Vaginal Closure Surgery (Vaginal Obliteration)

Uterine prolapse, Opens dialog

Vaginal vault prolapse, Opens dialog

Surgery Overview

Vaginal closure surgery (vaginal obliteration) is done when the uterus has moved from its natural position to press uncomfortably into the vagina (uterine prolapse, Opens dialog). It may also be done if the vagina drops into the vaginal canal (vaginal vault prolapse, Opens dialog). Sometimes it's done during a gender-affirming surgery.

After the surgery, you can't put anything in your vagina. So the type of sex you have may change.

The surgeon removes the entire vaginal lining except for a short portion. The vagina is then sewn shut. If the uterus, Opens dialog is still present, a small opening is left in the vagina, Opens dialog to allow fluids to drain from the uterus.

Vaginal obliteration is a fairly brief surgery. So it may be done when you have one or more severe long-term (chronic) medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, that make a longer procedure more risky.