29 Dec Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Prolapse Of Uterus)
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
The uterus, bladder and rectum are the organs that are present in the women’s pelvis and are held by muscles, ligaments and fasciaknown as pelvic floor. If this pelvic support gets weakened by overstretching (childbirth) or hormonal changes after menopause then the pelvic organs tends to sag from their normal position. This is known as pelvic organ prolapse. This prolapse can be sometimes so large that it bulges outside the vagina.
How common is pelvic organ prolapse?
Prolapse is quite common and if it is mild then it might not even have any symptoms. However, it is advisable to visit a doctor as soon as you realize that you have a pelvic organ prolapse.
Why does pelvic organ prolapse happen?
One of the most common reasons behind this is being pregnant and giving birth. This causes weakening of the pelvic floor. More the number of births a woman gives more are the chances of having a pelvic organ prolapse in later life. However, in some cases you might get this problem even if you haven’t given birth.
This problem arises mostly after menopause and is common, as you get older in age. Other causes can be overweight, constipation, persistent cough and lifting heavy objects. All this can cause strain to the pelvic organs and hence result in pelvic organ prolapse.
What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
The symptoms depend on the severity of the prolapse.
1. There might be a chance that you do not develop any symptoms at all and the prolapse is diagnosed during a vaginal examination.
2. Another common symptom is feeling a lump that is coming down. There might be also some heaviness and discomfort inside the vagina. These symptoms increase by standing and improve by lying down.
3. If the bladder has prolapsed into the vagina then you might feel the need of urinating more frequently, have difficulty in passing urine, leak urine while coughing or laughing or have urinary infections quite often.
4. If your bowel is affected by the prolapse then you might experience low back pain, incomplete bowel emptying and constipation.
5. You might even feel discomfort while having sex and also feel lack of sensation during intercourse.
How is prolapse diagnosed?
Pelvic organ prolapse is diagnosed by performing a vaginal examination. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to see which organ is prolapsing.
What are the treatments options?
A “wait and see” approach is followed if you have no symptom or have a mild prolapse. However to ease the symptoms or prevent mild prolapse to get worse the following treatments can be done:
1. Loose weight if you are overweight
2. Perform pelvic floor exercises
3. Avoid lifting heavy objects
4. Avoid physical activities
5. Treat constipation
Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The surgery can be performed vaginally or laparoscopically. The aim of surgery is to correct the prolapse and to prevent prolapse from recurring.
Your treatment options will depend upon the type of prolapse you have and how severe it is. If you are looking for a good gynaecologist in Gurgaon then you can schedule an appointment with Triveni Obs and Gynae Clinic( phone no. 01242572892 ) today or contact us on +91-9810583876
No Comments