Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when a pelvic organ (your bladder, for example) drops (prolapses) from its normal place in your lower belly and pushes against the walls of your vagina.
Pelvic organ prolapse affects approximately half of the women who have had children by vaginal delivery. Other factors that can contribute to prolapse include advancing age, obesity, hysterectomy, chronic straining and abnormalities of the connective tissue.
The following is a list of symptoms that often accompany pelvic organ prolapse:
- Pressure, pain or fullness in vagina or rectum or both
- Sensation of “your insides falling out,” vaginal tissue bulge
- Urinary incontinence
- Urine retention
- Fecal incontinence
- Chronic constipation
- Back/pelvic pain
- Tampons pushing out
- Painful intercourse
- Lack of sexual sensation
- Leakage of urine or stool during sex
Treatment options include non-surgical, surgical and drug therapy. Your healthcare provider will work closely with you to determine the best form of treatment.