Aging, childbirth, excess weight, and hormonal changes can put pressure on the muscles and tissue in your pelvis. In some women, this pressure can lead to a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse.
When pelvic organ prolapse occurs, organs in your pelvic area may drop downward from their normal position. As your uterus, rectum, or bladder move downward, they may put pressure on your vagina and pelvic floor. They may even push out of your vagina.
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause uncomfortable, embarrassing symptoms, including urinary or fecal incontinence. But fortunately, we can address pelvic organ prolapse and relieve symptoms.
Here at Virtuosa GYN in San Antonio, Texas, Susan Crockett, MD, and our team of highly trained care providers are experts at diagnosing and treating pelvic organ prolapse. We would like to tell you how we treat this common health condition.
About pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse affects one in five women in the United States. Its most common cause is vaginal childbirth, although women who have not delivered vaginally can also develop it.
In addition to incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse can cause constipation and feelings of pressure in your pelvic area. Symptoms may be worse at the end of the day, during or after exercising, or when you cough or sneeze.
Treatment options
If evaluation finds that you have pelvic organ prolapse, our providers create a personalized treatment plan designed to address your symptoms and condition. Treatment may include one or more of the following:
Pelvic floor exercises
These exercises strengthen the pelvic muscles that hold your organs in place. For example, exercises known as Kegels can be very effective at strengthening pelvic muscles.
Pessaries
Inserting these silicone devices into your vagina can provide support for prolapsed organs. Pessaries may be used with vaginal estrogen to make them more comfortable.
Surgery
If conservative treatments don’t offer enough relief or if organ prolapse is severe, we may recommend surgical repair. The type of surgery we recommend depends on the particulars of your condition and whether you plan to get pregnant in the future.
There are two types of prolapse surgery:
- Non-mesh prolapse repair, which addresses weaknesses in your pelvic floor muscles
- Colpocleisis, which closes off your vagina to prevent pelvic organs from pushing into it
Some women don’t seek help for pelvic organ prolapse because they are embarrassed or they think nothing can be done to help them. But there’s no need to put off getting the care you need. If you’re experiencing symptoms, call us to schedule an evaluation at our San Antonio, Texas, office.
