The most common type of pelvic organ prolapse is bladder prolapse (also called cystocele): Here, the bladder pushes down and against the wall of the vagina. But because the organs are connected to each other, they often drop down together.
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the tissue and muscles of the pelvic floor no longer support the pelvic organs resulting in the drop (prolapse) of the pelvic organs from their normal position. The pelvic organs include the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum.
Overview. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when your bladder, urethra, rectum, small intestine, uterus or vagina slips out of place.
Nearly one-half of all women between ages 50 and 79 have some degree of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse, or some other form of pelvic organ prolapse. Factors that increase your risk of uterine prolapse include childbirth, age, obesity, chronic constipation and having a hysterectomy.
The cause of prolapse is primarily related with pregnancy and vaginal delivery, which lead to direct pelvic floor muscle and connective tissue injury.
The most common disorders that pelvic organ prolapse is mistakenly diagnosed as include urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, and irritable bowel disease.
For some women, their prolapse gets worse over time. For others, their prolapse will stay the same with conservative treatment options. Prolapse generally does not improve without surgery, but symptoms can be managed with less invasive treatment options.
It is very common, with about 50 percent of women having some degree of prolapse. Over 12 percent of American women will have surgery for it in their lifetime.
Abdominal bloating and/or flatulence can be a huge problem for women with prolapse problems. Some ladies find that by the end of the day their abdomen is so bloated that it puts strain on their belly and their prolapse causing abdominal pain and pelvic floor dragging and bulging.
If you have pelvic organ prolapse, avoid things that could make it worse. That means don't lift, strain, or pull. If possible, try not to be on your feet for long periods of time. Some women find that they feel more pressure when they stand a lot.
You may have a feeling of laxity (looseness) within the vagina, or you may have more difficulty reaching orgasm. POP can worsen or lead to constipation. If a woman's rectum has bulged into her vagina, she may have other bowel problems.
Vaginal Vault Prolapse (After Hysterectomy)
The top of the vagina drops down, creating a bulge. In severe cases, the top of the vagina may protrude outside of the vagina. It also may occur with small intestine prolapse (shown here), anterior vaginal wall prolapse, or posterior vaginal vault prolapse.
Stage I – the uterus is in the upper half of the vagina. Stage II – the uterus has descended nearly to the opening of the vagina. Stage III – the uterus protrudes out of the vagina. Stage IV – the uterus is completely out of the vagina.
Prolapse can feel different for each woman. Some women say it feels like they're sitting on a ball all the time. Other women feel fullness or pressure around their vagina, bladder, or pelvic area. The most obvious way to tell if you have prolapse is if you feel a bump or “bulge” at the bottom of your vagina.
Symptoms of moderate to severe uterine prolapse include: Seeing or feeling tissue bulge out of the vagina. Feeling heaviness or pulling in the pelvis. Feeling like the bladder doesn't empty all the way when you use the bathroom.
Speak to your doctor if:
You think you might have a prolapse or you have symptoms of a prolapse such as: a feeling of a bulge or something coming down the vagina. a feeling of a bulge or something coming out the vagina, which sometimes needs pushed back up (you may be able to see this with a mirror)
In summary. Most women recover well and feel significantly better after surgery, allowing them to get back to their day-to-day routine. Every woman's experience of pelvic organ prolapse surgery is different. Listen to your body, take your time, and don't put yourself under pressure during the healing process.
Surgery is usually done only when the prolapse is affecting your daily life and your doctor thinks surgery will help. Consider surgery if: The prolapse causes pain. You have problems with your bladder and bowels.
Pelvic organ prolapse doesn't necessarily get worse over time, and you may not need treatment if the symptoms are not affecting your daily life. Nonsurgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse can reduce the pain and pressure of mild-to-moderate prolapse and preserve fertility if the uterus is prolapsed.
Another common problem is that your partner may feel the “bulge” of your prolapse during intercourse. It can feel strange, but since the walls of the vagina are mobile and flexible, likely, you will not experience pain during intercourse.
Your local doctor or GP can diagnose a prolapse. They will most likely: ask you questions about the history of your health. examine your body.
How can I feel a prolapsed uterus with my finger? Insert 1 or 2 fingers and place them over the front vaginal wall (facing the bladder) to feel any bulging under your fingers, first with strong coughing and then with sustained bearing down.
No. Pelvic organ prolapse is not related to the development of any particular type of cancer. However, it can occur because a large mass in the abdomen is creating abdominal pressure, or because a significant amount of fluid has accumulated in the pelvis.