What Is Pelvic Prolapse?

Many women live with pelvic pain and although this could be something minor, it could also be pelvic prolapse. If you feel that something is not quite right, make an appointment to see an OBGYN. You should never assume the pain you feel is not a big deal.

Female affliction

Pelvic prolapse is an affliction that impacts many women. Learn about the causes, symptoms and available treatment options.

Common causes

Normally, muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor keep organs such as the vagina, bladder, uterus and rectum in their proper places. However, if the muscles weaken and the tissues loosen, the organs can actually drop down. In many cases, they bulge outside of the vaginal opening.

Pregnancy and vaginal deliveries are the two most common causes of pelvic prolapse. The process of the baby’s head traveling through the vaginal canal results in stretched out connective tissues. However, there are additional causes. For instance, age is another factor. As people grow older, the muscles begin to weaken. Excessive weight can also cause this problem as can someone who coughs a lot.

Different types

There are different types of pelvic prolapse depending on the specific organ involved.

• Cystocele — For this, the bladder protrudes into the vagina causing a bulge — this is the most common type of pelvic prolapse
• Rectocele — In this case, the problem involves the rectum, which bulges into the back-wall area of the vagina
• Uterine — As the name implies, this has to do with the uterus as it drops into the vagina

Symptoms

Because pelvic prolapse is common, affecting roughly 25 percent of females in the United States, women should learn about the symptoms. The most obvious is something bulging at the opening of the vagina. While this does not create a risk factor, it does lead to discomfort.

Many women with pelvic prolapse feel embarrassed. This makes daily living difficult and causes issues with intimacy. Instead of pretending like nothing is wrong, someone experiencing these symptoms should see an OBGYN.

Treatments

An OBGYN will usually recommend that the patient undergo physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles and tighten the tissues in the pelvic floor. One option is to do Kegel exercises. This is the same one that pregnant women do to keep the uterus tight during and following birth.

There is also a device called a pessary that helps with pelvic prolapse. Pessaries come in a variety of shapes and are all made from silicone. The patient would have to insert the specially made device into the vagina to support the organs.

As the last option, an OBGYN will recommend surgery for pelvic prolapse. Depending on the organ involved and the severity of the problem, they will suggest one of several options. For instance, a hysterectomy would correct uterine pelvic prolapse. For patients at high risk for prolapse to recur, a surgeon can perform a sacrocolpopexy.

Prevention

There are a few things women can do to prevent pelvic prolapse. Someone who smokes should stop due to the frequent coughing it causes. Women carrying around extra pounds should lose weight. Even doing daily Kegel exercises can help.

See a doctor for a pelvic prolapse diagnosis

If you suspect a pelvic prolapse, it is important to see an OBGYN. With a firm diagnosis, you and your doctor can then determine the best treatment option.

Request an appointment here: https://eckhardtobgyn.com or call Donald Eckhardt Jr., M.D. , Kari Eckhardt W.H.N.P., C.N.M. at (346) 201-4716 for an appointment in our Tomball office.

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