A prolapse is a weakening in the pelvic floor muscles at the base of the pelvis. Prolapse occurs if these muscles are weakened and the organ they support; your uterus, vagina, urethra or bladder shifts downward and bulges into or even out of your vaginal canal.
Most often, these muscles are strained during childbirth, or after a hysterectomy. It is more likely for a woman to experience prolapse after menopause, but younger woman also have this. Unfortunately, many women don't have any symptoms of POP or may feel as if a tampon is falling out or experience a feeling of pelvic pressure.
In most cases, the physician will perform a pelvic examination with the woman straining or bearing down to observe all areas of prolapse. Treatments include surgery to repair damaged ligaments and reposition the prolapsed organs with devices designed to support the pelvic organs and exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. Family genetics can determine your risk of POP. Although it can be uncomfortable, talk to other family members about any pelvic problems like urinary and fecal incontinence.
Other symptoms that are often associated with pelvic organ prolapse include:
~urinary incontinence
~low abdominal pain
~difficult urination
~difficult defecation
~discomfort with sexual intercourse
~stool incontinence
~low back pain
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Pelvic organ prolapse is diagnosed during a gynecologic exam.
Disclaimer
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The content provided is intended strictly for informational purposes to help patient understanding of medical terms and conditions.
