What you need to know about pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis and treatment
Whether you are experiencing pain in the lower abdomen or are noticing bowel or urinary changes, you must take time to speak to a professional for a thorough evaluation to look for common pelvic conditions like pelvic organ prolapse. This is just one of many conditions that affect females and can impact their quality of life. Let’s look at pelvic organ prolapse and discuss the diagnosis and treatment process with our Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology team in Chicago, Illinois.
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Patients who are diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse often have questions about this condition. Pelvic organ prolapse is a medical term that describes the dropping or sagging of organs in the pelvic area, including the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small bowel.
What causes pelvic organ prolapse to happen?
Pelvic organ prolapse can happen for various reasons, possibly due to weakened or damaged pelvic muscles and tissues. These muscles and tissues are responsible for holding the pelvic organs in place. When they become weak or damaged, the organs may shift from their normal position and protrude into other pelvis areas.
Women are more commonly affected by pelvic organ prolapse than men. This is because childbirth and pregnancy can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and cause damage to tissues. Other risk factors for developing this condition usually include aging, obesity, chronic constipation or coughing, and a family history of pelvic organ prolapse.
What are the primary symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
The symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse might vary depending on the severity of the condition it has reached. Some women may not experience noticeable symptoms, while others may have more severe discomfort and changes in their daily activities.
Some common symptoms typically include:
- A sensation of either pressure or fullness in the pelvic area
- Feeling like something is falling out or protruding from the vagina
- Urinary problems such as frequent or urgent urination, difficulty emptying bladder completely, or urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
- Bowel issues like constipation or difficulty emptying bowels completely
- Pain in the lower abdomen
What are some treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse?
Dr. Sanjay Gandhi finds that treatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends greatly on various factors, including the severity of the condition and how it affects the patient’s quality of life. Here are some common treatment options:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy. This therapy involves exercises to strengthen the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs.
- Pessary. A small device is inserted into the vagina to provide support for prolapsed organs.
- Hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy may help improve tissue strength and reduce symptoms.
- Surgery. In more severe cases, surgery might be necessary to repair or remove damaged tissues and reposition organs back into their original position.
Where can I learn more about pelvic organ prolapse treatment?
Dr. Sanjay Gandhi at Partners in Pelvic Health North Shore Urogynecology serves patients in the communities of Park City, Lake Forest, Woodstock, and Chicago, IL. If you are concerned about pain in the lower abdomen or other signs that might be indicative of pelvic organ prolapse, we invite you to come to our office for an evaluation to get a definitive diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options. Call (844) 327-1188 to request an appointment at any one of our four office locations in the community.
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