AQW 11607/22-27
Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry
Tabled Date: 09/05/2024
Answered On Date: 23/05/2024
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the support available for women who have suffered a prolapse post-birth; and (ii) any issues which cause support or treatment to be delayed.
Answer:
(i) Treatment and support for women who have suffered a prolapse post-birth prolapse may vary from non-surgical to surgical treatment options. Non-Surgical Treatment options Non-surgical treatment options include pelvic floor exercises and vaginal pessaries (plastic rings or devices to support the prolapse), right through to complex pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. Surgical Treatment options The following surgical inventions are available for prolapse: Vaginal hysterectomy Anterior & posterior repair Enterocele repair Perineorrhaphy Sacrospinous ligament fixation Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy Laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy (womb-preserving key-hole surgery) (ii) My officials have advised that there is a recovery period after birth, therefore surgical management wouldn't usually be considered until further down the line (and usually not until women have completed their family), although conservative treatments can be initiated much earlier to improve symptoms including continence issues.
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