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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What Every Woman Should Know
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common problem for millions of women. While it becomes even more common during menopause, many have no idea what it is, why it happens, or even what symptoms to look for.
The good news is that pelvic organ prolapse is treatable, and the sooner you begin treatment, the faster you can find relief.
Our team at Feminine Urgicare offers a quick overview of pelvic organ prolapse to help you find a treatment that protects your health and keeps you more comfortable and confident.
Pelvic organ prolapse 101
Your pelvic organs, including your bladder, reproductive organs, and lower intestine, are all supported by a natural “sling” composed of an interconnected network of muscles and ligaments.
When this sling is healthy, firm, and functional, it helps keep your organs in place. But when the sling weakens, the organs can shift lower, sometimes invading your vagina and causing what’s known as prolapse.
Prolapse can happen for lots of reasons, but some of the most common include:
- Prior hysterectomy
- Vaginal birth (especially multiple)
- Pregnancy
- Significant weight gain
- Chronic coughing
- Straining from chronic constipation
- Hormonal changes during menopause
- Age-related changes
All of these issues can weaken your pelvic floor. Without proactive treatment, weakness progresses, increasing your risk of prolapse.
Any of your pelvic organs can “drop” or prolapse, including your bladder, rectum, uterus, and even the upper part of your vagina. Some women experience more than one type of prolapse at the same time.
Symptoms to look for
Prolapse symptoms can vary depending on which organ is affected, the severity of the prolapse, and other factors.
Many women experience a feeling of heaviness, fullness, or pressure in the lower pelvic area, sometimes describing it as a sensation that something is “falling out.”
Other women may notice symptoms like:
- Urinary incontinence
- Problems emptying their bladder
- Constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain or pressure in their lower back
Symptoms may come and go initially, often worsening after long periods of standing or physical exertion. As the condition advances, you may notice a bulge at your vaginal opening or worsening symptoms that begin to affect everyday activities.
Treatment is essential
Prolapse may become more common with age, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal, and it should never be ignored. Early evaluation and treatment are essential for preventing symptoms from worsening and potentially avoiding more invasive therapies later on.
Treatment begins with an evaluation based on a pelvic exam. Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend other tests, like diagnostic imaging or bladder function tests.
In the early stages, many women benefit from conservative treatment options, such as:
- Losing excess weight
- Avoiding heavy lifting
- Treating constipation
Pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy tailored to pelvic floor health can help, too, especially when you begin them early on and remain consistent with therapeutic activities.
Minimally invasive therapies that stimulate collagen development may help, too.
Other women find relief with a pessary, a custom device inserted into the vagina to help provide additional support. For more advanced cases, we may recommend surgery to repair and restore the pelvic floor sling.
Find a treatment that works for you
Pelvic organ prolapse can affect your physical comfort, emotional wellness, and quality of life. But the good news is, there are treatments that can help.
To find out how we can help you find a solution for your symptoms, request an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Feminine Urgicare in Paramus and Clifton, New Jersey, today.