Vaginal prolapse is a common and potentially painful condition for women. Due to connective tissue damage — whether as a result of gravity, abdominal pressure, or another condition — the vaginal wall begins to emerge from its canal and other organs shift. It might lead to frequent bladder infections, vaginal pressure, leaks, and discomfort.

Fortunately, there is a reliable treatment for this condition. The medical professionals at Midwest Urogynecology in St. Louis, MO, offer vaginal prolapse repair through a surgical procedure that returns the internal organs to their optimal positions.

Before the vaginal prolapse repair procedure, the patient will undergo general or spinal anesthesia to numb the pain. Then, the gynecological surgeon will make a small incision through the vagina. The doctor will move the bladder back to its proper place, either by sewing it to connective tissue or attaching it to the pelvic wall. To bolster support, the surgeon might add synthetic or biological mesh between the bladder and vagina. The procedure might vary slightly depending on the circumstances of each patient; for example, some also suffer from fallen rectums (rectoceles), or fallen bladders (cystoceles). 

Before the surgery, patients should not eat or drink anything for 6–12 hours. Aspirin and ibuprofen also should be avoided due to potential blood-thinning effects.

After the procedure, you should have someone transport you home so you can rest. You might need a catheter to drain your urine for about five days afterward, and you should avoid heavy lifting for about six weeks to speed the healing process.

This procedure is typically effective for repairing vaginal prolapse and eliminating its symptoms. If you think you might be suffering a prolapse issue, contact the expert team at Midwest Urogynecology in St. Louis, MO, at (314) 596-9955 to schedule an appointment with a gynecologist. Visit their website to learn more about other conditions they treat, including bladder infections and urinary incontinence. Check their Google+ page for medical insight and updates from the practice.