DENVER -- It's a condition that affects up to 15 percent of women nationwide, but not many women want to talk about it.

Severe pelvic relaxation, or prolapse, can drastically affect a woman's quality of life. Now there's a new option when it comes to fixing this medical problem. Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy is a complex term for a surgery that helps women with prolapse.

"This can effect women in their 20s who have had a traumatic vaginal birth, but it can also effect patients who haven't had any children," explained Dr. Kristi Keil, of Exempla Saint Joesph Hospital in Denver.

Severe prolapse can cause pain, problems going to the bathroom and a diminished quality of life.

Ann Laird has been suffering from prolapse since she was in her 20s.

"It's just kind of an uncomfortable thing," said Laird.

The traditional surgery to fix this problem requires a large incision across the stomach. Now, the same procedure can be done without leaving a big scar.

"Our laproscopic approach requires four small incisions on the abdomen," said Dr. Keil.

Through the incisions, Dr. Keil inserts mesh, which is attached to the tailbone, providing needed support.

Dr. Kiel at Exempla Saint Joseph's Hospital is one of a few surgeons in the country using this new technique.

Laird hopes this less-invasive approach can fix her prolapse once and for all.

"I'm anxious to have it over with so that i can go back to a little more normalcy in life," she said.

She won't have to wait long. Most women can go back to their normal activities in three to four weeks.

The most common symptoms of prolaspe caused by severe pelvic relaxation are a heavy feeling in the area, a bulge, problems going to the bathroom, and/or urinary incontinence.

Dr. Keil can treat the most difficult cases through surgery. However the majority of patients can enjoy improved quality of life with pelvic support devices and lifestyle changes. Women can improve their chances of not having prolapse and incontinence problems by following a healthy lifestyle and diet to control body weight and avoid constipation, not smoking and doing pelvic floor muscle exercises, known as Kegel exercises, on a regular basis.

To contact Dr. Kristi Keil and her partner Dr. Andrew McBride, call (303) 837-7682.