Pelvic Floor Prolapse
What is Pelvic Floor Prolapse ?
Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more pelvic organs drop from their position. This makes a bulge in the vagina, called a prolapse.
The muscles and connective tissues of the pelvic floor typically hold the pelvic organs in place. Pelvic organs include the vagina, bladder, uterus, urethra and rectum. Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor weaken. This may be due to pregnancy, childbirth or menopause. Pelvic organ prolapse can be treated. Often, nonsurgical treatment helps. Sometimes, surgery might be needed to put the pelvic organs back in place.
Symptoms
- Seeing or feeling a bulge of tissue near vagina
- Not being able to keep in a tampon
- Urinary changes
- Bowel changes
- Sexual issues
- Fullness or pressure in your vagina
- Fullness, pressure or aching in your pelvis
- Changes to how you poop
- Leaking pee when you cough, laugh or exercise
- Constipation
Cause
Your pelvic floor can weaken for many reasons. It happens most often when your pelvic floor muscles, ligaments, and tissues overstretch. It can also happen due to underuse when the muscles don’t work enough. The cause of pelvic organ prolapse is the weakening of the tissues and the muscles that support the pelvic organs. The most common cause is having a baby vaginally.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse include having more than one baby, vaginal delivery, high birth weight babies and deliveries using tools. Being older. Being obese. Having had pelvic surgery. Straining from an ongoing cough, such as from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ongoing constipation or ongoing heavy lifting. Having a family history of pelvic organ prolapse or connective tissue conditions.
When to see a Doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs or symptoms that worry you.