Ask Dr. R – Vaginal prolapse, cyst, incontinence and constipation after partial hysterectomy

Dr. Romanzi, I had a partial hysterectomy (only uterus removed) in 1999 because of Fibroid Tumors, there were so many of them the doctor lost count. My problem is now my bladder is weak and I have constipation. I went to a doctor recently and he told me about vaginal prolaspe because he could see it when he examined me. I was told I did not have to have any more pap smears because of the partial hysterectomy. My doctor says the ligaments from the removal of my uterus may be attached to my intestine cause my constipation. I am so miserable, I lucky if I have two bowel movements in a week, and when I do they are so hard and very little is defecated. He said I could have surgery to remedy all this, oh yes, I initially went to him because I have a large cyst on my left ovary that is now causing discomfort. He said the size is the size of a golf ball, it was 7 it is now 4, the cyst was found September of 09. Please advise and thank you.

Hello Ms. C,
Your prolapse, constipation, bladder control problems, ovarian cyst and pain are certainly a complex mix of problems. I suggest that you work carefully with your doctor, so that you understand what is contributing to these symptoms and how surgery may help you. It is often helpful to see a constipation specialist or a general gastroenterologist, so that diet and medications may be tried for the constipation symptoms even before going to the operating room for the ovarian cyst and prolapse. You may also benefit from non-surgical therapies for the bladder control problems, and these therapies are sometimes helpful even before prolapse surgery.
Best Regards,
Dr. R