What can I do?
If you believe you suffer from vaginal prolapse, researching the condition and its treatment options is a great first step. Here are some additional resources that you might also find helpful.
Seeing a specialist: Who should I talk to?
While the conversation may begin with your primary care physician, if you have concerns, or if you’re ready to discuss treatment options for vaginal prolapse it’s a good idea to meet with a specialist. Because they’ve chosen to pursue a more focused area of medicine, they’re able to stay on top of advances in vaginal prolapse treatments. More importantly, if it turns out that a surgical procedure is your best option, you can feel more comfortable if you know your specialist performs the procedure routinely.
The doctor best qualified to treat vaginal prolapse will be a:
- Gynecologist or OB/GYN—they specialize in female reproductive system health.
- Urologist—their focus includes diseases and disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Urogynecologist—whose focus includes both female reproductive and urinary tract health.
An uncomfortable conversation?
Don’t let embarrassment keep you from talking to a doctor about vaginal prolapse. Remember—your specialist discusses vaginal health issues with women regularly. Specialists can discuss your condition with sensitivity and sympathy because they truly want to help.
Still unsure? Sometimes simply having the right tools can help jump-start the conversation.
Click here to take a quick quiz to see if you have some of the symptoms of vaginal prolapse.
Click here to chart your symptoms in a useful diary to bring to an appointment
See below for some simple questions you can bring along to ask your doctor.
Questions for your doctor:
Choosing a treatment
- What type of prolapse do I have?
- What are my treatment options? Why do you recommend this over other options?
- How effective is it, for how long?
- What risks and side effects are commonly associated with this treatment option?
- What if I plan on getting pregnant?
Ask about the procedure
- How is it performed?
- How long will it take?
- Will I need to be hospitalized? How long?
Surgical procedure safety and efficacy
- How many times have you performed it?
- If I choose not to have the procedure, how can I manage my symptoms?
- Are there any risks associated with not having the procedure right away?
- What kind of anesthesia will you use, and what are the risks of this?
- Tell me about the recovery process and timeline.
I’m ready
- Is this procedure covered by my insurance plan?
- What are my next steps?