Restoring comfort and confidence with prolapse care

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, drop from their normal position and push into the vagina.

There are certain things that occur throughout life that can put you at increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse. They include:

• Age: Women over the age of 50 are more likely to develop pelvic organ prolapse as a result of the aging process.

• Menopause: The decreasing levels of oestrogen experienced during menopause can cause changes in the pelvic tissues, which may increase susceptibility to pelvic organ prolapse.

• Childbirth: Women who have had multiple vaginal births, and/ or particularly difficult or prolonged labors, are at higher risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

• Overweight/ obesity: Excess body weight can put extra strain on pelvic muscles which can increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse.

• Past pelvic surgery: Pelvic surgeries such as bladder suspension surgery or caesarean section can increase the risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

• Family history: A family history of pelvic organ prolapse can increase the likelihood of developing a pelvic organ prolapse.

• Hysterectomy: Women who have undergone a hysterectomy may have a higher risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

• Chronic coughing: Certain conditions that cause frequent coughing - such as chronic bronchitis or asthma, may put you at increased risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

• Collagen deficiency conditions: Women who experience conditions that result in a deficiency of collagen, such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or osteogenesis imperfecta, may have an elevated risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

Having one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop pelvic organ prolapse.

Some symptoms commonly associated with vaginal prolapse:

• Pelvic pressure or discomfort

• Urinary frequency or incontinence

• Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements

• Pain or difficulty during sexual intercourse

• An uncomfortable feeling of fullness, or bulging in the vagina

There are various treatment options available for vaginal prolapse:

• Pelvic floor exercises: Kegel exercises can help strengthen the pelvic muscles and reduce symptoms of vaginal prolapse. Regularly contracting and relaxing these muscles strengthens them, much like training any other muscle, improving their ability to support pelvic organs and control functions

• Pessary: A pessary is a removable device that can be inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs that have dropped, and to alleviate symptoms. By holding organs in place, it reduces uncomfortable feelings of pressure and bulging, and can help control stress incontinence

• Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and avoiding straining during bowel movements, can all help to alleviate symptoms

• Surgery: In some cases surgery may be required to repair the pelvic muscles and support pelvic organs

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, Dr Morrow can help you to find a treatment option that suits you and your individual lifestyle best.