Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when the muscles that hold your pelvic organs in place become damaged, torn, stretched or weakened. Your pelvic organs include the cervix, uterus, vagina, small bowel, rectum and bladder. POP can cause discomfort and pain in your abdomen or back. It can also cause problems with urination and bowel movements and sexual problems too, all of which can affect how well you feel – physically and emotionally.

POP is very treatable and is more common than many people realize. It affects about 30% of people assigned female at birth. It can happen at any point in life, but it’s most common after menopause or if you’ve had more than one vaginal delivery.

Overlake Medical Center & Clinics is home to a comprehensive Urogynecology and Pelvic Health Program. Our team of expert urogynecologists (doctors who have specific training in pelvic health problems) have been helping people with POP for decades. We’re here to listen to your concerns, confirm a diagnosis of POP and make a plan to help you avoid unnecessary pain, discomfort or embarrassment. Our team takes time to educate you about your different treatment options – so you can get back to living your best life. 

What are the Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

The three main types of pelvic organ prolapse are:

Anterior Vagina Wall Prolapse (Cystocele)

This type of prolapse happens when the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens. The bladder may drop or sag into the vagina. This can make it hard to control or empty your bladder. It can also increase your risk of bladder infections.

Posterior Wall Prolapse (Rectocele or Enterocele)

This type of prolapse happens if the tissue between the vagina and the rectum weakens. The rectum may bulge into the vagina, which can make bowel movements more difficult.

Apical or Uterine Prolapse

This type of prolapse happens when the ligaments that support the uterus get stretched out. This can cause the uterus to slip down and create a bulge in the vagina. Uterine prolapse may cause problems with both urination and bowel movements – or a feeling of pressure in the pelvis or low back.

Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

In some cases, POP doesn’t cause any symptoms. But if you do have symptoms, they may include:

• A feeling of “fullness” or pressure in the pelvis, vagina or rectum (that often gets worse as the day goes on).
• Low back pressure or discomfort.
• A feeling that “something is falling out” or loose.
• Vaginal cramping.
• Pain during sex.
• Difficulty moving your bowels (pooping).
• Difficulty emptying your bladder (peeing).
• Needing to pee often or urgently.
• Leaking pee (incontinence), especially when coughing or jumping.

Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)

Many factors can make POP more likely, including:

• Having a family member who’s had POP.
• Doing a lot of heavy lifting.
• Chronic constipation.
• Having been pregnant.
• Having one or more vaginal deliveries.
• Menopause and getting older.
• Smoking.
• Obesity.

How is Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of POP, your doctor will do a pelvic exam. They may use a tool called a speculum to help see the different parts of your vagina.

How is Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Treated?

There are several treatments for POP. Our experienced urogynecologists can help you choose the best treatment for you – based on how severe the prolapse is and what symptoms you’re having. Our goal is to help you enjoy the highest quality of life possible and be free of unpredictable, embarrassing or painful symptoms.

Treatment options for POP include:

• Watchful waiting, where doctors monitor your POP and recommend treatment only if your symptoms get worse.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy, using exercises that can help reduce symptoms. 
• Pessaries, which help lift and support the vagina.
• Low-dose vaginal estrogen, which can help strengthen vaginal tissue.
• Minimally invasive surgery. Our expert surgeons use transvaginal and robot-assisted reconstructive surgery to reposition pelvic organs. These highly precise surgeries have shorter recovery times and a lower risk of infection than traditional open surgeries. 

Our Urogynecology and Pelvic Health Program provides innovative, holistic pelvic care at any stage of life. Our specially trained urogynecologists have years of experience making conversations about uncomfortable issues a lot more comfortable. Our ultimate goal? Restoring important pelvic function – and helping you feel better about your life and your body. To make an appointment or for answers to any questions you may have, call us today at (425) 247-1985.