What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when ligaments and muscles supporting pelvic organs weaken and can’t sufficiently support the uterus, bladder, or rectum. As a result, these organs can slip into the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse may cause unpleasant symptoms if it’s left untreated. Huntington Urology Specialists offer a wide array of treatment options.
What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
You may not experience any symptoms with pelvic uterine prolapse, but if you do, you might notice:
- Tissue protruding from your vagina
- Sexual problems
- Pelvic heaviness or pulling
- Urine leakage or retention
- Other urinary problems
- Difficulty having bowel movements
- Feeling like you’re sitting on a ball
- Problems inserting tampons
Symptoms might be less severe in the morning and worsen as the day goes on. See the team at Huntington Urology Specialists if symptoms don’t subside, are severe, or interfere with day-to-day activities.
What are the risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse?
Any woman can develop pelvic organ prolapse and its symptoms, but the following factors increase your risk of experiencing it:
- Pregnancy
- Previous vaginal births
- Delivering a large baby
- Having a difficult labor
- Overweight or obesity
- Menopause and low estrogen levels
- Straining during bowel movements
- Repeated heavy lifting
- Chronic bronchitis or coughing
- Older age
- Prior pelvic surgery
- Family history of pelvic organ prolapse
With severe pelvic organ prolapse, organs can protrude outside of your body and rub against clothing or cause vaginal sores.
To reduce your risk of pelvic organ prolapse, get treated for constipation, avoid heavy lifting, don’t smoke, maintain a healthy weight, control chronic coughing, and complete kegel exercises regularly to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
How is pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed?
To diagnose pelvic organ prolapse, your doctor reviews your medical history and discusses your symptoms. They complete a physical exam, including a pelvic exam, and might recommend bladder function or other diagnostic tests to determine the type and severity of pelvic organ prolapse.
How is pelvic organ prolapse treated?
Numerous pelvic organ prolapse treatments are available at Huntington Urology Specialists. Your doctor personalizes each one based on how severe your condition is, your lifestyle, and your preferences. They might recommend:
- A pessary
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Dietary changes
- Surgical procedures
Increasing high-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, helps prevent straining associated with constipation. A pessary is a removable device that, when placed in the vagina, supports bulging pelvic organs. Pessaries can treat urinary incontinence in addition to pelvic organ prolapse.
Huntington Urology Specialists offer minimally invasive, robotic surgical procedures to repair weak pelvic floor, and prolapsed tissues to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
Don’t live with pelvic pain or urinary incontinence associated with pelvic organ prolapse when simple treatments are available at Huntington Urology Specialists. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking online today.
