Definition

        
Pelvic prolapse repairs are performed to repair the damage of pelvic organ support structures.

Alternative Names

• Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment
• Pelvic Support Surgery

Symptoms

• Feeling of pelvic heaviness or fullness
• Feeling as though something is falling into the vagina
• Pain during intercourse
• Pulling or aching feeling in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Leakage of urine during sudden movements (jumping, coughing, laughing)
• Problems with bladder function
• Problems having a bowel movement

Commonly Associated With:

• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Genetics
• Previous Surgery
• Obesity

What is a Pelvic Prolapse Repair?

      
Pelvic prolapse may be corrected by having surgery. The surgery can be done through the vagina, abdomen or by laparoscopy. The type of procedure performed is based on the type of support problem. Women who want to have children often decide to wait to have the repair procedure until they are done having children. If a woman has uterine prolapse, it may be suggested that her uterus be removed as a part of the procedure; she'll then be incapable of having children. If the uterus is left in place, a later vaginal delivery may increase the chances that pelvic prolapse will recur. The factors that cause women to have prolapse in the first place can cause it to occur again.

Surgery may relieve some of the symptoms caused by pelvic support problems. During surgery, the doctor will repair the weakened tissues, ligaments, and muscles to improve pelvic support. Synthetic or natural materials may also be added to correct the problems.