Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organ such as the uterus, rectum, bladder, small bowel, and vagina become loose. It causes one or more organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina. Many women find it embarrassing to talk to their doctor about prolapse symptoms. Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC, provides timely and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for organ prolapse in Midwood for better life quality, pain alleviation, and freedom from fear of embarrassment.
Types of prolapse
- Cystocele which is bladder prolapse
- Urethrocele which is a prolapse of the urethra
- Uterine prolapse
- Enterocele which is prolapse of the small bowel
- Rectocele is the prolapse of the rectum
- Vaginal vault prolapse which is vaginal prolapse
Causes
Anything that exerts pressure on the abdomen causes pelvic organ prolapse; therefore, the common causes are;
- Childbirth, labor, and pregnancy
- Genetics and aging
- Obesity due to excess weight
- Respiratory problems such as chronic long-term cough
- Pelvic organ cancer and constipation
- Surgical removal of the uterus
Symptoms
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Urine incontinence
- Low back pain
- Constipation
- Vaginal spotting
- Pelvic pressure during exercise and sex
- A feeling that something is dropping out of the vagina
- Pelvic itching
- Difficulties during insertion of tampons
Diagnosis
Your physician conducts a routine pelvic exam depending on the symptoms you’re experiencing and then conducts tests such as urinary tract x-ray—Pelvis CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI to determine the type of prolapse you might be experiencing.
Treatment
The type of treatment option depends on the severity of the symptoms, and they are as follows;
Lifestyle changes
Your specialist may recommend a change in your lifestyle if you do not have any symptoms and prolapse is mild. The following helps to reduce your risk of getting prolapse;
- Losing weight if you are obese to prevent excess pressure on the abdomen
- Eating a high-fiber diet to avoid constipation
- Avoid lifting heavy objects
- Avoid smoking which increases chronic coughing
Pelvic floor exercises
Your physician may recommend Kegel exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and alleviate the pain.
Hormone treatment
If the prolapse is due to menopause, your doctor may advise using estrogen treatment in the form of cream, tablet, and estrogen-releasing vaginal ring to ease symptoms such as vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
Vaginal pessaries
These are latex devices or silicone inserted into the vagina to support pelvic organs and vaginal walls.
Biofeedback therapy
You are taught how to contract your pelvic muscles with proper breathing techniques and abdominal control.
Surgery
- Vaginal mesh surgery puts mesh under the vaginal tissues to lift sagging organs into place.
- Hysterectomy removes the womb to relieve pressure on the vagina walls and reduces the chances of future prolapse.
- Obliterative surgery is the closing of part of or the entire vagina to support the pelvic organs.
- Reconstructive surgery aims at repairing the pelvic floor and returning organs into their original position.
Talk to your gynecologist today
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause fear and embarrassment since even holding your urine can be difficult, and enjoying your bedroom time with your partner can be a nightmare. Book an appointment with doctor Dr. Gregory Shifrin, OB/GYN PC in Texas, and be able to enjoy your bedroom time and daily activities without discomfort.