Long-term effects of vaginal surgery and endogenous ovarian hormones on the vagina and bladder.

Background: Surgery is a common treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP); however, risk of recurrence and reoperation is high, resulting in a negative impact on quality of life and sexual function.

Aim: To examine the long-term effects of POP surgery and endogenous circulating ovarian hormones on the vagina and bladder.

Methods: Our animal model simulated surgical injury of the vagina and bladder during POP surgery.