What is pelvic organ prolapse?
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.
What organs can prolapse?
Any of the organs in your pelvic region can prolapse. The organs of your pelvic region include the:
- Uterus
- Bladder
- Rectum
- Vagina
- Small bowel
With pelvic organ prolapse, the organs drop or press into the vagina. The drop may be mild or cause severe symptoms.
What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
Mild cases of pelvic organ prolapse may cause no symptoms. If you do experience symptoms, they may include the following:
- Feeling that something is falling out of the vagina or seeing irregular tissue
- Constipation
- Irregular spotting or bleeding
- Backache and fullness or pressure in the pelvic region
- Urinary incontinence
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Symptoms often depend on what organ is affected by prolapse.
How is pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed?
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.
What are the treatments for pelvic organ prolapse?
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.
