Vaginal Prolapse (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Vaginal Prolapse Overview
- Vaginal Prolapse Causes
- Vaginal Prolapse Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Questions to Ask the Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Vaginal Prolapse Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Multimedia
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Vaginal Prolapse Causes
A network of muscles provides the main support for the
pelvic viscera (the vagina and the surrounding tissues and organs within the
pelvis). This network, which is located below most of the pelvic viscera and supports the viscera's weight, is called the levator ani. Pelvic ligaments provide additional stabilizing support.
When parts of this support network are weakened or damaged, the vagina and surrounding structures may lose some or all of the support that holds them in place. Collectively, this condition is called pelvic floor relaxation. A vaginal prolapse occurs when the weight-bearing or stabilizing structures that keep the vagina in place weaken or deteriorate. This may cause the supports for the rectum, bladder, uterus, small bladder, urethra, or a combination of them to become less stable.
Common factors that may cause a vaginal prolapse include the following:
- Childbirth (especially multiple births): Childbirth is
stressful to the tissues, muscles, and ligaments in and around the vagina.
Long, difficult labors and large babies are especially stressful to these
structures. Childbirth is the risk factor most commonly associated with
cystoceles. A cystocele is a condition in which the bladder prolapses into the
vagina. A cystocele is usually accompanied by a urethrocele, in which the
urethra becomes displaced and prolapses. A cystocele and urethrocele together
are called a cystourethrocele.
- Menopause: Estrogen is a hormone that helps to keep
the muscles and tissues of the pelvic support structure strong. After
menopause, the estrogen level decreases; this means that the support
structures may weaken.
- Hysterectomy: The uterus is an important part of the support structure at the top of the vagina. A hysterectomy involves removing the uterus. Without the uterus, the top of the vagina may gradually fall toward the vaginal opening. This condition is called a vaginal vault prolapse. As the top of the vagina droops, added stress is placed on other ligaments. Hysterectomy is also commonly associated with a condition called an enterocele, in which the small bladder herniates near the top of the vagina.
Other risk factors of a vaginal prolapse include the following:
- Advanced age
- Obesity
- Dysfunction of the nerves and tissues
- Abnormalities of the connective tissue
- Strenuous physical activity
- Prior pelvic surgery
Next: Vaginal Prolapse Symptoms »
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ENABLEX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat the following symptoms due to a condition called overactive bladder:
- · having a strong need to go to the bathroom right away (also called "urgency")
- · leaks or wetting accidents (also called "urinary incontinence")
- · having to go to the bathroom too often (also called "urinary frequency")
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
You should not take once-daily ENABLEX if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or have trouble emptying your bladder. Side effects of ENABLEX include blurred vision, and more commonly dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. Use caution when doing certain activities until you know how ENABLEX affects you.
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Enterocele and Massive Vaginal Eversion »
Massive vaginal vault prolapse (uterovaginal prolapse) is a devastating condition with discomfort and genitourinary and defecatory abnormalities as the primary consequences.
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