Uterine prolapse, Opens dialog

Vaginal vault prolapse, Opens dialog

Surgery Overview

Vaginal closure surgery (vaginal obliteration) is done when the uterus has moved from its natural position to press uncomfortably into the vagina (uterine prolapse (Figure 1)). It may also be done if the vagina drops into the vaginal canal (vaginal vault prolapse (Figure 2)). Sometimes it's done during a gender-affirming surgery.

After the surgery, you can't put anything in your vagina. So the type of sex you have may change.

The surgeon removes the entire vaginal lining except for a short portion. The vagina is then sewn shut. If the uterus is still present, a small opening is left in the vagina to allow fluids to drain from the uterus.

Vaginal obliteration is a fairly brief surgery. So it may be done when you have one or more severe long-term (chronic) medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, that make a longer procedure more risky.

Figure 1 - Uterine prolapse

A uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold the uterus in place get weak or damaged. This can cause the uterus to move from its normal position and press down into the vagina.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Figure 2 - Vaginal vault prolapse

Vaginal vault prolapse is usually caused by weakness of the pelvic and vaginal tissues and muscles. It can also occur following the surgical removal of the uterus (hysterectomy), especially if you've had a previous prolapse.

(The first picture shows where the uterus was before it was removed.) When the top of the vagina loses the support of the uterus, it can drop into the vaginal canal.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.