A condition in which the top of the vagina loses its support and drops, usually following a hysterectomy. The weakening of the tissues supporting the pelvic organs usually results from pressure on the organs during pregnancy and childbirth or from loss of estrogen after menopause. Symptoms include a feeling of heaviness in the vagina, aching in the lower abdomen or lower back, and bulging of organs against the vaginal wall. The diagnosis of vaginal vault prolapse requires a pelvic examination. Treatment may include Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles, a pessary (a device inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs), or surgery to strengthen pelvic support.