Pelvic reconstructive surgery aims to repair those abnormalities, helping women reclaim their bodies and confidence.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

A urogynecologist in Los Angeles can perform reconstructive surgery to repair pelvic organ prolapse. The pelvis holds many crucial organs like the rectum, bladder, uterus, and cervix. A network of muscles and tissues forms a hammock-like support structure called the pelvic floor.

Unfortunately, the muscles in the pelvic floor can weaken after childbirth or a hysterectomy. Some women will also experience weakened muscles after menopause or significant weight gain or loss. When the pelvic floor becomes compromised, your pelvic organs can prolapse, essentially slipping out of position and pressing into the vagina.

A pelvic organ prolapse typically creates a bulge in the vagina. Pain, discomfort, urinary incontinence, difficulty emptying the bowel, and a lack of bowel control are common symptoms.

Physicians classify pelvic organ prolapse differently depending on the organ that moves out of position.

Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse is when the top of the vagina, also known as the vaginal vault, begins to sag into the vaginal canal. In severe cases, the vaginal vault can drop so low that it bulges outside the vaginal opening.

Common symptoms here include a feeling of fullness and unusual pressure in the vagina.

Rectocele

This type of prolapse involves the rectum. Usually, a thick fibrous tissue wall separates the vagina and the rectum. But when prolapse occurs, part of the rectum moves and pushes the back wall of the vagina forward to create a prominent bulge.

In addition to pressure, a rectocele typically increases abdominal gas and emptying the bowel more challenging.

Cystocele

A cystocele is when the bladder drops or sags into the vagina. Like a rectocele, the tissue wall separating the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to slip out of place.

A common symptom with a cystocele prolapse is urinary incontinence.

Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops down into the vagina. Like other prolapses, it causes pressure, vaginal fullness, and bulging. However, it may also cause lower back pain, urine leakage, incontinence, and constipation.

RELATED: Pelvic Floor Disorder Symptoms In Women

Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

There are many potential causes of prolapse that require pelvic reconstructive surgery. While the pelvic floor is resilient, it can only take so much. Anything that causes excessive strain or pressure could cause a prolapse. Here are some of the most common culprits.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

When you become pregnant, the pelvic floor works harder than ever before. It stretches to make room for your growing baby, which often causes the muscles to weaken.

During childbirth, it experiences even more stretching and strain. Even cesarean delivery can weaken those crucial muscles.

Chronic Stress

Patients with chronic constipation, cough, untreated asthma, heavy and prolonged straining movements also can damage the connective tissue support of the organs surrounding the vagina. 

Genetics

Interestingly enough, genetics can play a part in pelvic organ prolapse. Your genes influence the strength of your bones and muscles. Unfortunately, prolapse becomes a hereditary issue for some women, increasing the chances that they’ll need pelvic reconstructive surgery at some point.

Obesity

Lastly, obesity can be a significant factor in pelvic organ prolapse. Intra-abdominal pressure strains the pelvic floor muscles and the connective tissue. Women who have a higher BMI are at a greater risk of prolapse.

RELATED: What Causes Urinary Incontinence In Women?

Pelvic Reconstructive Repair Options

If you’re suffering from pelvic organ prolapse, many surgical options are available. Dr. Tahery, a urogynecologist in Los Angeles, can perform a variety of minimally invasive repairs based on your unique needs. These repairs aim to fix the prolapse and rebuild your pelvic floor. Here are some of the ways a surgeon might approach that task.

Native Tissue Repair Surgery

This technique is usually a suitable option for women with healthy workable tissue. It’s a versatile option because it can effectively treat all types of pelvic organ prolapse.

During pelvic reconstructive surgery, a surgeon will use the patient’s existing tissue to fix the damaged portions of the pelvic floor. For a cystocele repair, the surgeon will move the bladder back into place and tighten the front wall of the vagina. For Rectocele, they’ll pull the tissue between the rectum and vagina together to eliminate bulging and promote healing.

In vaginal and uterine prolapse cases, the focus is on damaged ligaments. The surgeon may shorten and tighten overstretched ligaments to ensure that the uterus and vaginal vault stay in place.

Native tissue repair is minimally invasive and typically only involves small incisions in the vagina or abdomen.

Sacrocolpopexy Surgery

Sacrocolpopexy is a pelvic reconstructive surgery that can help women with more advanced cases of prolapse. It’s often the technique of choice for women who experience prolapse after a hysterectomy. Sacrocolpopexy can also correct vaginal prolapse and severe cases of uterine prolapse.

To address the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, surgeons utilize surgical mesh. They may attach it to the vagina and sacrum to achieve the correct anatomical support.

There are a few ways to perform sacrocolpopexy. A urogynecologist in Los Angeles can perform it traditionally with a large horizontal incision in the abdomen or with robotics and small incisions. Either way, the goals, and techniques are the same.

Transvaginal Graft Surgery

Transvaginal graft surgery can help patch and reinforce weak areas of the pelvic floor tissue. It may also help with incontinence issues and strengthen the vaginal wall. The procedure is versatile, addressing most types of prolapse.

Surgeons can utilize a synthetic mesh or a biological one. The surgery is relatively straightforward and usually occurs through incisions in the vagina.

Pelvic reconstructive surgery can make a world of difference in your overall health and well-being. Pelvic organ prolapse can be a traumatic experience that dramatically affects a woman’s quality of life. Luckily, there are ways to address the problem and deal with the uncomfortable symptoms.

If you’re struggling with the effects of pelvic organ prolapse or other pelvic floor disorders, reach out to the offices of Dr. Tahery. Dr. Michael Tahery is an experienced urogynecologist in Los Angeles with decades of experience helping women just like you. He’s well-versed in pelvic reconstructive surgery and can help you get the relief you need. Give our offices a call today and schedule your consultation.

The post What is Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery? appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

While many view labiaplasty as a purely cosmetic endeavor, many women seek it for comfort, too. Excess tissue can cause pain during sexual intercourse or discomfort when wearing tight-fitting clothing. For this reason, many women choose to combine labiaplasty with clitoral hood reduction for a complete vaginal makeover.

Despite all of the benefits this procedure has to offer, there is one common concern among women interested in this procedure. Does labiaplasty affect sensation?

Sensory issues are a legitimate concern. The tip of the clitoris alone has over 8,000 nerves! That’s not counting the labia nerve endings and receptors.

So, does a labiaplasty affect sensation after recovery? Luckily, it does not. During this procedure, surgeons remove only tissue. The tissue doesn’t have any nerve endings. While there are always risks involved, a decrease in sexual sensation shouldn’t be one of them with a skilled surgeon. In fact, you may experience more if you pair labiaplasty with a clitoral hood reduction.

This procedure reduces the size of the clitoral hood by removing excess tissue. It exposes the clitoris to more sensation.

RELATED: Does sex cause elongated labia?

The Labiaplasty Procedure

The process all starts with a consultation. Every woman’s needs are different. Surgeons take the time to discuss your expectation in great detail. They can determine the amount of correction and types of surgical methods best suited for the job.

There are a few types of labiaplasty procedures available. One of the most common is called a “Trim” or “Edge” labiaplasty. With this technique, surgeons perform a vertical incision with a laser or scalpel. The cut occurs on the free edge of the labia minora to remove excess tissue. It is especially useful to remove areas of discoloration as well as the excess tissue. 

The second option is the “Wedge” technique. Best for women concerned about visible scarring, this technique involves removing tissue from the thickest part of the inner labia. Surgeons remove a wedge-shaped section and stitch the cut edges together. The process instantly reduces the length and modifies the shape of the labia.

Finally, there’s the “De-Epithelialization” technique. This method is similar to the “Edge”. However, the difference here is that the surgeon removes an oval-shaped section of the epithelium tissue lining the inner labia. The process avoids labia nerve endings and alleviates sensory worries.

Despite the significant change they create, a labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction are relatively straightforward. Both procedures are performed in an outpatient setting and take roughly two hours to complete depending on the correction level required. After about two or three days, most women can return to their standard routine. There are some physical restrictions with exercise and sexual intercourse in the beginning. But, a full recovery will only take about four to six weeks.

RELATED: Answers to your questions about labiaplasty

Labiaplasty in Los Angeles

A Labiaplasty is a transformative procedure that can improve aesthetic, comfort, and sexual confidence. 

Dr. Tahery, as a urogynecologist, has in-depth knowledge about female sexual and reproductive anatomy. The subspecialty covers both gynecology and urology, leading to a deeper understanding of the intricate inner workings of the pelvic organs. 

Contact the offices of Dr. Tahery today to learn more about the labiaplasty procedure and to book your consultation.

The post Will Labiaplasty Affect Sensation? Urogynecologist’s Advice appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.

Contrary to popular belief, pelvic floor dysfunction is not a rare occurrence. Issues can arise at any point during a woman’s life. While these issues usually aren’t life-threatening, they can have a debilitating effect on a woman’s quality of life. There are a few types of disorders. Here are the most common that affect women and their accompanying symptoms.

Urinary Incontinence Symptoms

Urinary incontinence is the most widespread pelvic floor disorder. It results in complete or partial loss of bladder control. When this occurs, the muscles that control the bladder valve weaken. Usually, the issue is that the pelvic floor muscles are unable to relax. Women may experience a loss of muscle coordination, preventing at-will urination and frequent accidents.

At first, symptoms can be as innocent as slight urine loss during a sneeze or cough. However, pelvic floor dysfunction can worsen and cause regular involuntary loss.

Symptoms of urinary incontinence can vary widely from one person to the next. However, they often include:

• A feeling of pressure on the bladder
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty urinating at will
• Accidents when laughing, coughing, or sneezing
• Urine loss or leakage
• Inability to empty bladder completely

RELATED: Urinary Incontinence Specialist in Los Angeles

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms

Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the more alarming forms of pelvic floor dysfunction. It occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and tissue weaken. The otherwise supportive sling can become thin or tear completely, resulting in the organs “falling” out of place.

Prolapse can cause significant discomfort for women. Not only that, but the standard function of the fallen organs become compromised. The organs can herniate into the vaginal wall, resulting in a visible bulge. It is a cystocele when the bladder herniates and a rectocele when the rectum herniates.

Some of the most common symptoms for this type of pelvic floor disorder include:

• Weighty feeling in the pubic area
• Dragging discomfort in the vagina
• Visible bulges in the vagina
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movement

RELATED: Organ Prolapse Treatment in Los Angeles

Fecal Incontinence

Fecal incontinence is similar to urinary incontinence. The difference, however, is that this pelvic floor disorder involves a loss of bowel control. The pelvic floor muscles controlling the bowels and rectum do not perform efficiently, resulting in numerous problems.

Women can suffer from passive incontinence, which refers to the sudden passing of stool without any control. Or, they can suffer from urge-related incontinence. This form of pelvic floor dysfunction pertains to constant muscle contraction that prevents the passage of stool.

Fecal incontinence can affect women at any age. However, it’s most common in seniors and women recovering after childbirth. Some common symptoms include:

• Sudden accidents
• Periodic stool or mucus leakage
• Difficulty passing stool
• Chronic constipation
• Frequent bouts of diarrhea

Pelvic floor disorders can negatively impact your day-to-day life. But, they are highly treatable. Dr. Tahery is a practicing urogynecologist in Los Angeles. He can create a custom treatment plan to mitigate these disorders’ effects. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Tahery, learn more about pelvic floor dysfunction, and address your symptoms once and for all.

The post Pelvic Floor Disorder Symptoms in Women appeared first on Best Uro-Gynecologist Los Angeles, OB/GYN Glendale | Dr. Michael Tahery.