Female pelvic surgery is a type of procedure performed to fix problems with the organs or bone structures in the pelvic area of women. Pelvic surgery is often performed for urinary incontinence, to repair damaged organs due to trauma or to treat a serious medical condition, such as cancer or pelvic nerve conditions. Pelvic surgery can be used to correct a pelvic organ prolapse. Sometimes female pelvic surgery is used to treat problems with reproductive organs such as the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries or parts of the vagina. Sometimes the organs are removed altogether, as in the case of a hysterectomy.

Having a uterus removed poses risks such as a bulging or protruding vagina. Symptoms include a bulge or lump in the vaginal area, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, pain, bleeding and infection. The lump can be removed by a type of pelvic surgery called sacrocolpopexy. Sacrocolpopexy is performed through the stomach area and involves using a mesh to connect and support the vagina to the tailbone. This procedure helps relieve painful symptoms and provide women with restoration to their vaginal area and surrounding anatomy. Although it has a high rate of success, it does pose risks of side effects such as bleeding, infection and blood clots.

It is common for pelvic surgery to be used to correct bladder problems such as bladder stones, obstructions or incontinence. When a person’s bladder is not functioning correctly, surgery, including bladder reconstruction, may be performed to fix these problems. In cases of cancer, doctors may remove the bladder and then surgically create a way for the person’s body to release urine.

A common type of female pelvic surgery is pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Also known as pelvic prolapse, this condition refers to pelvic organs moving from their normal position due to a weak pelvic floor. In some cases, the bladder may descend and protrude into the vagina. This condition is common with older women, especially those who have had children. Symptoms include loss of bladder or bowel control, increased urination, bladder infections, excessive vaginal discharge and pain during sex. Pelvic prolapse can be corrected via a type of pelvic surgery called pelvic reconstruction. This type of surgery is performed vaginally and uses an implant to strengthen weakened pelvic tissues. Although pelvic reconstruction helps relieves pain, it is a very complex procedure and involves removing organs and surrounding areas and rearranging them in a way that brings about proper body function.

Pelvic surgery is also performed in cases of pelvic fracture. Pelvic fractures are characterized by unstable pelvic bones, internal bleeding and severe pain. They are often caused by trauma, such as falls or vehicle accidents. Although they occur rarely, surgery is often required to stabilize the pelvic ring, restore the anatomy, allow rehabilitation and provide comfort to the patient. Without surgery, the fracture may not ever heal and may cause chronic pain. In cases where hemorrhaging occurs with a pelvic fracture, surgery is needed urgently to stabilize the pelvis. Death can result if surgery is not performed in a timely manner.