Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse, or vaginal vault prolapse, occurs when the uppermost part of the vagina falls or sags down into the vaginal canal. When the top of the vagina drops in this manner, it not only causes the vagina to lose its shape, but it also may weaken and collapse the vaginal walls. It is possible to have part of the vagina prolapse, or protrude, from the vagina’s opening. Vaginal prolapse is similar to and can happen in conjunction with uterine prolapse (or pelvic organ prolapse). This occurs when the vaginal tissues, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the uterus weaken and collapse, causing the uterus to protrude into the vagina. Both uterine and vaginal prolapse also can accompany other related prolapse conditions, including small bowel prolapse (enterocele), urethral prolapse (urethrocele), prolapse of the bladder (cystocele), and rectal prolapse (rectocele).

These types of conditions are common. Nearly 40 percent of women will experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse, including vaginal prolapse. Prolapse most often occurs in women beyond the age of 40 and in relation to or following childbirth, menopause, or a hysterectomy. In approximately 10 percent of women, vaginal prolapse occurs following a hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. Surgery may be required to repair a vaginal prolapse.

UAB Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery provides the highest level of evidence-based care for the full spectrum of women’s pelvic floor disorders. We stand apart from other programs because our board-certified or board-eligible physicians offer the full range of treatment options for women with urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions. We feature minimally invasive surgical treatments for urinary and bowel incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, and we collaborate with colleagues in providing nonsurgical options for pelvic floor conditions.

Our urogynecologic and pelvic reconstructive surgeons and physicians are recognized nationally and internationally, including service as president of the prestigious Society of Gynecologic Surgeons, a select member group of more than 250 physicians involved in teaching and practicing advanced gynecologic surgery. In addition, our leadership has been appointed to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Urologic and Genitourinary Physiology and Pathology Study Section at the NIH Center for Scientific Review.

Urogynecology is all that we do, so you can depend on us to deliver individualized care in a sensitive fashion that fulfills your specialized needs.

Care Providers

David Ellington, MD Obstetrics and Gynecology, Urogynecology Tracey Wilson, MD Trauma and Reconstructive Urology, Urology

Videos

Resources

• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
• Vaginal Prolapse

Related Specialties

• Vaginal Repair Procedure