Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Five common types of prolapse:

• Cystocele - Prolapse of the Bladder. This is the most common prolapse among women following pregnancy and childbirth. Symptoms may include vaginal pressure, slowing of the urinary stream, overactive bladder and an inability to fully empty the bladder.

• Rectocele - Prolapse of the lower vaginal wall allowing for the rectum to bulge upward. Rectoceles may cause such symptoms as difficulty with bowel movements, a feeling of fullness and fecal soiling.

• Uterine -Prolapse of the uterus allowing for low positioning of the cervix into the vaginal canal. Symptoms may include a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the vagina, low back pain, and in severe cases, protrusion of the uterus through the vaginal opening.

• Enterocele - Prolapse of the upper wall of the vagina allowing for descending of the small intestine into the upper wall of the vagina. Symptoms can include pressure in the pelvis and vagina or lower back discomfort. It is common for this prolapse to exists in combination with a vaginal vault prolapse post- hysterectomy.

• Vaginal Vault - Prolapse of the top of the vagina (known as the “vaginal vault”) into the vaginal canal. This usually occurs in women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)