Pelvic Organ Prolapse - Cherokee Women's Health

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a type of pelvic floor disorder where the muscles and tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place weaken and drop lower into the pelvis. “Prolapse” refers to the drooping of pelvic organs that include the cervix, uterus, bladder, vagina, small intestines, and rectum. Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can occur when there is increased pressure in the abdomen, most commonly in women who have given birth, but not always. Some women only have minor symptoms, if any at all.

Content mature woman

Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

There is more than one type of pelvic organ prolapse, including:

Issues treated may include:

  • Cystocele – The most common condition, “dropped bladder”, where the bladder descends into the anterior wall of the vagina
  • Urethrocele – This is a collapse of the urethra (the tube that carries urine)
  • Uterine prolapse – The uterus drops down into the vagina
  • Vaginal vault prolapse – The vaginal vault (top of the vagina) drops down
  • Enterocel – A small bowel prolapse
  • Rectocele – Known as posterior wall prolapse, the rectum drops down and bulges into the vagina.

Causes

In addition to childbirth, risk factors for developing pelvic organ prolapse include a family history of the condition, obesity, advancing age, hysterectomy or prior pelvic surgery, menopause, intense physical activity, and more. Conditions such as asthma or constipation are a risk factor due to the increased intra-abdominal pressure.

Symptoms

Many women experience no symptoms at all, sometimes even discovering the condition during a routine gynecological exam. Symptoms vary on which organ is drooping, for example, if urine is leaking, the bladder might have prolapsed. Other symptoms include:

  • A feeling of constant heaviness or fullness around the pelvic area
  • Organs bulging out of the vagina or bulge in the vagina
  • Backache in the lower back
  • Painful intercourse
  • Problem having a bowel movement
  • Problems inserting tampons.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Diagnosis

For successful treatment, diagnosis of the exact cause is critical. A simple pelvic or rectal examination is completed as part of a complete physical examination for a diagnosis. During the appointment, your doctor will attempt to determine the severity of the prolapse, typically by observation of the vaginal walls and cervix. Your doctor also might even ask you to strain to cough during the exam.

Treatment

Depending on the severity of uterine prolapse, your age, and other factors treatment options include:

  • Observation – Women experiencing no symptoms or problems receive treatment through regular exams.
  • Kegel exercises – A pelvic floor physical therapy where you squeeze the muscles you use to hold in gas. Ultimately, strengthening the muscles that help support the pelvic organs
  • Lifestyle changes – To address one of the causes of the condition, obesity, dietary changes
  • Pessaries – A non-surgical solution where silicone devices are inserted into the vagina to provide organ structural support
  • Surgery – Performed through the vagina or abdomen, or by laparoscopy depending on the support problem. The purpose of surgery is to correct the anatomy and provide better function.

If you have any pelvic health concerns, please call us at 770.720.7733 or schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified doctors.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Education Articles

Pelvic Prolapse and Treatment Options
Pelvic Prolapse and Treatment Options
A common experience for many women undergoing pelvic surgery involves a variety of procedures aimed at addressing issues such as ...
woman with uterine prolapse relief
Uterine Prolapse Relieved by a Hysterectomy
Uterine prolapse is a distressing condition that affects women, causing the descent or protrusion of the uterus into the vaginal ...
woman with low sex drive
19 Reasons for a Low Sex Drive
If you find yourself asking, 'What happened to my sex drive?' you're not alone. It's a common problem for women, ...
VR womens health image
A Loose Vagina and Painful Sex Treated with Vaginal Rejuvenation
A loose vagina, painful sex and incontinence are all symptoms that can be corrected with vaginal rejuvenation (VR). VR is ...
dr. michael litrel
Pelvic Organ Prolapse with Dr. Litrel
Dr. Michael Litrel discusses treatment for pelvic organ prolapse can help improve quality of life ...
Non-Surgical Treatments for Prolapse
Non-Surgical Treatments for Prolapse
Dr. James Haley discusses non-surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse and the various treatment options available ...
The Stages of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The Stages of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Dr. James Haley discusses the different stages of prolapse and when to seek treatment ...
Elena Happy Couple
“My Lady Parts are Falling Out!” – Elena’s Pelvic Prolapse Story
Pelvic organ prolapse is a pelvic floor disorder that can be life-altering for many women unless treated. Many women silently ...
woman in pain
Pelvic Organ Prolapse at Just 32 Years Old
At just 32 years old, a uterine prolapse was the last thing Laurie expected. After all, everything had been going ...
Photo of woman
The Importance of Vaginal Health
The importance of vaginal health should not be taken lightly. It's not just about sex. It means being aware of ...
older happy woman photo
Pelvic Prolapse Surgery – Susan’s Story
Pelvic prolapse can cause a constant urge to go to the bathroom. Our patient Susan experienced this, and sometimes she ...
woman with pelvic pain
“My Insides Are Falling Down!”
by Peahen Gandhi, MD, FACOG, FPMRS "My insides are falling down," explained my patient Mandy, who came to see me ...
Urogynecologists Drs Litrel Gandhi Haley
Treating Pelvic Health Problems
Dr. Litrel, Dr. Gandhi and Dr. Haley are double board-certified in Female Pelvic Medicine Cherokee Women’s Health is the only ...
Dr. Litrel Pelvic Reconstruction Graphic
Dr. Michael Litrel on Pelvic Reconstructive and Cosmetic GYN – Part 3
An Interview With Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS – Part 3 of a 3 Part Series Read Part 1 and ...
Dr. Litrel Pelvic Reconstruction Graphic
Dr. Michael Litrel on Pelvic Reconstructive and Cosmetic GYN – Part 2
An Interview With Michael Litrel, MD, FACOG, FPMRS – Part 2 of a 3 Part Series Read Part 1 of ...
© Copyright 2024 Cherokee Women’s Health Specialists
Scroll to Top