What Treatments Help Vaginal Prolapse and Urinary Incontinence?
While many women experience both, vaginal prolapse and urinary incontinence are separate conditions and sometimes need to be treated independently. A wide range of treatment options is available, and an experienced urogynecologist can help determine which approach is right for you to provide the relief you need.
Option 1: Watchful Waiting. If it is not bothersome to you, prolapse and incontinence are not life-threatening conditions. If symptoms are minimal and not affecting your day-to-day life, you may choose not to pursue treatment for either condition.
Option 2: Physical Therapy. In many cases, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles will help with both prolapse and urinary incontinence. Pelvic floor physical therapists specialize in this type of treatment. There are many in the Washington metro area, including at our Johns Hopkins location in Arlington.
Option 3: Pessary Device. A pessary is a medical-grade device, typically made of silicone, that is that is fitted to your anatomy and prolapse type to help support the area and provide relief. It can also be used to treat urinary incontinence. When fitted properly, it should be comfortable and unnoticeable. While it is not a cure, it can alleviate symptoms associated with prolapse and/or incontinence while the pessary is in place.
Option 4: Surgery. Surgery may be an appropriate option for patients whose prolapse or incontinence is bothering them daily, keeping them from doing things they enjoy or making it difficult to use the bathroom. There are many surgical options for treating prolapse based on your symptoms, personal goals and the degree of prolapse and/or type of incontinence you are experiencing.
Relief from urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse is possible. Dr. Shannon Lamb and our dedicated Johns Hopkins Medicine urogynecology team are here to help. Call 703-462-1777 to schedule an appointment.
Shannon Lamb, M.D., is a urogynecologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine. Her areas of clinical expertise include urogynecology, urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, recurrent urinary tract infections, voiding dysfunction and related disorders. Dr. Lamb practices at Sibley Memorial Hospital and Johns Hopkins Medicine—Arlington.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Lamb received the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Robert A. Ross Award in 2023. The award is given annually to recognize significant, ongoing contributions to ACOG’s Navy section.