Female pelvic organ prolapse can involve vaginal wall prolapse, bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse, the cervix, urethra, small intestines and your rectum. Each of these structures is located in what is known as the pelvic floor region and supported by pelvic floor muscles and ligaments to hold them in place. Once these are weakened or damaged, the prolapse or dropping can occur causing vaginal and pelvic pain and issues.

Vaginal Prolapse Causes

At times pelvic floor support can be weakened through the effects of menopause and hormonal changes, vaginal birth of children, obesity, hysterectomy, lifting heavy objects, certain diseases and prior pelvic surgery.

Bladder, Uterine and Vaginal Prolapse Symptoms

You may experience pelvic organ prolapse of one or more organs and not even feel discomfort or be symptomatic. However, in some cases, you can find yourself with mild to severe symptoms such as:

Rectal Prolapse Symptoms

With rectal prolapse where your rectum may protrude into your anal cavity, bothersome and unhealthy conditions can result causing a need for surgical correction. If you think you may be experiencing any of these symptoms contact our office to schedule your private consultation and exam.

  • Frequent Pelvic Pain
  • Difficulty in passing your stool
  • Anal pain or bleeding
  • Inability to control your bowel or stool
  • Bowel leakage
  • Frequent episodes of passing gas

Dr. Kristin Schmidt may want to test for these conditions to provide a complete picture and pelvic floor diagnosis. Tests could include:

  • Ultrasound
  • Bladder function
  • CT scan
  • Pelvic floor muscle strength
  • MRI
  • Pyelogram

Keeping your pelvic floor muscles healthy and free from damage or wear is an important aspect to promoting good quality of life as you age.

If you think you may be experiencing bladder or pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, Dr. Kristin Schmidt offers both non-surgical and surgical options if you are experiencing any of  these urogynecologic conditions.

Schedule an appointment for an Organ Prolapse Exam in our Houston Office

Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse You Can Experience

  • Uterine Prolapse – Uterus drops into your vaginal area
  • Vaginal Prolapse – Top of your vaginal wall drops causing your vagina to turn inside out
  • Vaginal Vault Prolapse – Your upper vaginal wall slips into the vaginal canal or moves outside of the vagina
  • Cystocele – Bladder drops into the vagina
  • Urethrocele – Urethra bulges into your vagina, occurring most frequently in combination with bladder prolapse
  • Enterocele – Small intestine protrudes into the back of the vaginal wall and creates a bulging
  • Rectocele – Your rectum bulges into or out of the vagina

How to Fix a Prolapse Without Surgery

There are non-surgical options that may provide relief from pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Some of these include:

Pelvic floor therapies

  • Regular kegel exercises
  • Pessaries (vaginal rings placed to support pelvic muscles)
  • Bladder training
  • Lifestyle changes such as limiting fluid intake and caffeine
  • Increasing fiber in diets

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery

After a through exam and testing, Dr. Schmidt and her team will discuss your options for treatment. If surgery is recommended, it may provide relief and restore the vaginal organs back to the normal depth where they originally lay. Their functionality could be restored to normal depending on your conditions and circumstances.

Most patients feel that getting any relief of these debilitating symptoms can restore a more normal lifestyle and emotional well being.

Schedule your appointment today to get back into a more normal lifestyle and correct the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.

 

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