A prolapse of the pelvic organs affects around 20-30% of the female population. While a uterine prolapse is the one that you are most likely to have heard about, there are many other types, all causing different symptoms.
Some of these symptoms include difficulty with intercourse, the need to go to the toilet more often or more suddenly, difficulty in emptying the bladder or bowel, recurrent urinary infections and backache. The causes are as varied as the symptoms although childbirth is the main one.
Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse ranges from non-surgical to surgical procedures and the type of prolapse symptoms you have usually affects the type of treatment you will receive.
If you have urinary or bowel symptoms associated with vaginal discomfort or the feeling of “something coming down” you should consult your GP who will arrange for you to see a Gynaecologist.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a very common condition and affects about 20-30% of adult women. Approximately 11% of women will require surgery for prolapse during their lifetime.
Contrary to popular belief, the pelvic floor is not just made up of muscles but also ligaments, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. Damage to any of these structures may lead to problems with support of the pelvic organs.
A prolapse of the front wall of the vagina is called a cystocele and is a prolapse of the bladder into the vagina. If the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina and pushes forward this is called a rectocele. If the uterus prolapses this is called uterine prolapse, and this is the prolapse most women have heard about.
Prolapse may occur after hysterectomy which may result in the vagina being turned inside out.
Prolapse may present you with symptoms that are non-specific, such as a lump and discomfort and difficulty with intercourse. It may also cause low backache, especially at the end of the day when the prolapse is at its worst or after lifting or straining.
Prolapse of the bladder into the vagina may present you with frequency, urgency and urge incontinence and with difficulty emptying the bladder and recurrent urinary infections.
Prolapse of the rectum into the vagina may cause difficulty in bowel emptying and some women may need to put a finger into the vagina or the perineum to complete emptying.
Click here to read about the treatment(s) involved in treating Prolapse. If you would like more information or wish to make an appointment regarding prolapse, please get in contact.
