Vaginal Erosion And Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Are you looking for information on vaginal erosion and pelvic prolapse? Pelvic prolapse refers to a medical condition in which a woman’s pelvic organs began to weaken and eventually fall out of place. One or more organs in the pelvis can fall at the same time. The most common organs involved in pelvic prolapse include the bladder, the urethra, the uterus, the vagina, the small bowel and the rectum. In general, when pelvic-organ prolapse is referred to, vaginal erosion (a side effect of the mesh) is the point of reference. Vaginal erosion is a much discussed side effect of using a mesh sling for manual support of pelvic organs.

What Causes Vaginal Prolapse?

What happens in prolapse is that a pelvic organ falls in location, thanks to a weakening or abnormal stretching of the anterior vaginal wall. This can be a highly uncomfortable feeling and sometimes a very painful one. There is no sure way of knowing if and when the body will recover. In many cases, the problem does not go away and the only option women have is to pursue surgery.

This will depend on the type of prolapse that has occurred, but the most common reason for damage is childbirth or complications from surgery (usually a hysterectomy). In general, organs of the pelvis (which reach up all the way to the stomach) are kept in place by muscles and lower stomach tissues. Childbirth is a traumatic experience and involves major tearing and stretching.

Ordinarily, a woman’s body will heal to a sufficient extent after childbirth. However, this does not always occur and this is why pelvic organs weaken and fall from their place. There are also other factors, and they all involve an abnormal level of pressure being placed on the stomach and pelvis area; these include obesity, hard coughing, long lasting and recurring constipation and tumors in the pelvis. There is some evidence to suggest genetic disposition may also be a contributing factor.

Symptoms for Vaginal Prolapse and Vaginal Erosion

The symptoms of pelvis prolapse include a strong feeling of pressure, as if something is pressing against a woman’s vaginal wall. Other symptoms may include a feeling of fullness, a “pulled” sensation in the genitals or the lower back, incontinence, excessive urination, constipation and other bowel problems, and dyspareunia, or painful sexual intercourse.

The most common treatment for this problem is a mesh; the prolapse symptoms are not as painful or discomforting when using a vaginal mesh. However, there is a slight risk of vaginal erosion occurring when using these “medically safe” meshes. There have been many cases of vaginal erosion since 2008, and common symptoms include vaginal pains and bleeding, vaginal discharge, vaginal infections and extrusion of the vaginal surgical mesh.

On the other hand, a vaginal mesh product can help with relieving pain and pressure. It is a device that functions similarly to a female contraceptive, as it is removable. This medical product can keep the pelvis organs in their proper places. Many individuals find this treatment preferable to spending thousands of dollars on colporrhaphy surgery—a procedure that comes with many risks. This treatment is conservative when compared to other solutions, and yet is a relief to women who are feeling pain or discomfort, or who feel as if this is not a major medical issue.

However, the risks associated with meshes should be seriously considered. Talk to your doctor about vaginal erosion solutions or alternatives to prolapse treatments as soon as possible.