Vaginal Vault Prolapse Specialist
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD FACOG
Urogynecologist located in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. Daniel Stone, MD is one of the leading experts in the surgical and non-surgical management of vaginal vault prolapse and other forms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Dr. Stone can diagnosis and provides management options for vaginal vault prolapse to patients in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding Arizona areas.
Vaginal Vault Prolapse Q & A
What is Vaginal Vault Prolapse?
Vaginal Vault prolapse refers to the dropping or protrusion of the top of the vagina in women who have already had a hysterectomy. It is a form of apical prolapse where the top of the vagina loses support. It is a subcategory of pelvic organ prolapse and can often lead to cystoceles and rectoceles. If the vagina protrudes completely out, the condition can be referred to as procidentia.
What are the symptoms of Vaginal Vault Prolapse?
Vaginal Vault Prolapse often causes symptoms of bulge, pressure, and sensation of something falling out of the vagina. When prolapse is more advanced the vaginal tissue can be felt or seen as it protrudes from the vaginal opening. These symptoms are commonly found in other forms of pelvic organ prolapse.
What is the cause of Vaginal Vault Prolapse?
Ultimately, vaginal vault prolapse happens due to the loss of pelvic floor support. Like other forms of pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal vault prolapse can have many different causes and risk factors including:
- Pregnancy, labor, or childbirth especially vaginal births or large babies.
- Aging and/or menopause
- Chronic cough
- Obesity
- Constipation and straining
- Smoking
- Repetitive heavy lifting
- Genetics
How is Vaginal Vault Prolapse diagnosed?
Dr. Stone will first discuss your symptoms with you. He will then perform a physical exam including a gynecologic exam. This exam is slightly different than a normal gynecologic exam as he will take measurements as you push to see how far the top of the vagina comes down. Based on these measurements, he will then be able to give you a stage of prolapse and show you diagrams of what your anatomy is doing.
Are other disorders commonly found with a Vaginal Vault Prolapse?
Vaginal Vault Prolapse is a subcategory of pelvic organ prolapse. Other forms of pelvic organ prolapse are commonly found when someone has Vaginal Vault Prolapse, including a cystocele, and a rectocele.
What are the conservative treatments for a Vaginal Vault Prolapse?
A "watch and wait" strategy could be used. This is best used if your Vaginal Vault Prolapse is mild and not causing any bothersome symptoms.
You can also change your lifestyle and behaviors to minimize or lessen your symptoms. Some of these changes can also slow down the progression. These include:
- Avoid chronic straining by avoiding constipation and repetitive heavy lifting
- Keep your weight in a normal range and lose weight if you are overweight.
- Quit smoking
You can also perform pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels) to help improve mild prolapse symptoms. Dr. Stone can also refer you to a specialized physical therapist that specializes in this area.
A small silicone device called a pessary could also be used to manage vaginal vault prolapse. A pessary can be inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs. Dr. Stone's office carries a variety of different shapes and sizes of pessaries and a fitting can be scheduled at your convenience.
What are the surgical treatments for Vaginal Vault Prolapse?
There are several surgical options to repair Vaginal Vault Prolapse. A vaginal vault suspension using your own tissue can be used. This option has the advantage of having fewer complications but has the disadvantage of having a higher recurrence rate. The 2nd option is a sacrocolpopexy which uses laparoscopically placed mesh to support the vagina. This option has a lower chance of prolapse recurrence but has a slightly higher complication rate.
Testimonials
Major Insurance Providers Accepted
We accept most insurance policies for your convenience. Please contact your insurance carrier to verify your individual benefits and any copays or coinsurance that are part of your plan. Patients are responsible for notifying our office if a specific plan requires precertification, preauthorization, or a referral (especially HMOs). Please call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to verify your provider network participation as insurance carriers change policies often.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Stone today
One of our staff members will contact you directly. If you have any concerns requiring immediate attention, please don’t hesitate to call us at 602-788-1521.
Dr. Stone is also offering Telemedicine visits. Call to schedule today.
Office location
Valley Urogynecology Associates
Phoenix, Arizona 85016-1302
Office Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 5 PM
Main: (602) 788-1521
Fax: (602) 688-5420
Conveniently located just off Highway 51 on Maryland Avenue just East of 16TH Street between East Bethany Home Road and East Glendale Avenue.