The pelvic floor holds the pelvic organs, such as the uterus or bladder, in place. A slackening of the pelvic floor muscles can lead to uterine and / or bladder prolapse.
The relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles is a process that slowly increases over several years. There are many reasons for sagging, these can be, for example
The symptoms you may experience with prolapse are as follows:
These symptoms occur rarely at first, then more and more frequently and can intensify within months to years.
A prolapse of the uterus often also means that the bladder cannot empty completely. This causes residual urine to collect in the bladder. This in turn favors urinary tract infections. If the uterus presses on the urethra, this can lead to “hidden incontinence”. In this case, patients lose urine unintentionally, but the urine cannot escape completely due to the squeeze. A “urodynamic examination” can be used to determine whether incontinence is present.
In a personal meeting with you, we first clarify all the important aspects and obtain the necessary information. We then carry out a targeted gynecological examination. We will then inform you of the findings and discuss with you the further steps and options that are necessary or recommended. It is important to us to include your personal needs and your environment in the therapy plan. We work closely with other medical departments whenever necessary so that we can achieve the best possible treatment results for you.
Non-surgical treatment is sufficient for mild forms of organ prolapse. Treatment options include pelvic floor training, hormone treatment and special vaginal tampons. However, weight reduction can also be part of the treatment plan.
If the organ prolapse becomes severe and conservative treatment is not sufficient, surgery is recommended. We offer various surgical procedures to restore the female reproductive organs to their original position. Which procedure is chosen depends on the organ affected and the severity of the prolapse.
One option is to correct bladder prolapse from the vagina. The organ can be stabilized with the patient’s own tissue. If the patient’s own tissue is not sufficient to prevent further sagging, a synthetic mesh is used.
Another option is to support and reattach the organs by means of laparoscopy, whereby a plastic mesh must be inserted. The advantage of this technique is that the vaginal walls do not have to be opened.
A hysterectomy may also be useful for patients who do not wish to have children.
We will be happy to advise you on non-surgical and surgical treatment options in our special consultation hours. We also offer interdisciplinary consultation hours. For example, in the case of various complaints in the small pelvis (combination of bladder, bowel and uterine problems).
You can either register yourself or be referred by your primary care physician or gynecologist.
Monday – Friday from 7.45 a.m. – 4.45 p.m.
University Hospital Zurich
Department of Gynecology
Frauenklinikstrasse 10
8091 Zurich