As many as one-third of women may be affected by pelvic organ prolapse at some point in their lifetime. Expert urogynecologist Dr. Jennifer Hill who practices at Suffolk Pelvic Medicine on Long Island in Riverdale and East Islip, New York offers diagnosis and treatment for this uncomfortable, life-affecting condition. Call her office, or book an appointment online if you think you may be affected by pelvic organ prolapse so that Dr. Hill can help you find relief.
When one or more of the pelvic organs drop from their normal position, you’re diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse. The pelvic floor muscles create a hammock-like support for your pelvic organs.
You experience pelvic organ prolapse when the muscles that support these organs become weak or suffer injury, often as a result of childbirth, menopause, surgery, or the natural aging process. Pressure on your abdomen, including from obesity or chronic constipation, can also contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.
Other names for the condition include cystocele, enterocele, rectocele, or uterine or rectal prolapse.
Any of the organs in your pelvic region can prolapse. The organs of your pelvic region include the:
With pelvic organ prolapse, the organs drop or press into the vagina. The drop may be mild or cause severe symptoms.
Mild cases of pelvic organ prolapse may cause no symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they may include the following:
Symptoms often depend on what organ is affected by prolapse.
Dr. Hill may discover protruding organs during your annual pelvic exam. Imaging tests, including ultrasound and CT scans, can also reveal prolapsed organs. Your symptoms and medical history also inform your diagnosis.
The severity of your symptoms and the organs affected will influence your treatment. You may be able to strengthen the muscles and tissue around the organs with pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegels.
Dr. Hill may also recommend insertion of a pessary to support drooping organs. A pessary is a removable device placed inside your vagina. She may also advise surgical repair of failing tissue or removal of the offending organs (such as a hysterectomy).
If you are concerned about pelvic organ prolapse, call Suffolk Pelvic Medicine, or book an appointment online.