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What Is a Vaginal Prolapse?

According to the University of Washington Department of Urology, vaginal prolapse describes a weakness in the vaginal walls that allows pelvic organs to fall into the vagina.

  1. Symptoms

    • Women who have vaginal prolapse often experience pressure or fullness in the vagina, painful intercourse or abdominal pain.

    Causes

    • Vaginal prolapse can be caused by vaginal childbirth if a woman has a long labor, births of multiples or gives birth to a large baby. It can also be caused by menopause and aging.

    Testing

    • A gynecologist or primary care physician can diagnose vaginal prolapse through a physical exam. It can also be confirmed through lab tests or medical imaging, but that is not often needed.

    Treatment

    • Doctors treat vaginal prolapse through surgery or by using a pessary. Surgery is used to repair the vaginal defect that is causing the prolapse and a pessary is nonsurgical device that supports the prolapsed part of the vagina.

    Complications

    • Vaginal prolapse can lead to several problems, including bladder infections, kidney damage or ulcerations.

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