prolapsed uterus. They weaken the muscles and ligaments that hold the uterus in place:
What causes a loss of tissue tone after menopause?
Weakening and loss of tissue tone after menopause with loss of natural estrogen production by the ovaries/. Conditions leading to increased pressure in the abdomen such as chronic cough (with bronchitis and asthma ), straining (with constipation ), pelvic tumors (rare), or an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.
What is the uterus held in place?
The uterus (the womb, in which a fetus develops) is normally held in place inside the pelvis with various muscles and ligaments. Sometimes, because of childbirth or difficult labor and vaginal delivery, these tissues are weakened. As a woman ages and with age-related decrease in the concentration of the hormone estrogen, ...
What are the symptoms of a prolapsed bladder?
Prolapsed bladder symptoms include tissue in/protruding from the vagina, problems with urination, increased bladder infections, pelvic discomfort, pain in the lower back, and pain during intercourse. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to see your doctor so they can conduct a pelvic exam to diagnose you.
What is the stage of the bladder?
Stage I is when the bladder begins to droop into the vaginal vault; Stage II involves the bladder dropping into the lower section of the vaginal region; Stage III is when the bladder is visible at the vaginal opening; Stage IV is when the bladder is outside of the body.
What is a pessary for vagina?
When a pessary is used correctly, it is comfortable and stays in place. Pessaries are a good alternative to surgery and can decrease prolapse symptoms.
Is abdominal surgery better than sex?
The abdominal procedures may be a better option if you’re looking to experience less pain during sex. Recovery varies; however, it is best to avoid strenuous lifting, exercise and sexual intercourse for several weeks after surgery. Be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any treatment method.
Can estrogen be used to treat a prolapsed bladder?
A prolapsed bladder can also be treated with medication. The muscles surrounding the vagina can be strengthened with estrogen replacement therapy, orally or topically. After menopause, women experience a decrease in estrogen production, which can result in weakening of vaginal muscles.
How to treat a prolapsed vagina?
1. Know that vaginal surgery is the mainstay of treatment for more severe vaginal prolapse. While strategies such as activity modification, pessaries, Kegel exercises, and estrogen replacement therapy can be helpful, moderate to severe cases of vaginal prolapse may need to be treated with surgery.
What is the best way to prevent prolapse?
2. Consider trying a device meant to support the vaginal walls. Something called a "vaginal pessary" is a circular device, usually made of soft plastic or rubber, that is inserted into your vagina. The pessary will hold your vaginal structures in place, thus preventing symptoms of prolapse and/or worsening of your prolapse.
Why does my vagina prolapse after menopause?
Many cases of vaginal prolapse occur following menopause. They are linked to the decreased estrogen that is present post-menopause, as a decreased estrogen level correlates to a weakening of the vaginal area and the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Why does my vagina prolapse?
Vaginal prolapse can occur when the muscles and ligaments in your pelvis become weakened, result ing in tissue that protrudes from your vagina because it is unable to be properly held in place. Needless to say, having a vaginal prolapse can be a significant concern, both cosmetically and functionally. If your vaginal prolapse is mild, you may be ...
How is vaginal surgery performed?
In vaginal surgery, the surgery is conducted through the vaginal opening. In laparoscopic surgery, small instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity though tiny incision points, with the help of a small camera that allows the surgeon to see during the operation.
How long do you have to stay in the hospital after a prolapse?
Unless there are complications, you will most likely need to stay in the hospital for one to two days following surgery. This will help to ensure that the initial stages of your recovery are going well. Recurrence after having prolapse surgery can be as high as 20 to 60%.
Does vaginal prolapse need surgery?
Keep in mind that surgery is not necessary with vaginal prolapse. You can leave the prolapse untreated without any negative impact on your health.

Diagnosis
Treatment
- Treatment depends on the severity of uterine prolapse. Your doctor might recommend: 1. Self-care measures.If your uterine prolapse causes few or no symptoms, simple self-care measures may provide relief or help prevent worsening prolapse. Self-care measures include performing Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles, losing weight and treating constipation. 2. Pe…
Clinical Trials
- Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- Depending on the severity of your uterine prolapse, self-care measures may provide relief. You could try to: 1. Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles and support the weakened fascia 2. Avoid constipation by eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of fluids 3. Avoid bearing down to move your bowels 4. Avoid heavy lifting 5. Contro...
Preparing For Your Appointment
- You may be referred to a gynecologist. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.