• Prolapse is a hernia of the vagina that a woman may feel as a bulge or pressure. This is referred to in many different ways. Sometimes it is called a “dropped bladder”, “dropped uterus,” “dropped vagina,” or “dropped rectum.” Your doctor may have also called this a cystocele, rectocele, or enterocele.

Prolapse is caused by a weakening of the vaginal tissues. Prolapse is associated with pregnancy and childbirth. However, prolapse can happen in women who have never had children. Prolapse is also associated with repetitive heavy lifting, chronic constipation , chronic cough, and poor tissue.Prolapse symptoms may be worse at different times in the day. Some women notice that they feel more pressure after walking or standing for long periods of time.

Sometimes the vaginal tissue under the bladder becomes weak and causes a hernia. This is called prolapse. You may feel a bulge outside the vagina or pressure. Your doctor may also have called this condition a “cystocele.”

Will it get worse? Most likely. Prolapse, left untreated, almost always gets worse over time but this is usually a gradual change. “New” prolapse (noticed by a patient or doctor in the early postpartum period) will often get better within the first year after the delivery. This is one exception to the rule.

A pessary is a plastic device that can be used to help support prolapse. It is used for women who do not want surgery. Pessaries come in different shapes and sizes and can be fitted to help women with different degrees and types of prolapse. Pessaries are safe to use and are latex free.

Once you decide that you would like to try a pessary, you will be fitted for the correct size and shape to help support the prolapse without causing any discomfort or pain. The pessary that fits best will be able to support the prolapse, feel comfortable and allow you to urinate and have bowel movements without difficulty.

Remove your pessary to clean it on a regular basis. Most pessaries are easy to remove, clean and replace daily or weekly. Some pessaries are difficult to remove and require you to be seen in the doctor’s office for removal, cleaning and replacement. A pessary can be used for any woman who is bothered by her prolapse but does not want to have surgery or for women with other medical conditions that makes surgery more risky. Pessaries can be used for as long as the woman desires.