Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSignsTypesCausesDiagnosisTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs
Types
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
Vaginal prolapse, also known as vaginal hernia, is when the vagina slips out of place in the body. Sometimes the vagina moves only slightly or it can shift significantly. In the most severe cases, it can protrude from the body. Vaginal prolapse can cause discomfort but can be treated with vaginal physical therapy, medication, or surgery, if necessary.
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Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Prolapse
Many people do not have any symptoms of vaginal prolapse. Healthcare providers may discover it during a gynecological exam. People who experience signs and symptoms may have:
In severe cases, an organ may protrude through the vaginal opening.
Who Is Most Likely to Have Vaginal Prolapse?Vaginal prolapse is more common in women who:Have delivered several children vaginallyAre older orpostmenopausalHaveobesitySmoke
Who Is Most Likely to Have Vaginal Prolapse?
Vaginal prolapse is more common in women who:Have delivered several children vaginallyAre older orpostmenopausalHaveobesitySmoke
Vaginal prolapse is more common in women who:
Types of Vaginal Prolapse
Causes of Vaginal Prolapse
As many as a third of all people with vaginas will have some sort of vaginal prolapse at some point in their lives.The most common causes are:
There are some other rare medical conditions, such as a tumor or a congenital bladder condition, that can cause prolapse.
How Is Vaginal Prolapse Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose a vaginal prolapse from a physical examination. They may ask you to move muscles like you are having a bowel movement or as if you are stopping urination.
They will also ask about any symptoms, such asincontinence, that you may be experiencing.
Treatment and Prevention of Vaginal Prolapse
If the prolapse is minor and you are not having symptoms, you may not need treatment. If it is causing discomfort, treatment includes:
Summary
Vaginal prolapse is a condition in which the vagina slips down in the body. It’s more common in people who have delivered several children vaginally and after menopause. Vaginal prolapse may not cause any symptoms, but if it does, physical therapy and possibly surgery (if the prolapse is severe) can strengthen the pelvic muscles and help support the vagina.
Vaginal prolapse can cause discomfort. If you notice a feeling of heaviness or like you are sitting on something that bulges, you may have a prolapse. Contact your healthcare provider or gynecologist if you experience symptoms so you can get treated.
Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you feel pressure, like you may be sitting on something that bulges, or feel heavy or full, you may have a prolapse. A healthcare provider can diagnose you and treat the prolapse if you need it.Most prolapses don’t need treatment or respond well to treatment. It’s possible for a prolapse to recur after surgery, but it’s unlikely.Pelvic muscle exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the vagina. Have a professional show you how to do them properly and how often.If you have difficulty with bowel movements or urination, or if you notice tissue protruding from your vagina, you may have a severe prolapse, which typically responds well to treatment.
If you feel pressure, like you may be sitting on something that bulges, or feel heavy or full, you may have a prolapse. A healthcare provider can diagnose you and treat the prolapse if you need it.
Most prolapses don’t need treatment or respond well to treatment. It’s possible for a prolapse to recur after surgery, but it’s unlikely.
Pelvic muscle exercises can help strengthen the muscles that support the vagina. Have a professional show you how to do them properly and how often.
If you have difficulty with bowel movements or urination, or if you notice tissue protruding from your vagina, you may have a severe prolapse, which typically responds well to treatment.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vaginal prolapse.John Muir Health.Vaginal prolapse.
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vaginal prolapse.John Muir Health.Vaginal prolapse.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vaginal prolapse.John Muir Health.Vaginal prolapse.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vaginal prolapse.
John Muir Health.Vaginal prolapse.
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