Pelvic organ prolapse explainedJune 20, 2019
By Dr Patricia Lim Su Lyn ,
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist KPJ Tawakkal Specialist Hospital Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition that affects many women. It occurs when one or more organs in the pelvis, such as the uterus, bowel, bladder, or top of the vagina, slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. While not life-threatening, pelvic organ prolapse can cause discomfort and pain.
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse The most common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and genitals, discomfort or dragging sensation in the vagina, and a bulge or lump in or coming out of the vagina. Other symptoms may include discomfort or numbness during sex and problems with urination, such as feeling like the bladder is not emptying fully, needing to go to the toilet more often, or experiencing stress incontinence. In some cases, pelvic organ prolapse may not cause any symptoms and is only discovered during a routine pelvic examination. When to see a doctor If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or notice a lump in or around your vagina, it is important to see a doctor. They will perform a pelvic examination to check for any lumps or abnormalities in the pelvic area and inside the vagina. You can request to have a female doctor perform the examination and bring someone you trust for support. Further tests If you are experiencing bladder problems, your doctor may refer you for further tests, such as a urine test to check for infection or inserting a small tube into your bladder to look for any issues. Treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse If you do not have any symptoms or the prolapse is mild and not causing any discomfort, you may not require medical treatment. However, making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, avoiding heavy lifting, and treating constipation, can help improve symptoms. For more severe cases, there are several treatment options available, including pelvic floor exercises, hormone treatment, vaginal pessaries, and surgery. The recommended treatment will depend on the type and severity of the prolapse, your symptoms, and overall health. Causes of pelvic organ prolapse Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs become weakened and cannot hold the organs in place firmly. Several factors can contribute to this weakening, including pregnancy and childbirth, getting older and going through menopause, being overweight, and having a job that involves heavy lifting. Certain health conditions, such as joint hypermobility syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, can also increase the risk of developing pelvic organ prolapse. Types of pelvic organ prolapse There are four main types of pelvic organ prolapse, including anterior prolapse (bladder bulging into the front wall of the vagina), uterine prolapse (womb bulging or hanging down into the vagina), posterior wall prolapse (bowel bulging into the back wall of the vagina), and top of the vagina prolapse (sagging of the top of the vagina). It is possible to have more than one type of prolapse at the same time, and the severity of the prolapse is usually classified on a scale of 1 to 4. |
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