The biggest cause of prolapse is pregnancy and birth, though a number of other factors such as family history, lifestyle and certain medical conditions can also cause prolapse. Treatment can vary from simple lifestyle changes to surgery.
Summary. Uterine prolapse occurs when weakened or damaged muscles and connective tissues such as ligaments allow the uterus to drop into the vagina. Common causes include pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes after menopause, obesity, severe coughing and straining on the toilet.
When a pelvic organ drops, it may bulge into another organ. In some cases, the organ may bulge out of the vagina. Women may accidentally leak urine or bowel contents (stool), or their vagina may make noises during exercise or sex. These symptoms and others can be isolating.
Symptoms often progress very gradually. And you may make changes in physical or social activities that go unnoticed by others until they become extreme. More rarely symptoms of prolapse can present suddenly.
Most women only have a mild prolapse that may even go away again after a few months or years. But it might gradually get worse over time. About half of all women who have a mild (first-grade or second-grade) pelvic organ prolapse also leak urine sometimes.
If you have pelvic organ prolapse, avoid things that could make it worse. That means don't lift, strain, or pull.
It is generally safe to leave prolapse untreated unless the prolapse is very large or causes difficulty with bowel or bladder emptying.
When pelvic muscle, tissue and ligaments weaken, the uterus can drop down into the vaginal canal, causing uterine prolapse. Nearly one-half of all women between ages 50 and 79 have some degree of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse, or some other form of pelvic organ prolapse.
If these muscles become too loose or sustain damage, the organs they support shift out of place. With mild cases of POP, your organs may drop. In more severe cases, they may extend outside your vagina and cause a bulge.
In severe cases, the prolapsed bladder can appear at the opening of the vagina. Sometimes it can even protrude (drop) through the vaginal opening. Bladder prolapse is common in women. The symptoms of bladder prolapse can be bothersome but it can be treated.
Speak to your doctor if:
You think you might have a prolapse or you have symptoms of a prolapse such as: a feeling of a bulge or something coming down the vagina. a feeling of a bulge or something coming out the vagina, which sometimes needs pushed back up (you may be able to see this with a mirror)
Uterine prolapse can disrupt normal activities and be uncomfortable. Very mild cases may not require treatment or cause any discomfort. However, severe cases may make it difficult to pee or have a normal bowel movement.
Aging. Pelvic floor disorders are more common in older women. About 37% of women with pelvic floor disorders are 60 to 79 years of age, and about half are 80 or older. Hormonal changes during menopause.
Risk factors for bladder prolapse
being overweight. chronic cough secondary to smoker's cough or chronic lung diseases. repetitive lifting of children or heavy weights at work or in the gym, or any exercises where there is excessive downward pressure on the pelvic floor. pelvic or gynaecological surgery.
Will Sex Feel the Same for My Partner? It is very difficult for anyone who's not a gynaecologist to see or feel a prolapse. You may feel like it's the most prominent part of your body because you are so focused on it at the moment, but rest assured that your partner will be far more interested in the rest of your body.
Prolapse symptoms may be worse at different times in the day. Some women notice that they feel more pressure after walking or standing for long periods of time.
With regard to pelvic organ prolapse, Dr. Mahajan says it's very common and often does not require treatment. About 40 percent of women ages 50 to 79 have some form of prolapse, according to the Women's Health Initiative.
Bloating and fullness in the abdomen
If an organ slips down, you may feel bloated in your lower abdomen area.
Insert 1 or 2 fingers and place over the front vaginal wall (facing the bladder) to feel any bulging under your fingers, first with strong coughing and then with sustained bearing down. A definite bulge of the wall under your fingers indicates a front vaginal wall prolapse.
Vaginal prolapse is relatively common. About one-third of women will experience some degree of prolapse during their lifetime. If you have more than one risk factor, your chances of developing vaginal prolapse increase.
When you cough the pressure generated by your strong upper abdominal muscles is transferred downwards onto your pelvic floor. One severe bout of coughing with an acute chest infection can cause prolapse worsening. Manage your cough by: Working with a health professional to manage your chronic cough e.g. asthma.
Your healthcare provider is the only person who should treat a prolapsed vagina. You may be able to feel a prolapse, and you may need to push the prolapse back up to poop or pee, but pushing the prolapse back up is temporary and will not permanently fix the prolapse.
Changes in diet often are enough to improve or reverse a partial prolapse. Do Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles of the pelvic area. You do Kegel exercises by tightening the muscles you use when you urinate. Don't strain during a bowel movement.
You can gradually increase the distance and speed. The recommended daily exercise is half an hour each day. Slowly build up to this. Many women are able to walk for 30 to 60 minutes after 3 to 4 weeks.