Innovative Prolapse Care
About 1 in 10 women in the United States will receive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime, yet many people do not understand this condition. If you are experiencing pain and pressure in your pelvis, urinary problems, and/or constipation, you may be suffering from pelvic organ prolapse. You do not have to live with this discomfort.
Our team of specialty-trained and board-certified urogynecologists at Rochester Regional Health have special expertise in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and can help restore your quality of life.
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse & What Causes This Condition?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles or connective tissues in the pelvis weaken and fail to support the pelvic organs as they should. This causes the pelvic organs to drop out of their usual position. Common risk factors include
- Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
- Obesity
- Chronic coughing
- Heavy lifting
- Straining during bowel movements (constipation)
- Aging and hormonal changes
- Family history
Information & Frequently Asked Questions
A pelvic exam, and in some cases, imaging is required to diagnose pelvic organ prolapse. Your doctor may also request bladder function tests and pelvic floor strength tests to determine your diagnosis and treatment plan.
The most common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include
- Pain or pressure in the pelvis, lower back, or both
- A bulge at the opening of the vagina caused by organs shifting
- Urinary problems, i.e. leaking urine or the feeling that you constantly need to urinate
- Constipation or difficulty controlling bowel movements
- Problems inserting tampons
- Painful sex
There are three main types of pelvic organ prolapse, and each is diagnosed based on which pelvic floor muscles weaken and how your pelvic organs shift. Pelvic organ prolapse can affect every woman differently, but these main types help doctors diagnose your condition and specialize your treatment.
- Cystocele prolapse is when the bladder protrudes into the vagina, creating a bulge. This is the most common form of pelvic organ prolapse.
- Rectocele prolapse is when the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.
- Uterine prolapse causes the uterus to drop into the vagina.
When it comes to treating pelvic organ prolapse, you have options. In some cases, no treatment is required. Each of the three types of pelvic organ prolapse calls for a different approach to treatment. Your doctor will help you find the right treatment for you, which may include
Non-invasive treatments
- Pelvic floor therapy (i.e. Kegel exercises): This is often the first recommended treatment. Kegels are exercises that help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and are an excellent way to prevent more serious problems.
- Pessary: This is a removable silicone device inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs.
- Diet change: Your doctor will likely recommend a diet high in fiber to avoid constipation, as well as decreasing consumption of alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
- Estrogen medication: Low levels of estrogen caused by menopause can weaken pelvic floor muscles, so medication may be prescribed.
Surgical treatments
- For cystocele prolapse
- Cystocele repair surgery: The surgeon pushes the bladder up and secures the connective tissue between the bladder and vagina to keep the bladder in place and removes excess tissue.
- Sling surgery: If you also have urinary incontinence (leaking), the surgeon will create a hammock-like support for the urethra using either tissue form your own body or synthetic mesh.
- For rectocele prolapse
- Rectocele surgery: The surgeon secures the connective tissue between the vagina and rectum to reduce the size of the bulge and removes excess tissue.
- For uterine prolapse
- Hysterectomy: If you don’t plan to have children in the future, the surgeon can perform a hysterectomy and remove your uterus.
- Vaginal surgery: The surgeon can also shorten, narrow, or close off the vagina to create more support for the pelvic organs.
- Do Kegel exercises regularly.
- Quit smoking to avoid chronic cough and pressure on the pelvis.
- Lose weight if you are overweight.
- Eat a fiber-rich diet.
- Limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
- Avoid excessive heavy lifting, and engage your pelvic floor muscles when you lift.