Blog Post: Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) become weak or loose. This allows one or more of the pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina. Many women are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about their symptoms or think that their symptoms are normal. But pelvic organ prolapse is treatable.
The pelvic muscles and tissues support the pelvic organs like a hammock. The pelvic organs include the bladder, uterus and cervix, vagina, and rectum, which is part of the bowel. A prolapse happens when the pelvis muscles and tissues can no longer support these organs because the muscles and tissues are weak or damaged. This causes one or more pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a type of pelvic floor disorder. The most common pelvic floor disorders are:
- Urinary incontinence (leaking of urine)
- Faecal incontinence (leaking of stool)
- Pelvic organ prolapse (weakening of the muscles and tissues supporting the organs in the pelvis)
The pressure from prolapse can cause a bulge in the vagina that can sometimes be felt or seen. Women with pelvic organ prolapse may feel uncomfortable pressure during physical activity or sex.
Other symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:
- Seeing or feeling a bulge or “something coming out” of the vagina
- A feeling of pressure, discomfort, aching, or fullness in the pelvis
- Pelvic pressure that gets worse with standing or coughing or as the day goes on
- Leaking urine (incontinence) or problems having a bowel movement
- Problems inserting tampons
Some women say that their symptoms are worse at certain times of the day, during physical activity, or after standing for a long time.
The pressure from prolapse can cause a bulge in the vagina that can sometimes be felt or seen. Women with pelvic organ prolapse may feel uncomfortable pressure during physical activity or sex.
Treatment options include:
- Medications such as oestrogen
- Physiotherapy such as pelvic floor exercises
- Surgery, depending upon your type of prolapse
- Conservative management via pessaries
- Behavioural changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, better dietary habits
If you are experiencing any concerns or issues pertaining to your pelvic floor or a prolapse, please contact Dr Samina to see how we can help you.
For a quick appointment or a chat with our friendly staff about choosing Dr Samina as your gynaecologist contact our friendly staff at any one of our consulting rooms: