Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), is the dropping of pelvic organs such as bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, small bowel, and rectum from their normal place. This occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues weaken, stretched, or tear. The organs drop from their normal place and can cause trouble.

POP is a common problem for women. POP is not life-threatening but it can be uncomfortable or painful. 

What are the causes of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)?

Some of the causes of pelvic organ prolapse are genetics, pregnancy and childbirth, aging and menopause, heavy lifting, lifestyle, and health problems. 

• Pregnancy and childbirth can damage the pelvic muscles and nerves, causing the organs to prolapse. 
• Menopause can weaken the pelvic floor due to the loss of estrogen.
• POP happens as women age.
• Smoking can increase the risk of developing POP.
• Obesity and constipation can cause injury to the pelvic floor over time.
• Pelvic organ prolapse can be a hereditary disorder. The genes influence the strength of our muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Some women who were born with weaker tissues have a higher risk for POP.
• Extreme weightlifting can increase the risk of developing POP.

What are the symptoms of POP?

The common symptoms of POP may include the following:

• Discomfort inside the vagina
• Lump in the vagina
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Feeling of heaviness on your genitals and lower part of the belly
• Incontinence

Pelvic organ prolapse can have no symptoms.

What can be done?

Worsening of prolapse can be prevented by changing your lifestyle. For example, stopping heavy lifting activities and avoiding heavy lifting activity. Some women start with physical therapy. Exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic floor muscle such as Kegels. 

Women go to surgery if the symptoms of POP could not be controlled. 

The treatment options for POP depends on the patient’s condition and preferences. 

Desert Sky Urology offers pelvic prolapse treatment in Chandler, Gilbert, and Phoenix, Arizona.