Pelvic Organ Prolapse

As a person ages, parts of their body will begin to display those signs of aging. These issues could be anything from being more prone to injuries to suffering from organ prolapse. Being able to identify the symptoms of this condition can allow you to get it treated before it worsens substantially.

Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse

This is a type of condition that occurs when the muscles within the pelvic floor aren't properly supporting the small intestines, uterus, vagina, and other systems in your body. When these organs drop out of their original position, the issue is referred to as a prolapse. While any pelvic floor muscle can become prolapsed, the bladder is the most common one to do so. The symptoms of a pelvic organ prolapse are notable, which makes it easy to diagnose and have treated.

Causes

The muscles at the floor of your pelvic region will invariably become stretched and worn if you deliver one or more children, which means that women who have given birth multiple times have a higher risk of developing this condition. It's also possible for the muscles to simply weaken with age. Some of the other causes and factors for pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Smoking
• Obesity
• A family history of this condition
• Receiving radiation therapy in the pelvic region
• Suffering from constipation
• Heavy lifting

Primary Symptoms of a Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The symptoms associated with a pelvic organ prolapse can vary in severity. The most common sign that you're suffering from this kind of prolapse is if your bladder is protruding directly through your vagina. You might also be suffering from a case of urinary incontinence, which occurs when you're unable to control the leaking of urine. If you're suddenly unable to have sex, it's possible that the cause of this problem is pelvic organ prolapse. The same is true if you're feeling a substantial amount of pressure around your pelvic area or lower abdomen.

Possible Treatments

After you have received a physical examination that diagnoses your pelvic organ prolapse, treatment will be recommended. The main non-surgical treatment option is the practice of pelvic floor exercises, the primary of which are referred to as Kegel exercises. These exercises relax the muscles in a way that helps to strengthen them and avoid future prolapses. Some other remedies to consider include reducing heavy lifting, treating a case of constipation by adding fiber to your diet, and losing weight.

Surgery may be necessary if the prolapse causes high amounts of pain or is severe. Surgery can occur through the abdomen or vagina and is relatively straightforward. While surgery will correct the prolapse, it won't strengthen the pelvic muscles, which is something you will need to do to keep this condition from recurring.