Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment in Calgary: What Are the Non-Surgical Options?
Have you noticed vaginal pressure, heaviness, a bulging sensation or the feeling that something is “falling down”?
These can be symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) — a common pelvic health condition that occurs when the muscles and connective tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken or stretch.
For some people, prolapse causes very few symptoms. For others, it can affect exercise, bladder or bowel function, intimacy and everyday comfort.
At MAUD Medical Clinic in Calgary, we take an assessment-first approach to pelvic organ prolapse. Depending on your symptoms and the type and degree of prolapse, treatment options may include pelvic floor physiotherapy, pessary fitting, medical assessment and, for appropriately selected patients, ProlapLase® vaginal laser treatment.
Not sure which treatment you need? You don't have to know before you come in.
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Explore Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy & Pessary Care
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What does pelvic organ prolapse feel like?
Pelvic organ prolapse doesn't necessarily feel the same for everyone.
You may notice:
Vaginal pressure, heaviness or fullness
A feeling that something is “coming down”
A bulge at or near the vaginal opening
Pelvic discomfort or a dragging sensation
Pressure that becomes more noticeable after standing for a long time
Increased symptoms during exercise or lifting
Urinary leakage
Difficulty completely emptying your bladder
Bowel symptoms or difficulty with bowel movements
Changes in sexual comfort
Symptoms that become more noticeable later in the day
Some people can have prolapse without experiencing significant symptoms.
If something feels different, you don't need to diagnose yourself before coming to see us.
What types of pelvic organ prolapse are there?
Pelvic organ prolapse is an umbrella term. Different pelvic structures can be involved.
Bladder prolapse or cystocele
A cystocele, also called anterior vaginal wall prolapse, occurs when the tissues supporting the bladder and front wall of the vagina weaken, allowing the bladder to descend toward the vaginal canal.
This may be associated with vaginal pressure, a bulging sensation or urinary symptoms.
Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus descends toward or into the vaginal canal because its supporting structures have weakened.
Rectocele
A rectocele occurs when the tissues separating the rectum and vagina weaken, allowing the rectum to bulge toward the vaginal wall.
Because there are different types and degrees of prolapse, identifying what is actually happening is important before choosing a treatment.
What causes pelvic organ prolapse?
There isn't always one single cause.
Factors that may contribute include:
Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
Pelvic floor muscle or connective tissue changes
Aging
Menopause and hormonal changes
Chronic constipation and straining
Repetitive heavy lifting
Chronic coughing
Increased abdominal pressure
Previous pelvic surgery
Genetic or connective tissue factors
Pelvic health is complex. Having prolapse doesn't necessarily mean your pelvic floor is simply “weak.”
Does pelvic organ prolapse always require surgery?
No.
Treatment depends on the type and severity of prolapse, your symptoms, your health and your personal goals.
For some people, monitoring and pelvic floor strategies may be sufficient.
Others may benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy, a pessary or another conservative treatment.
Surgical assessment may be appropriate for some patients, particularly when prolapse is more significant or symptoms substantially affect everyday life.
At MAUD, our goal is to help you understand your options rather than assuming every prolapse should be treated in the same way.
What is ProlapLase®?
ProlapLase® is a non-surgical vaginal laser protocol that may be considered for selected patients with pelvic organ prolapse.
It uses non-ablative Er laser energy delivered inside the vaginal canal.
The controlled thermal effect is intended to stimulate collagen contraction and remodelling within the treated vaginal tissues, with the goal of improving tissue support.
The procedure involves:
No surgical incisions
No sutures
No implanted mesh
It is important to understand what ProlapLase® does - and doesn't - do.
It does not mechanically support the pelvic organs in the way a pessary does, and it is not the same as surgical prolapse repair.
Instead, it is another potential non-surgical treatment option that may be considered following an appropriate assessment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT VAGINAL LASER AT MAUD
Who may be a candidate for ProlapLase®?
At MAUD, ProlapLase® may be considered for appropriately selected patients with mild to moderate cystocele (bladder/anterior vaginal wall prolapse).
It is not appropriate for every patient or every type or degree of prolapse.
That is why we recommend assessment before treatment.
You don't need to decide whether you need ProlapLase®, a pessary or pelvic floor physiotherapy before booking.
Tell us what you're experiencing. We'll help you understand the options.
What happens during ProlapLase® treatment?
A specialized vaginal laser handpiece is used to deliver controlled Er laser energy to targeted tissues within the vaginal canal.
The treatment is performed without surgical incisions or sutures.
Before proceeding, your clinician will explain the treatment, what you may feel during the procedure, expected aftercare and whether the treatment is appropriate for your particular symptoms and prolapse.
Does ProlapLase® hurt?
Patient experience varies.
ProlapLase® is designed as a non-surgical vaginal laser procedure, but everyone's sensitivity and pelvic health history are different.
If you are nervous about pelvic examinations, have experienced painful examinations in the past or have other concerns about treatment, please tell your clinician.
At MAUD, comfort, communication and consent are part of your care.
Is there downtime after ProlapLase®?
One reason patients may be interested in non-surgical prolapse treatment is the potential for less disruption than surgery.
ProlapLase® does not involve surgical incisions or sutures.
Your clinician will provide specific aftercare instructions and explain any temporary restrictions that apply following treatment.
How many ProlapLase® treatments will I need?
There isn't one treatment plan that applies to everyone.
A treatment course may involve multiple sessions, depending on your assessment, symptoms and response to treatment.
Your recommended treatment plan will be discussed with you before proceeding.
How quickly will I notice results?
ProlapLase® works by creating a controlled thermal effect intended to stimulate collagen contraction and longer-term collagen remodelling.
It should therefore not be thought of as an instant surgical repair.
Response and timing vary between patients, and changes may occur progressively during and following a treatment series.
Your clinician can discuss realistic treatment goals based on your individual assessment.
Are ProlapLase® results permanent?
Pelvic organ prolapse is influenced by many factors, including aging, hormonal changes, connective tissue, pregnancy, childbirth and ongoing pressure on the pelvic floor.
No non-surgical treatment should be presented as permanently preventing prolapse from changing over time.
Some patients may require additional or maintenance treatment. Others may eventually benefit from a different form of prolapse management.
This is one reason MAUD looks at the whole pelvic floor rather than one treatment in isolation.
ProlapLase® vs. a pessary: what's the difference?
These treatments work very differently.
A pessary is a removable medical device fitted inside the vagina to physically support the pelvic organs.
ProlapLase® does not provide mechanical support. Instead, laser energy is used to create a controlled thermal effect within the vaginal tissues intended to stimulate collagen contraction and remodelling.
A pessary may be appropriate for some patients, while others may prefer or benefit from another approach.
MAUD provides pessary fitting and ongoing pessary care in Calgary as part of our pelvic health services.
LEARN ABOUT PESSARY FITTING AT MAUD
Does ProlapLase® replace pelvic floor physiotherapy?
No. They address different aspects of pelvic health.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy evaluates factors such as pelvic floor muscle function, coordination, tension, breathing, movement and pressure management.
ProlapLase® targets vaginal tissues using controlled laser energy.
Depending on your assessment, pelvic floor physiotherapy may be recommended alone or alongside other approaches to managing prolapse.
LEARN ABOUT PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY IN CALGARY
Can a pessary help pelvic organ prolapse?
Yes. Pessaries are an established non-surgical management option for many people living with pelvic organ prolapse.
A pessary is fitted inside the vagina to provide physical support. Different shapes and sizes are available, and proper fitting is important for comfort and effectiveness.
MAUD provides pessary fitting and care through our pelvic health program.
EXPLORE PESSARY & PELVIC FLOOR SERVICES
What if I have bladder leakage too?
Pelvic organ prolapse and urinary symptoms can occur together, but urinary leakage has several possible causes.
For example, leaking when coughing, sneezing, laughing, jumping, running or exercising may be associated with stress urinary incontinence.
MAUD offers pelvic floor assessment and physiotherapy for urinary symptoms. Vaginal laser treatment may also be considered for appropriately selected patients with certain urinary concerns.
EXPLORE MAUD'S VAGINAL LASER TREATMENTS
What if I also have vaginal dryness or menopause symptoms?
Vaginal and pelvic symptoms can overlap.
During perimenopause and menopause, hormonal and tissue changes can contribute to symptoms such as:
Vaginal dryness
Burning or irritation
Discomfort during intimacy
Urinary symptoms
Changes in vaginal tissue
You may therefore have more than one issue contributing to what you're feeling.
MAUD provides medical assessment for vaginal health and menopause-related concerns in addition to pelvic floor and vaginal laser services.
SEE A WOMEN'S & VAGINAL HEALTH DOCTOR AT MAUD
Do I need a referral for pelvic organ prolapse treatment at MAUD?
You don't necessarily need to know which treatment you require before contacting us.
MAUD provides several pathways into pelvic and vaginal healthcare, including self-referral for select services.
If you're unsure where to begin, request an appointment and tell us what you're experiencing.
Our team can help direct you to the appropriate service.
When should I have pelvic organ prolapse assessed?
Consider seeking an assessment if you're experiencing:
Vaginal heaviness or pressure
A new vaginal bulge
A feeling that something is falling or coming down
Difficulty emptying your bladder
New urinary symptoms
Difficulty with bowel movements
Pelvic pressure that interferes with exercise or daily activities
Changes in sexual comfort
You don't have to wait until prolapse becomes severe before asking about it.
And you don't need to arrive knowing which treatment you want.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment in Calgary
Pelvic organ prolapse isn't a one-treatment condition.
At MAUD Medical Clinic in Calgary, our approach is to understand what you're experiencing first and then help you explore the treatment options that may be appropriate for your body, symptoms and goals.
Depending on your assessment, options may include:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Assessment and treatment focused on pelvic floor function, coordination, strength, tension and pressure management.
Explore Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy
Pessary Fitting & Care
A non-surgical option that provides physical support for pelvic organ prolapse.
ProlapLase® Vaginal Laser
A non-surgical Er vaginal laser protocol that may be considered for appropriately selected patients with mild to moderate cystocele.
Explore Vaginal Laser Treatments
Medical Assessment
If your symptoms require medical evaluation or another treatment pathway, MAUD can help determine the appropriate next step.
Explore Women's & Vaginal Health Medical Care
Not sure where to start?
You don't need to choose your treatment before you come in.
Start by telling us what you're experiencing.
BOOK A PELVIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
You can also explore:
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy & Pessary Care
Women's & Vaginal Health Doctor
Individual results vary. ProlapLase® and other vaginal laser treatments are not appropriate for every patient or every type or degree of pelvic organ prolapse. Information on this page is intended for education and does not replace an individualized medical or pelvic health assessment.
