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Uterine Prolapse Surgery in Charlottesville, VA
Restore your pelvic health today.
What is Uterine Prolapse Surgery?
Uterine prolapse surgery is a medical procedure performed when the uterus drops into the vaginal canal, often due to weakened connective tissue. The problem is actually the connective tissue where the cervix (the mouth of the uterus) meets the vagina.
The surgery focuses on correcting the weakened connective tissue and can involve several different techniques:
- Vaginal hysterectomy (removal of the uterus through the vagina).
- Uterine suspensions (using natural connective tissue to support and elevate the uterus or the top of the vagina either through a vaginal or a laparoscopic approach).
- Sacrocolpopexy (a laparoscopic technique where synthetic mesh is used to lift the vagina or uterus to the lower spine region).
- Colporrhaphy (repairing the vaginal wall to address any associated bladder or rectal prolapse in addition to the uterine prolapse).
The purpose of surgery is to restore the uterus and vagina to their normal positions. This often results in significant relief from prolapse symptoms and improves quality of life.
Why is Uterine Prolapse Surgery Performed?
Uterine prolapse surgery is performed to address issues related to weakened pelvic tissues, which can lead to:
- Discomfort or pain in the pelvis
- Urinary problems or incontinence
- Sexual dysfunction
- Visible bulging at the vaginal opening
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
Who Needs Uterine Prolapse Surgery?
This surgery might be recommended if you have prolapse in association with:
- Difficulty standing or walking without discomfort
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary incontinence when coughing or lifting heavy objects
- Have attempted non-surgical treatments without relief
- Sexual dysfunction
- Visible bulging at the vaginal opening
- Pelvic pressure or heaviness
What are the Risks?
Uterine prolapse surgery does have some risks, which can include infection, bleeding, damage to the surrounding pelvic organs, and complications from the anesthesia. However, it is typically considered a safe and effective treatment. Your doctor will discuss the risks and procedure with you in detail during your consultation and answer any questions.
What To Expect
If you are found to be a candidate for uterine prolapse surgery, your doctor will explain the different surgical options available, including the benefits and risks of each.
During the surgery, your doctor might use different techniques to access and repair your pelvic floor, such as through the vaginal canal or by making small incisions in your abdomen.
After surgery, you will need to spend a short time in recovery before going home. You'll also need to avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks to allow the pelvic area to fully heal. Most people experience a significant improvement in symptoms after recovery.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, including uterine prolapse, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed.
Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain.
Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, and urinary incontinence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-surgical options for managing uterine prolapse treatment include strengthening the muscles around the uterus, making changes to lifestyle (such as weight management) and being fitted with a vaginal device called a Pessary which holds the pelvic organs in place and can be easily removed when needed. However, when these changes do not provide relief from symptoms, surgery can potentially be very effective.
The recovery period after vaginal surgery can vary, typically lasting from 2 weeks to a few months. It's important to follow your doctor's advice on activity restrictions to make sure the vaginal tissues heal properly.
Laparoscopic surgery often has a shorter recovery time, usually a few weeks, due to the smaller incisions. The exact recovery time can differ based on individual health conditions.
For someone who experiences persistent pelvic discomfort, difficulty with urinary or bowel movements, a sensation of bulging in the vagina, or a significant impact on their quality of life, surgery might be recommended.