Getting to Grips with Prolapse

Ever heard of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)? It's a pretty common occurrence where the uterus, bladder, or rectum decide to change their usual location within your body. About 3% of women in the U.S. face this issue, often keeping it hush-hush due to the awkwardness factor. But beyond the discomfort, pelvic organ prolapse can also throw a wrench in intimacy, body image, and your overall sense of well-being.

Why It Happens and How It Unfolds

Picture your pelvic floor as a support system for essential organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum. These organs are usually held in place by muscles and tissues. But when those supporting structures weaken, these organs might take a downward turn, and voila – you've got yourself a pelvic organ prolapse. Think of it as needing to keep a water bottle upright for a smooth pour. If the support falters, the organs might decide to pop out through the vaginal opening.

Spotting Symptoms and Knowing the Risk Factors

In the initial stages, symptoms might be subtle – a little bulge near the entrance to your vagina. Sometimes, people with mild pelvic organ prolapse might not even notice until...well, they do. Other signs include pesky bladder and bowel issues, discomfort, pressure, and a bit of a tampon trouble. Age is a risk factor, especially for the wise women among us. Pregnancy, particularly the vaginal kind, increases the chances. Added into the mix are factors like carrying extra weight, dealing with a persistent cough, constipation, and even having a hysterectomy.

When to Call for Backup

Feeling like pelvic organ prolapse might be making an unwelcome entrance in your life? Getting seen by pelvic floor physical therapy is a smart move to explore your treatment options. Your pelvic floor physical therapist can assess the situation and help you get the proper treatment.

Getting Down to Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse involves a pelvic exam to gauge the extent and location of the shift. Your choices for treatment are diverse – from pelvic floor therapy to pessaries (vaginal inserts that can help), all the way to surgical solutions for more serious cases. Pelvic floor exercises can help manage symptoms, though they might not fully reverse the prolapse if severe enough. Pessaries, a non-surgical option, can offer relief for some. 

Being Proactive: Tips to Lower Your Risk

Want to tip the odds in your favor? Tweaking your lifestyle can help minimize the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. Weight management, learn how to manage core pressure-specifically with  heavy lifting, and addressing any conditions that impact your pelvic floor are all good moves. 

Pelvic floor exercises can give your muscles a prevention boost. If you're on the pregnancy journey, be aware that vaginal childbirth could amp up the risk. Some women opt for a C-section as a workaround, but of course, it's a decision that comes with its own set of considerations.

Start here if you want to learn about exercising with and managing pelvic organ prolapse.

Bottom Line: Don't Ignore It

If pelvic organ prolapse starts playing hide and seek with your comfort, don't wait around. Consult with our pelvic floor physical therapists sooner rather than later. Diagnosis is straightforward, and there are paths to treatment. While surgery might be needed for severe cases, catching it early often paves the way for non-surgical solutions.

For more info on exercising while dealing with a prolapse, check this out. Remember, you're not alone in this journey – there are ways to navigate through pelvic organ prolapse and regain your stride.

Don’t wait- schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation here.