What are the causes and symptoms of Genital Prolapse and how is the condition treated?

Genital prolapse, or pelvic prolapse as it is sometimes called, is essentially when one organ in the genital area falls through another.

The most common forms of prolapse are when:

- the bladder enters into the vagina
- the bowel moves into the vagina
- the uterus slips into the vagina

There are many reasons why genital prolapse occurs the most common of which are pregnancy, child birth and chronic constipation. Anything that puts intense strain on the pelvis can cause a prolapse.

The main symptoms of genital prolapse are as follows:

- straining to go to the toilet
- urinary problems, particularly seepage
- pain during sexual intercourse
- a feeling of dragging or heaviness in the pelvic area

Fortunately, the condition can be effectively treated in a variety of ways. Firstly, a type of rubber ruing called a ring pessary can be fitted into the vagina to hold up the fallen organ. However, these do need to be changed every six months.

HRT can also be used to address the causes of the condition as estrogen helps preserve and strengthen the tissues of the pelvis

And finally, surgery can be undertaken to reposition the fallen organ and help prevent recurrences.

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