Pelvic Floor Relaxation – Pelvic Organ Prolapse

When the natural mesh-like tissue and ligaments that hold pelvic structure in place begin to fail, the result is a condition known as Pelvic Organ Prolapse. After childbearing, heavy physical occupation or traditional hysterectomy a large percentage of women suffer from pelvic floor relaxation. This occurs mainly into or through the vaginal space and many women commonly describe this as "drooping", "hanging out" or "my contents are falling out". The bladder, uterus, rectum, small and large bowel rest upon the vagina, and one or more of these organs may be involved in the vaginal drooping. This process can cause a variety of symptoms, including vaginal bulging/fullness, pelvic pressure/pain, urinary incontinence, and more, and can significantly compromise the quality of life.

A well supported vagina can withstand natural intra-abdominal/pelvic pressure. Such proper vaginal anatomical position and performance depends on adequately functioning endopelvic fascia. Fascia is an intricate natural elastic mesh layer lining the entire pelvic floor. Pelvic organs (bladder, uterine cervix, rectum and vagina) are partially embedded into the endopelvic fascia. Weakening or breaks of the fascia result in different types and degrees of pelvic floor relaxation. Pelvic organ sagging through the vagina may be defined as cystocele (bladder prolapse), enterocele (bowel prolapse), rectocele (rectal prolapse), metrocele (uterine prolapse) or any combination of two or more of these conditions.

Surgical restoration is the only effective way to address significant and symptomatic pelvic floor relaxation. Laparoscopic repair of pelvic prolapse is the minimally invasive solution.

Learn more about Laparoscopic repair of pelvic prolapse.