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About Pelvic Organ Prolapse
About Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Have you experienced some loss of bladder control lately? Have you felt a pressure in your pelvic area that won't go away? Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse? Does it constantly feel like you are wearing a tampon, and it’s falling out?
If so, you may be suffering from pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a common but rarely discussed condition in which organs in the pelvic region shift out of their normal position, or prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse, sometimes known as “dropped bladder”, can be uncomfortable both physically and emotionally. Women with pelvic organ prolapse tend to limit their daily activities and avoid sex because of pelvic pain and the need to urinate frequently.
What Are Common Symptoms Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
* Loss of bladder or possibly bowel control
* Difficulty completely emptying your bladder
* Increased need to urinate
* Feelings of pelvic or vaginal heaviness, bulging, fullness and/or pain, or a feeling that something is "dropping"
* Recurrent bladder infections
* Excessive vaginal discharge
* Pain or lack of sensation during sex
What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
The organs in your pelvic area — uterus, vagina, bladder and rectum—are held in place by a web of muscles and connective tissues that act like a hammock. When this web becomes weakened or damaged, one or more pelvic organs shift out of normal position and literally "fall," or prolapse, into the vagina.
As a result, organs may press against the vaginal wall and produce a hernia-like bulge, causing discomfort and limiting physical and sexual activity.
The major risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse is having delivered a baby vaginally. Other risk factors include:
* Obesity
* Menopause
* Loss of muscle tone with aging
* Hysterectomy
* Genetics
What Are The Different Types Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
There are several different types of pelvic organ prolapse, defined by which organs are involved. It’s also possible to have more than one type of prolapse.
* Bladder: The most common type of pelvic organ prolapse is cystocele (pronounced sis-tuh-seel) and is often called “dropped bladder.” As the front wall (or roof) of the vagina stretches or loses its attachment to the pelvis, it drops, into the vaginal opening. The bladder, which rests on this area of the vagina, similarly “drops” out of position.
* Intestines: For women who have had hysterectomies and no longer have a uterus, the intestines and the top of the vagina push into the lower vagina. This is called an enterocele (pronounced en-tro-seel).
* Rectum: As the back wall (or floor) of the vagina loses its support, the rectum can protrude into the vaginal opening, creating a “pocket” called a rectocele (pronounced rek-tuh-seel).
* Uterus: Prolapse of the uterus (and cervix) into the vagina is called uterine prolapse.
Maybe you’ve been too embarrassed or confused by how you feel to seek medical help. You may even have wondered if your symptoms would just go away.
But pelvic organ prolapse is a real, common and treatable problem. Consider this:
* About half of all women over age 50 suffer from some degree of pelvic organ prolapse.
* One in 10 women undergo surgery for pelvic organ prolapse by age 80.
You don’t have to accept the limits that pelvic organ prolapse can put on your lifestyle. Learn more about treatment options.
Read more articles about Urinary Incontinence:
- About Urinary Incontinence
- Types of Urinary Incontinence
- About Stress Urinary Incontinence
- Focus On: One Solution For Stress Urinary Incontinence
Click here to check your symptoms:
http://www.pelvichealthsolutions.com/assess-your-symptoms
Click here to download questions to ask your doctor: http://www.pelvichealthsolutions.com/gynecare-tvt-sui
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