Uterine Prolapse Specialist

What is uterine prolapse?

When the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments are working correctly, they carefully hold the uterus and other pelvic organs in place. When these muscles are stretched or weakened, they can fail to hold the weight of the uterus, allowing the uterus to sag into the vagina. In patients with complete prolapse, the tissue of the uterus hangs outside of the vagina. In incomplete prolapses, the uterus sags into the vagina but does not extrude. Both require treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of uterine prolapse?

While women with minor prolapse may be asymptomatic, women with moderate or severe prolapse are often impacted by undesirable symptoms, including:

• The feeling of a foreign object in the vagina
• Bleeding from the vagina
• Difficulty or pain with sexual intercourse
• Visual extrusion of the uterus from the vagina
• Constipation
• Bladder infections
• A stretching or pulling feeling in the pelvis

Talking to a qualified doctor like Dr. Swainston about signs and symptoms of prolapse is the first step in getting relief from its symptoms.

Which factors may increase the risk of prolapse?

Any condition that puts pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor can put a woman at higher risk of prolapse. These conditions include pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, chronic cough, and chronic constipation.

What treatment options are available for uterine prolapse?

In some cases, Kegel exercises, weight loss, or a pessary ( a device that can be inserted into the vagina to support the uterus) can successfully alleviate problems associated with minor uterine prolapse. However, patients with moderate to severe prolapse general require either surgery to resuspend the uterus in the correct position or to remove the uterus and cervix altogether. Dr. Swainston provides robotic abdominal sacrocolpopexy, uterosacral ligament suspension, and robotic-assisted hysterectomy to ensure patients have all of the minimally-invasive options available.

Why should patients consider robotic-assisted surgery?

As opposed to traditional surgery, robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive, performed through tiny incisions. This limits the risks associated with surgery and allows patients a faster, more comfortable recovery. Robotic assistance provides precision unachievable with the human hand. Dr. Swainston is an expert in these safe and effective state-of-the-art procedures.

We offer Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery, and Fibroids. Call us to book your appointment today.