Finding Life-Altering Relief from Taboo Condition Thanks to Outpatient Surgery

At 72, Ruth Davitt is committed to her healthy, active lifestyle, so when she came home from a gym class and felt that something was “off,” she paid attention. A frightening discovery of a “pink bulge” in her vaginal area sent her mind racing to the worst-possible conclusion: cancer.

“I immediately thought I had a tumor,” Davitt recalled.

A visit to her gynecologist the next day brought a surprising diagnosis: bladder prolapse. The condition, also known as a cystocele, occurs when the supportive tissues around the bladder weaken, causing it to drop into the vagina. It is a form of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition that, while rarely dangerous, can significantly impact quality of life.

Pelvic organ prolapse is caused by the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles due to factors like childbirth, aging, menopause, and genetics. Symptoms can include a feeling of pressure or a bulge, lower back pain, and changes in bladder or bowel function. While physical examination reveals some degree of prolapse in up to 50% of women, many suffer in silence due to embarrassment or ‘normalizing’ the symptoms.

Davitt was not suffering from incontinence, a common symptom, but she was determined to address the discomfort. “Anything that’s out there that can lead to a better lifestyle for me, I’m going to do it,” she stated.

Her gynecologist referred her to Nina Bhatia, M.D., a board-certified urogynecologist at Hackensack Meridian Old Bridge Medical Center. After doing her own research, Davitt decided against a pessary (a removable device inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs) and opted for a surgical solution.

“Ruth and I talked about what was truly bothering her, what the symptoms were that were an issue for her and what her goals were, and we worked towards those goals together.” said Dr. Bhatia. “Many women are understandably concerned when they first receive a prolapse diagnosis, therefore, It’s crucial to have a thorough, open conversation about all available options – from lifestyle changes and pelvic floor therapy to pessaries and surgery. The goal is to find the right path for each patient’s symptoms and quality-of-life goals.”

Davitt was impressed by the 90 minutes Bhatia spent with her, explaining the procedure in layman’s terms. “She spoke to me ‘woman to woman,’” Davitt said. “With medicine today, there aren’t a lot of physicians who spend the same amount of time with patients like Dr. Bhatia.”

On August 7, 2024, Davitt underwent a 45-minute outpatient surgical procedure at Old Bridge Medical Center to reinforce the body's natural support structures. Davitt went home the same day.

Her recovery was swift. After about six weeks of avoiding heavy lifting, she was cleared to return to her favorite activities, including tai chi, yoga, and working out at the gym. Her renewed health was put to the test shortly after on a cruise to the Mediterranean with her grandchildren.

Davitt credits her positive outcome to the care she received and encourages other women not to delay seeking help. “I would tell a person to at least visit a physician, get a recommendation, input, feedback and make your own decision,” Davitt urged. “I absolutely put my faith and confidence in Dr. Bhatia. It was a life-altering procedure that took about 45 minutes.”

Dr. Bhatia agrees, emphasizing that effective treatments are available. “Many women, such as Ruth, have these conditions for a long time. And they might be suffering with it for years. No woman should feel she has to live with the discomfort or embarrassment of pelvic organ prolapse,” she said. “For them to have the courage to sit and talk to me openly about everything that's bothering them – and for us to come up with a plan and to truly be able to help them is life-changing.

“Whether through non-surgical management or a definitive surgical repair, we can almost always significantly improve a patient’s quality of life. The most important step is starting the conversation.”

For more information about pelvic organ prolapse, visit https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/services/urology/uterine-prolapse. Hackensack Meridian Health is New Jersey’s top ranked Urology Program by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26 and has dedicated resources and services to support Women’s Health and Women’s Mental Health. Dr. Bhatia also sees patients at Jersey Shore University, JFK University, Raritan Bay and Riverview Medical Centers – all part of Hackensack Meridian Health.