Prolapse treatments available

Thank you all for sharing. It has made me realise that my prolapse and related problems are comparatively minor. Wishing you all well.

Have you tried a shelf pessary? It is a bit different from a ring pessary.
I had to have a hysterectomy in my 40's which led to further prolapses including the vault. I had an abdo- sacrocolpopexy which is a mess attached to the sacral bone and the top of the vagina to act like a ligament. I did however suffer a further posterior prolapse after that that needed surgery too.
A sacral colpopexy can also be done vaginally too.
However I was a lot younger then and I wanted to continue to have an active sex life!

Leapyearnan

What outrageous sexist twaddle! You should not have to suffer and it sounds discriminatory. Can you make a complaint about this, perhaps starting with PALS?

I have two friends who have each had a hysterectomy and both are suffering from prolapses so hysterectomy is not always the answer.

I understand that many women have successful a hysterectomy but the operation leaves a void where the uterus was and this is where the bladder, bowl, small intestine and vagina can prolapse in to.

Perhaps it all depends on an individual's anatomy or the surgeons skill?

You have done well to manage the situation for ten years. As you have found with severe prolapse many pessaries do not stay in place, are uncomfortable or cause bladder and bowel dysfunction. I also envisage that irreversible colpocleisis must be a big decision for you at this time of life especially as it can also bring with it the attendant issues of bladder and bowel problems.

So many women report that pessaries do not stay in place, they are uncomfortable or cause similar issues as above.

There are 'space saving pessaries' on the market, that purport to occupy the space in the vagina which will hold back the bulk from prolapsing through the vagina but seemingly they are not prescribed by the NHS and do carry their own problems.

To replicate the space saving method in the UK the NHS can use two ring pessaries which gives much stronger support. I would urge you to speak to your GP or gynaecologist about this method before making a decision about surgery.

You can start with the smallest of sizes 50mm fitted in first then 53mm fitted in last. These sizes can be incrementally increased slowly and range upward from 56, 59. 62, 65, 68, 71, 74, 77, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100mm.

It does mean a further trial in what must be a tedious process for you but it puts you in more control rather than others guessing and estimating the size and type of pessary and could help avoid risks of anaesthetic/surgery if it works. And will better allow you to make an informed decision about surgery if it doesn't suit you.

It should be noted by those advocating a hysterectomy that this may temporarily resolve the problem for some but it is also is a contributing risk factor for further pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence later due to pelvic floor weakness of abdominal supports and nerve supply over time.

I wish you all the best in whatever decision you come to, I can be messaged privately

I do empathise with you, Niki.
I’ve not had the op. If it means that you will be free from the discomfort and pain, it must be worth consideration.
Every good wish.

Hi Niki - my friend, 70, has had prolapse problems for years - she is waiting for a date, for a hysterectomy - good luck with whatever decision you make.

I was bothered with prolapsed bladder and uterus. I was passed childbearing age. My doctor suggested Hysterectomy and pelvic floor repair. 3 days in hospital after surgery, fantastic no more trouble. I would suggest the same depending on your age.

I have a rectocele which causes a prolapse. I asked for a colpocleisis as I felt it was the best option for me but was refused as they considered me too young at 68! When I asked why the male consultant whispered in my ear ‘you might meet someone who sweeps you off your feet’. So I’m to suffer for how ever many years just in case some random guy comes along and wants to park his meat and two veg in me!!! Needless to say I was incensed, especially as I’m a ex nurse! Talk about a man’s world! I wouldn’t mind but I’ve been divorced for 33 years, gave up hanky panky 14 years ago and haven’t had or wanted a romantic relationship since then. I’ve had to endure endless gynae physio appointments doing pelvic floor exercises which help for a couple of months then back to square one. Pessaries don’t last more than 30 mins and incredibly uncomfortable. What man would ever agree to having a rock hard boulder pushed inside him?????
I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure this for so long. At your age you should be made comfortable so that you can enjoy your retirement. The longer they make you wait for surgery, the greater the risk from the anaesthetic. They should allow a colpocleisis whenever you feel you no longer wish to have an intimate relationship. The surgery will definitely cure your prolapse with no risk of it failing, unlike repairs which are usually doomed to failure. The question really is do you want the general risks of surgery? Personally I would crave the quality of life that the surgery will give.

I had hysterectomy for prolapse, along with repair for bladder and bowel prolapse. The latter are beginning to go again after nearly 10 years.
Pessaries do not work when a prolapse is severe. I could not keep one in. Pelvic floor exercises help but only slightly.
For me surgery was the only answer, as advised by GP and consultant, but am not sure if it is so appropriate at your age. I am afraid I have no answers, just sympathy.

If you are on Facebook there are a number of support groups on there, search for prolapse. Someone will be able to answer your question.

Twice had surgical procedures to help this condition. Neither time did they work for long. One time a dressing was left inside me causing me severe problems for a few months. USe pads daily now and that sorts it out for me.

Am 86 now and feel after all this time I should be able to find a cure. I am wary of after affects and wonder if it is the right thing to do.