While pelvic organ prolapse is not on the minds of most people, it is a concern for a number of us, specifically women who have given birth or those who are aging. When the muscles in your pelvic floor weaken to the point that organs begin to sag, co-morbid health conditions could also become an issue. Using the treatments below, you can address this condition today with assistance from your doctor.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stages: Knowing the Symptoms
When you experience a mild pelvic organ prolapse, you may not realize that you have a problem. Many people tend to ignore their symptoms because of aging or a lack of energy in the moment. However, these symptoms will persist, you will begin to feel a change, and you should seek treatment.
Because somewhere between 3% and 11% of women will experience a pelvic prolapse, you may encounter different stages of this condition. Your symptoms could include:
- Vaginal wall prolapse—A dropped bladder can place pressure on your vagina and make you feel a bulge, as if something is falling through
- Urethra drop often occurs with a dropped bladder, making urination difficult
- Rectal prolapse, which can cause the rectum and vagina to make contact
- Prolapse of the small intestine, which causes the small intestines to place pressure on your vagina
- Uterine prolapse can cause your uterus to drop into your vaginal canal
- Vaginal vault collapse could cause your vagina to fold onto itself
If you feel pressure in your vaginal area, fullness in that region, or changes in how you pee or poop, you should seek medical attention.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Options
When you take note of pelvic organ prolapse symptoms and seek pelvic organ prolapse treatment, there are several options at your disposal. Remember that you should seek the advice of your physician and continue to manage these treatments in perpetuity. If you are a good candidate for a non-surgical treatment, you could avoid surgery.
Non-surgical options that you can manage at home include:
- Vaginal pessary: The pessary is a removable device made from silicone that you insert into your vagina to provide the extra support that you need.
- Kegels: Kegel exercises help work out the muscles in your pelvic floor to provide more support as you get stronger.
- Surgical options are also available, but you must consult with your surgeon to determine the course of action they wish to take. Because there are several surgical methods available, you must come to an understanding with your doctor about how they wish to proceed and how you will recover from such a surgery.
Generally, your recovery will take a few weeks, including reduced activity. Once you have recovered, you want to begin the non-surgical treatments that were mentioned above. Your doctor will give you direction based on your personal needs, and you should, at the very least, continue doing your kegels every day to keep your pelvic floor in the best possible condition.
Seek Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Today
When you notice the symptoms of what could be pelvic organ prolapse, you should reach out to your doctor for care. You may be in a place where you can utilize non-surgical options that will help strengthen your pelvic floor. However, there are times when you might require surgery. If so, you can recover in a few weeks and begin a new routine that keeps your pelvic floor strong.
In any case, make an appointment with your doctor, or see how the team at ARMS Medical can help the moment you notice symptoms so that more serious health conditions do not arise.