Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles in your pelvic region become weak and can no longer hold the organs in the region in their original places. When this happens, certain organs drop downward toward your vagina. 

Cases of pelvic organ prolapse range from mild to severe depending on how far down the organs in question drop. Three of the most common types of pelvic organ prolapse, which each primarily affect a different organ, are:

Cystocele

Cystocele is the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse. In this case, part of your bladder bulges into the vaginal canal. In severe cases, the bulge exits the vagina. A common symptom of cystocele, or bladder prolapse, is urinary incontinence. 

Rectocele

Rectocele happens when your rectum merges toward your vagina and creates a bulge into or out of your vagina. 

Uterine prolapse

Uterine prolapse primarily affects your uterus. If you get it, your uterus descends into or out of your vagina.

What causes pelvic organ prolapse?

Any type of pelvic organ prolapse can develop after changes occur to the muscles in your pelvic region. There are many circumstances that can start the process, including:

• Childbirth
• Menopausal changes
• General aging
• Hysterectomy
• Heavy straining during bowel movements
• Obesity
• Chronic cough
  
  

You should contact Dr. Khamvongsa if you feel unusual pressure in your pelvic area or if you see or feel a bulge inside or outside of your vagina. You might feel particularly severe discomfort after you stand for a long time or exercise. To diagnose you, Dr. Khamvongsa performs a pelvic exam. 

What are my treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse?

In order to create an appropriate treatment plan for your specific type and severity of pelvic organ prolapse, Dr. Khamvongsa assesses various factors including your current health, lifestyle, and age. Your treatment plan might involve:

Pessaries

A pessary is a flexible, removable silicone device that you place in your vagina to provide support for your prolapsed pelvic organs. They come in several shapes and sizes, and Dr. Khamvongsa can help you find one that fits you.

Hormonal treatments

In some cases, estrogen therapy helps treat pelvic organ prolapse. Taking estrogen can help strengthen the muscles in your pelvic region after you lose estrogen during menopause.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises

Pelvic floor muscle exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your pelvic region. Dr. Khamvongsa might also use biofeedback monitoring devices to show the strength of specific muscles. 

Minimally invasive surgery

To explore treatments for pelvic organ prolapse of any type, call Peter A Khamvongsa, FACOG, FACS, IF or book an appointment online today.