When muscles in the pelvis weaken through age or childbirth, it can lead
to vaginal wall and/or uterine prolapse.
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse, or uterine prolapse, occurs when the muscles and
tissue in your pelvis weaken and can no longer support the weight of the
uterus. This can cause the uterus to drop down into your vagina. Vaginal
prolapse can also occur after hysterectomy due to muscle weakness in the
vaginal wall.
Common types of vaginal prolapse include:
Cystocele (bladder prolapse through top wall of vagina)
Enterocele or vaginal vault prolapse (prolapse from the vaginal cuff where
cervix had been located)
Rectocele (rectum prolapse through back wall of vagina)
Women most commonly develop pelvic prolapse following childbirth, or as
they age past menopause.
What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
Common symptoms include:
Leakage of urine
Inability to completely empty bladder
Feeling of heaviness or fullness in the pelvis
Bulging in your vagina or feeling like something is falling out
Lower back pain
Aching or pressure in your abdomen or pelvis
Constipation, accidental leakage of stool, or straining when moving the bowels
If you have pelvic organ prolapse, and your symptoms keep you from everyday
activities, it’s important to discuss treatment options with your provider.
Treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse depend on different factors,
such as how severe your condition is and your symptoms. Your provider
can help you find the best treatment plan for you.
Here are some treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse:
Pelvic floor exercises: Also known as Kegels, pelvic floor exercises can help make the muscles
that support pelvic organs stronger. They involve contracting and relaxing
the pelvic floor muscle. You can do them at home or with a pelvic floor
physical therapist.
Pessary: A pessary is a device made of silicone or plastic that’s inserted
into the vagina to support pelvic organs. Your provider helps fit the
pessary to your shape and size. The device can be temporary or long-term
for helping with your symptoms.
Surgery: Your provider may recommend surgery if your pelvic organ prolapse is
more advanced. Surgery can help repair or reconstruct the pelvic floor.
There are different approaches to surgery, including vaginal or abdominal.
Common surgeries for pelvic floor prolapse include hysterectomy, vaginal
vault suspension, and
sacrocolpopexy.
Lifestyle changes: Some routine changes may help with pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Examples
include avoiding constipation and heavy lifting, keeping a healthy weight,
and not smoking.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy, such as estrogen replacement therapy, may help women
who have lower hormone levels due to menopause. Estrogen can help with
the strength and elasticity of tissues that support pelvic organs.
