Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the organs of the pelvic floor such as the bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel, and rectum shift from their usual positions.
These organs may bulge into the vagina, leading to discomfort and other symptoms.
The type of prolapse varies based on the affected organ, resulting in conditions like cystocele when the bladder descends, rectocele when the rectum shifts, and uterine prolapse when the uterus sags.
Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The main cause of pelvic organ prolapse is due to the factors that increase pressure in the abdomen.
These include pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, chronic cough, constipation, and pelvic organ cancers.
A hysterectomy and genetic predisposition to weaker connective tissues can also increase the risk.
Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Symptoms may vary based on the organ involved but commonly include:
A sensation of fullness in the pelvic region
Lower backache
Pain while having intercourse
Urinary issues, like frequent urges to urinate
Bowel control problems or constipation
Vaginal spotting or bleeding
Symptoms generally worsen as the day progresses
Diagnosis and Testing
Your doctor can usually spot pelvic organ prolapse during a regular check-up.
If they need more information, they might ask for extra tests like bladder tests, ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI scans. These tests help them see what’s going on inside your pelvis better and decide on the best way to treat it.
Treatment Options
How to treat pelvic organ prolapse depends on how severe your symptoms are.
For less serious cases, you might not need surgery:
Physical Therapy: This involves exercises to make your pelvic floor muscles stronger.
Kegel Exercises: Doing these regularly helps tighten the muscles that hold up your pelvic organs.
Pessary: This is a device put inside the vagina to help hold up the organs and ease symptoms.
If the problem is more serious, you might need surgery to fix the organs and get them back to their normal position.
Prevention Tips
There are things you can do to lower your risk of getting pelvic organ prolapse:
Keep a Healthy Weight: This helps take off pressure from your pelvic organs.
Avoid Constipation: Eat lots of fiber to keep your bowel movements regular and easy.
Stop Smoking: Smoking can cause coughing, which puts pressure on your pelvic muscles.
Lift Properly: Use your legs, not your back, when you lift heavy things.
If you have symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, or if it’s making your life difficult, talk to your doctor about what you can do to feel better. Getting help early can really improve how you feel.
