Services

Prolapse Related Issues

As a gynaecologist with experience in prolapse treatment and minimally invasive gynaecology surgery, Dr van der Merwe treats a range of conditions, including:

Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Recurrent UTIs (RUTI) are generally caused by reinfection with the same pathogen. Infections of the genital tract are one of the significant risks associated with frequent sexual activity. In a subset of patients with coexisting morbid conditions, complicated RUTIs may result in upper tract infections or urosepsis.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

In a prolapsed pelvis, a pelvic organ protrudes into the vaginal opening because it has shifted from its normal position. It can be the uterus or womb, the bowel, the bladder, or the top of the vagina. A prolapse is not fatal, but it can be painful and uncomfortable.

Vaginal Prolapse

An abnormal position of the vagina results in vaginal prolapse. This condition is more prevalent in women who have had multiple vaginal deliveries during childbirth, have experienced menopause, smoke, or are obese. The likelihood of developing a prolapse increases with age.

Urinary Incontinence

Having problems controlling one's bladder is known as urinary incontinence. The two most prevalent forms of urinary incontinence in women are stress incontinence and urge incontinence, also known as an overactive bladder. Compared to men, twice as many women suffer from incontinence. This may be because pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause may increase the likelihood of urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence is not a natural part of the ageing process, and it is treatable.

Faecal Incontinence

The inability to control bowel movements is faecal incontinence, which causes stool or faeces to leak unexpectedly from the rectum. Faecal incontinence, also known as bowel incontinence, ranges from an occasional stool leakage while passing gas to a complete loss of bowel control.

Bladder Pain

Pain in the bladder typically indicates an underlying issue such as:

  • Urinary Tract Infection
  • Interstitial Cystitis
  • Bladder Cancer

During your visit, Dr van der Merwe will discuss your symptoms and medical history before ordering the appropriate tests and scans to make a diagnosis. She will then outline a treatment plan that is best for you.

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FAQ

What are symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?

Typically, patients feel a bulge or “heavy” sensation in their lower abdomen. Patients may also feel numbness in the vagina or have trouble urinating.

Are small “leakages” considered urinary incontinence?

The severity of urinary incontinence varies depending on the cause. Any signs of incontinence, including infrequent or slight "leakages", should be investigated to rule out certain conditions and prevent the issue from worsening.

What is the difference between overactive bladder and urinary incontinence?

While an overactive bladder is characterised by frequent urges to urinate, urinary incontinence is characterised by leakages due to poor bladder control.