To learn more about vaginal prolapse, it is important to understand how vaginal support normally works. The vagina is a muscular tube—elevated and attached to muscles and ligaments in the pelvis—and is the support system for the uterus, urethra, bladder and to some degree the rectum.
Vaginal prolapse is more common in women who have had a hysterectomy. Prolapse occurs when the uppermost part of the vagina—called the apex—descends because it does not have the same support that was there when the uterus was present. As a result, the vaginal apex pulls the rest of the vagina down into the vaginal canal or even outside the vagina.
Vaginal prolapse may occur alone or along with a:
- Cystocele (bladder prolapse)—Occurs when the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to drop or sag into the vagina.
- Urethrocele (urethra prolapse)—Occurs when there is loss of support for the tube (urethra) that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. It results in the tube sagging or bulging into the vagina.
- Rectocele (rectal prolapse)—Occurs when there is a bulge in the lower back vaginal wall caused by the front wall of the rectum sagging and pushing against it.
- Enterocele (intestinal prolapse)—Occurs when the small intestine bulges into the upper back vaginal wall.
Sometimes, these different types of pelvic organ prolapse occur simultaneously.
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