Vaginal Prolapse Treatment
Most vaginal prolapses gradually worsen and can only be fully corrected with surgery. However, the type of treatment that is appropriate to treat a vaginal prolapse depends on factors such as the cause and severity of the prolapse, whether the woman is sexually active, and the woman's treatment preference.
Nonsurgical options may be most appropriate for women who are not sexually active, cannot undergo surgery because of medical reasons, or experience few or no symptoms associated with the condition.
Surgical repair is the treatment option that most sexually active women who develop a vaginal prolapse choose because the procedure is usually effective.
Self-care treatment for Vaginal Prolapse
Treatments at home for vaginal prolapse include one or a combination of the following:
Activity modification - For a vaginal prolapse that causes minor or no symptoms, the doctor may recommend activity modification such as avoiding heavy lifting or straining.
Kegel (pelvic floor) exercises - These are exercises used to tighten the muscles of the pelvic floor. Kegel exercises might be used to treat mild-to-moderate cases of vaginal prolapse or to supplement other treatments for prolapses that are more serious.
The PelvicToner is a clinically proven treatment for a weak pelvic floor: it is a "Gold Standard" treatment within the NHS and is available on prescription.
Pessary - A pessary is a small device, usually made of vinyl, that is placed within the vagina for support. Pessaries come in several varieties. This nonsurgical treatment option may be the most appropriate for women who are not sexually active, cannot have surgery, or plan to have surgery but need a temporary nonsurgical option until surgery can be performed (for example, women who are pregnant or in poor health). Pessaries must be removed and cleaned at regular intervals to prevent infection. Some pessaries are designed to allow the woman to do this herself. A doctor must remove and clean other types. Estrogen cream is commonly used along with a pessary to help prevent infection and vaginal wall erosion. Some women find that pessaries are uncomfortable or that they easily fall out.
Vaginal Prolapse Medications
Oestrogen replacement therapy may be used to help the body strengthen the muscles in and around the vagina. Oestrogen replacement therapy may be contraindicated (such as in a people with certain types of cancer) and has been associated with certain health risks including increased risk of blood clots and stroke, particularly in older postmenopausal women. Women's bodies stop creating oestrogen naturally after menopause, and the muscles of the vagina may weaken as a result. In mild cases of vaginal prolapse, oestrogen may be prescribed in an attempt to reverse vaginal prolapse symptoms, such as vaginal weakening and incontinence. For more severe prolapses, oestrogen replacement therapy may be used along with other types of treatment.
Vaginal Prolapse Surgery
A generalized weakness of the vaginal muscles and ligaments is much more likely to develop than are isolated defects. If a woman develops symptoms of one type of vaginal prolapse, she is likely to have or develop other types as well. Therefore, a thorough physical examination is necessary for the surgeon to detail what surgical steps are necessary to correct the vaginal prolapse completely. The typical surgical strategy is to correct all vaginal weaknesses at once.
Surgery is usually performed while the woman is under general anaesthesia. Some women receive a spinal epidural. The type of anaesthesia given usually depends on how invasive and lengthy the surgery is expected to be.
Acknowledgement: emedicinehealth.com and pelvichealthsource.com
Janey Lee Grace, broadcaster and author of many books on natural health, is a great advocate of natural solutions.