What is prolapse of the vaginal wall?

Prolapse means that the anterior or posterior wall of the vagina bulges down into the vagina or out of the vaginal entrance. The uterus can also sink into the vagina, even so much that the cervix comes out. In technical language, this is called cystocele, rectocele or uterovaginal prolapse. The reason for this is that the connective tissue in the pelvic floor has become weaker and looser. This can be due to several factors, such as heredity, obesity, childbirth and increasing age.

What symptoms are common with prolapse?

The condition is not dangerous, and many who have given birth to children can have a mild degree of such changes without symptoms. With a more severe degree of prolapse, one can experience significant ailments. In case of prolapse of the anterior vaginal wall (cystocele), it can be difficult to empty the bladder, which can sometimes lead to frequent urinary tract infections in the long run. In the case of prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall (rectocele), faeces can accumulate in the lower part of the intestine, so that you have to press against the middle flesh to empty the intestine completely. The prolapse can give a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen; some describe it as a small "balloon" that comes out in the vaginal opening. Some people feel that the vaginal opening is too wide, which can lead to an unsatisfactory sexual life, and are bothered by air coming in and out of the vagina in connection with certain body movements (garulitas).

How is the examination?

The doctor performs a regular gynaecological examination and assesses the vaginal opening and pinching force in the pelvic floor muscles. Then, using a speculum, one can determine whether it is the anterior or posterior vaginal walls that bulge down and the degree of prolapse of the uterus itself. Often there is a combination of these. It is also common to examine the septum between the intestine and the vagina using a finger in the rectum.

If you have significant ailments and the doctor finds large deviations from normal anatomy, we can refer you further for surgical treatment. Some may also benefit from trying a ring pessary that keeps the prolapse up.

‍