Vaginal Prolapse: Dr Grant Discusses on Ask the Dr

Dr Grant Discusses Vaginal Prolapse on Ask the Dr

After a recent smear test a woman was told she had vaginal prolapse. Though she has not noticed any symptoms or suffering any complaints, she contacted Dr Grant for advice.

Dr Grant first explains that as the women is feeling well, and has no symptoms, there is no need to do anything now. As in this case, treatment is not always needed for vaginal prolapse as many are asymptomatic. In other cases, a common complaint for patients with prolapse is ‘a feeling or sensation of fullness/bulge/pressure in the vagina’ or ‘something coming down the vagina.’

Dr Grant discusses that during this woman’s smear test, her doctor most likely noticed that the cervix was slightly lower in the vaginal vault typically seen. Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is the medical term for this, which refers to the descend of the pelvic organs into the vaginal walls.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is an umbrella term for POP, urinary incontinence, anal incontinence and sexual dysfunction. It is reported that one in three women suffer with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction after three vaginal births. Pregnancy, vaginal childbirth, family history and underlying congenital anomalies are risk factors for POP.

Treatment for POP

There are surgical treatment options for POP, although Dr Grant explains surgical intervention is only recommended when your family is complete.

Pelvic floor muscle training and vaginal pessary are non-surgical treatments for POP. Pelvic health physiotherapists can explain how to do kegel exercises and correct muscle training can be effective.

If you are concerned about any health issues, don’t delay. Visit your GP and get it checked.

Dr Jennifer Grant, Physician at Beacon HealthCheck answers your questions each week on Independent.ie. Dr Grant’s full advice on vaginal prolapse can be read here.

Beacon HealthCheck

Beacon HealthCheck offers a comprehensive, physician led health screening. This screening covers multiple aspects of both lifestyle and physical health, completed in just 3 to 4 hours.

A health screening is a proactive way of looking after your health, identifies possible early signs and symptoms of many conditions, which left undetected, could lead to more serious health concerns. Beacon HealthCheck is Ireland’s premier health screening service offering both corporate and personal health screening. HealthCheck is Ireland’s only such service offering same day results.