Prolapse after Hysterectomy: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Management

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Life post-hysterectomy can come with many changes, both physical and emotional. While common hysterectomy side effects are well-known, a lesser known issue is a condition called pelvic organ prolapse. The evidence for prolapse as a direct result of hysterectomy is not conclusive, but several studies have been performed to measure the connection between the two. In this article we cover:

Organ prolapse after a hysterectomy

Can I develop prolapse after a hysterectomy?

For women suffering from uterine prolapse, hysterectomies have found a place in medicine as a viable surgical treatment. But while this procedure can greatly improve quality of life, some studies suggest that it may also increase the risk of post-hysterectomy prolapse.

Because a hysterectomy removes part or all of the uterus, other pelvic organs that rely on the uterus to secure their positioning within the body may begin to fall out of place. While bladder prolapse (cystocele) is the most common prolapse, women who suffer from post-hysterectomy prolapse are at a greater risk of apical prolapse, such as vaginal vault prolapse (where the vagina begins to drop). The reason for this is that the vagina is connected to the uterus, and after removing the uterus during surgery, the apex (top) of the vagina is no longer naturally attached within the body and therefore must be reattached to healthy ligaments that were not removed during surgery.

Depending on the type of hysterectomy procedure, surgical steps taken by the operating physician to prevent future vaginal vault prolapse may not have lasting results. It’s worth noting that some physicians claim that more invasive open abdominal or vaginal hysterectomies may result in removing ligaments that are essential for securing the vagina, while laparoscopic hysterectomies do not have this unwanted side effect.

Furthermore, through various studies, researchers have found a probable correlation between women who have had a hysterectomy and a 3.2-5% increase of prolapse post-hysterectomy.[1,2]

Another set of studies found the following:

“This is also supported by two case control studies which have demonstrated that previous pelvic floor surgery is the greatest risk factor for developing PHVP [post-hysterectomy vaginal vault prolapse] and with the risk of prolapse repair being 4.7 times higher if a vaginal hysterectomy was performed for prolapse.”[1]

What prolapse symptoms are common after a hysterectomy?

Women with post-hysterectomy prolapse will likely deal with a number of symptoms that can significantly decrease quality of life. These symptoms can be broken into four groups.[1,3]

Vaginal Symptoms

The feeling of stiffness or something “falling down.” This bulge-like sensation may also make it difficult to stand or walk.
Pressure that is often described as an uncomfortable “heaviness” within the vagina.
Lower back pain
External vaginal bleeding caused by the prolapsed organ coming into contact with clothing or other body parts
Internal vaginal bleeding

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Increased frequency and urgency to urinate at all hours of the day
Urinary incontinence (involuntary urination)

Bowel Symptoms

Unable to completely evacuate a bowel movement
The need to digitate (using a finger to assist) while defecating
Increased urgency to defecate
Fecal incontinence (involuntary soiling)

Sexual Dysfunction

Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vaginal laxity (a feeling of “looseness” accompanied by less sensation)
Loss of self-esteem

Can I prevent prolapse after a hysterectomy?

There are many daily lifestyle changes and exercises that can be used to prevent, delay, or manage post-hysterectomy prolapse.[4]

Make Kegel Exercises (Pelvic Floor Exercises) a Habit

Kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. While they were initially created for preventing urinary incontinence, doing these exercises can also help with pelvic organ prolapse by preventing the organs from descending.

Manage Constipation

Among the many side effects of constipation, this condition can also cause you to exert too much pressure on the pelvic floor. With appropriate dietary changes, proper hydration, and medication, it is possible to manage constipation so that it doesn’t get out of hand.

Avoid Lifting Heavy Objects and Certain Exercises

Any activities that place a strain on your pelvic floor also increase your chances of developing pelvic organ prolapse after a hysterectomy. Not only should lifting heavy objects be avoided, but any exercises designed to strengthen your core muscles such as sit-ups, crunches, leg raises, and plank exercises should be practiced with caution.

Address Chronic Coughing

Chronic coughing can cause the pelvic floor muscles to involuntarily contract, which can worsen your prolapse if the cough continues to occur over a period of time. This condition is likely a symptom of a greater medical problem, such as smoking, infection, cough-variant asthma, or even a side effect of medication. It’s best to consult with your physician to diagnose and treat chronic coughing, especially if you are at a risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

How can I treat prolapse after a hysterectomy?

If you find that your post-hysterectomy prolapse is progressively getting worse even with lifestyle changes, then it’s time to consult with your physician about appropriate treatment options.

For women who suffered from prolapse prior to having a hysterectomy, these treatment options are likely already known, but for those whose first occurrence of prolapse happens after a hysterectomy, here are the three most common options.

Prolapse Surgery

Because of the impact that a hysterectomy has on the body, corrective prolapse surgery can’t guarantee against future re-occurrences. With that being understood, some surgical options include:

Stitching up the weak vaginal wall
Reinforcing the weak vaginal wall with sheet-like mesh
Reinforcing the weak vaginal wall with your own skin
Sewing the front and back walls of the vagina together to prevent the organs from descending

Pessaries For Prolapse

A pessary is a medical device often prescribed to women that is inserted into the vagina to help hold the pelvic organs in place. Pessaries are a relatively simple solution compared to surgical treatments, but since the device is placed inside the body, it can lead to infections, discharge, an unpleasant odor, as well as other side effects.

Prolapse Support Garments

While there are only a few effective options for prolapse support garments currently available, there is a growing interest in non-surgical, non-invasive devices like FemiCushion that can be worn outside the body like clothing. The purpose of these undergarments is to give the wearer the same support as using a pessary, but without the unwanted side effects.

It’s important to note that prolapsed organs cannot be supported by a flat surface, so any garment claiming to effectively work must be designed to push the prolapse organs back into the body.

Can FemiCushion help my post-hysterectomy prolapse?

If you’re interested in trying a prolapse garment instead of using a pessary or having prolapse surgery, FemiCushion is an innovative prolapse device from Japan that can be discreetly worn like underwear. Not only is it non-invasive and non-surgical, but FemiCushion’s carefully chosen materials, customizable sizes, and patented design make it a comfortable choice for any women suffering from post-hysterectomy prolapse, including seniors and the elderly.

Prolapse after a hysterectomy doesn’t have to negatively affect your quality of life. If you are hesitant to have additional pelvic organ surgeries or would like to comfortably minimize the side effects of pelvic organ prolapse, FemiCushion is your chance to live each day with ease.

Learn More About How FemiCushion Can Help You

References

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