What is prolapse?
Prolapse is a medical term that describes the slipping down of your organs. Your pelvic muscles act like a hammock for your pelvic organs, which includes your bladder, rectum, uterus, cervix, and vagina. You experience a pelvic organ prolapse when your pelvic muscles are no longer able to support your organs.
A number of different factors increase your risk of pelvic organ prolapse, including:
- Vaginal birth
- Obesity
- Straining to have a bowel movement
- Hormonal changes
- Aging
If your mother had pelvic prolapse, then you could develop the condition, too.
What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
The falling of your pelvic organs causes you to feel pressure in your abdominal region, especially during sex or physical activity. You can also see or feel a bulge in your vagina.
Other symptoms include:
- Achiness or fullness in your pelvis
- Urinary incontinence
- Difficulty inserting a tampon
- Pelvic pressure that worsens with prolonged standing
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, call Mott Women Healthcare to schedule an examination to determine if pelvic organ prolapse is the cause.
What are the types of prolapse?
Your OB/GYN determines what kind of prolapse you have based on which organs are affected.
Cystocele
A cystocele is the most common type of prolapse and happens when your bladder drops into your vagina.
Rectocele
A rectocele occurs when the rectum bulges into or out of your vagina.
Uterine prolapse
If your uterus has fallen into your vagina, it’s referred to as uterine prolapse.
Enterocele
If you have a uterine prolapse, you can also experience an enterocele, which is when part of the small bowel bulges into the vagina.
How is a prolapse treated?
Your OB/GYN at Mott Women Healthcare will develop a treatment plan to manage your prolapse based on your type of prolapse, as well as your health, symptoms, and age.
Common treatments include:
- Pelvic-floor exercises to strengthen the muscles
- Changes in your diet to improve bowel and bladder function
- Placement of a pessary, which is a removable device that supports the organs
If conservative treatments didn’t improve your symptoms, your OB/GYN would recommend surgery to repair the prolapse and improve pelvic support.
For medical management of your prolapse from caring professionals, call Mott Women Healthcare or schedule an appointment using the online booking button.
