There are many ways to treat this condition, depending on a number of factors which your doctor or a specialist will have to consider. Treatments range from special exercises, either alone or in combination with certain medications, to surgery. Within this range, there are many possible therapeutic procedures, including medical therapy, laparoscopic surgery and other major surgical procedures.

The answer is yes. Prolapse is a hernia and the treatment of choice for hernia is surgical repair. The medical definition of hernia is breakdown or separation of strong fascial tissue and allow the protrusion of bodily organ or tissue through its surrounding walls. Although when hernia happens in the pelvis causing prolapse of the genital organs, it seldom leads to serious medical illness, but it certainly can make women's lives uncomfortable or even miserable.

When the muscles of the pelvic floor are damaged or become weak, usually because of childbirth, they are sometimes unable to support the weight of some or all of the pelvic organs. When this happens, one or more of the organs may drop below their normal positions within the abdomen, causing mild to severe symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to significant pain.

Genital prolapse is a more general term which refers to any or all of the affected pelvic organs. Uterine prolapse refers specifically to the dropping of the uterus. Other affected organs are referred to in their own terms as well. Vaginal prolapse obviously refers to the vagina, but less obvious are the terms for dropped bladder (cystocele), dropped rectum (rectocele), and the bulging or herniation of the small bowel into the space between the vagina and rectum (enterocele).

The word prolapse simply means displacement from the normal position. When this word is used to describe the female organs, it usually means bulging, sagging or falling. It can occur quickly, but usually happens over the course of many years. There are various types of prolapse, which can occur individually or together.

Pelvic prolapse is caused by weakening of the normal supporting structures around the vagina, bladder, and uterus (pelvic muscles). These structures (ligaments, muscles, and normally strong tissue called fascia) may become weaker with age, change in hormone levels, previous vaginal deliveries, or previous pelvic surgery.

The most common symptoms of pelvic prolapse is a feeling that 'something is out of place' in the vagina, that you are 'sitting on a beach ball', and that it is difficult to urinate unless the bulge is 'pushed back inside'. The symptoms depend on which type of prolapse you have. Since prolapse usually occurs slowly over time, the symptoms can be hard to recognize. Loss of bladder control may also be present, often with a feeling that the bladder does not empty well.

There have been very significant advances in the treatment of pelvic prolapse, with more effective surgical techniques being recently developed. Current effective techniques can often be performed entirely through the vagina without and abdominal incision.

When the supporting tissues of the bladder, uterus and rectum become weakened by childbirth, aging and/or previous pelvic surgery, these organs can herniate producing a vaginal bulge. There are various degrees of prolapse from mild (Stage 1) to severe (Stage 4). Sometimes, but not always, prolpase is accompanied by urine leakage. Many people will experience pelvic pressure, difficulty urinating, frequent urinary infections and discomfort.

Many factors that appear to contribute to prolapse are beyond your control. Genetics, vaginal deliveries, obesity, pelvic tumors, chronic constipation and repeated heavy lifting are all conditions that seem to be associated with prolapse. Prior hysterectomy may also predispose you to prolapse of the vaginal vault and enterocele.

If it develops over a number of years, symptoms can be subtle and can vary depending on the type of prolapse you have. You may experience pressure while standing for long time periods or be unable to wear a tampon. Most women don't seek treatment until they actually feel a protrusion from their vagina and an interference with bowel movements.

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