Prolapse
What is a prolapse?
A prolapse is slipping or sagging of one of your organs. In women, prolapse can refer to a number of different problems that affect the reproductive organs, including:
Uterine prolapse
This condition occurs when the muscles of the pelvic floor weaken and stretch, which causes the uterus to sag and sometimes protrude out of the vagina.
Vaginal prolapse
This type of prolapse happens when the vaginal walls weaken, which can allow the bladder to sag into the front wall of the vagina, or the rectum to push against the back wall of the vagina. In other cases, the small intestine can sag into the top of the vagina.
What causes prolapse?
There are a variety of factors that can contribute to prolapse, including:
Childbirth
Labor, especially with large babies, can cause a weakening of the pelvic floor and vaginal muscles.
Menopause
The hormonal changes associated with menopause can affect the tone and strength of the pelvic floor.
Chronic conditions
Health problems that cause chronic coughing, like asthma or lung disease, can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor and lead to prolapse.
In other cases, prolapse is simply the result of aging. If you’ve had pelvic surgery, or if you have a family history of weak connective tissue, you might be more likely to develop prolapse.
What is the treatment for prolapse?
At Pure OBGYN, your physician conducts a thorough examination to determine the type of prolapse and the best treatment option.
There are laparoscopic procedures that address structural issues in the pelvic region and vagina. These help to strengthen the pelvic floor, reposition organs to their proper place, and prevent symptoms like urine leakage, pain, or bleeding.
If you don’t need or want surgery quite yet, vaginal rings, called pessaries, can help to hold up the pelvic floor tissue and prevent symptoms. Estrogen cream can also strengthen and tone the vaginal wall.
With the right treatment, you can regain normal pelvic floor function and feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
To learn more about prolapse treatment at Pure OBGYN, call the office or book an appointment online today.
