Pelvic Organ Prolapse Basics
Improve the pressure.
Pelvic organ prolapse is the herniation of the pelvic organs through the vagina. Patients will often say they have a "fallen bladder". In reality, any portion of the vaginal walls can fall downwards, pulling with it the organ (bladder, rectum, or uterus) directly behind that wall. As a woman ages, and as certain stressors are placed on the female pelvic floor (such as childbirth and repetitive heavy lifting), the pelvic muscles and surrounding supportive tissues become weak and can no longer hold the female organs in their proper place. Genetics can also be a factor for developing prolapse. The female organs can begin to push through the vaginal opening.
Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (or POP):
Vaginal or pelvic pressure
Lower abdominal or lower back pain
An obvious or physical “bulge” protruding from the vaginal opening
Difficulty with urination due to a physical “kinking” of the urethra
Difficulty with defecation due to a possible stool-trapping rectocele
Having to “splint” or push the vaginal organs back into place in order to empty the bladder or have a bowel movement
Difficulty with intercourse or painful intercourse
A worsening of symptoms with standing, lifting or coughing
Options for Treatment:
Nonsurgical options like Kegel exercises can improve prolapse by bringing the bulge back into the vagina by up to a centimeter. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help you to train your muscles with the support of a trained therapist. A vaginal support device made out of silicone called a vaginal pessary can hold up the bulge and let you take the pressure off.
Surgeries for prolapse can help repair a cystocele (bladder dropping), rectocele (rectum pushing into the vagina), uterine prolapse or when the vagina completely falls out.
