Pelvic organ prolapse, also known as prolapse, is a condition that often has no symptoms. It occurs when one or more of your pelvic organs bulge into the vagina. Prolapse can happen at any age.
There are different types of prolapse. It depends on which organ is affected and the severity can be categorized from 1 to 4, with 4 being severe. The appropriate treatment for prolapse depends on the specific condition. It's important to know that when prolapse is detected early, non-surgical treatment options are available.
In women, prolapse occurs when pelvic organs bulge into the vagina. This can happen in different ways:
Prolapse is caused by weakened tissues that support the pelvic organs. While there is no single cause, certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing prolapse, such as older age, menopause, being overweight, previous difficult labor and delivery, previous hysterectomy, engaging in strenuous manual work, and chronic constipation. During pregnancy, hormones can stretch and relax ligaments, and the added weight during labor and delivery can lead to straining of the pelvic floor, as a result, weakening it.
The symptoms of prolapse can vary in severity. Mild prolapse may not be noticeable, while severe prolapse can cause the following symptoms:
Most women with prolapse do not require treatment, and lifestyle changes like weight loss and pelvic floor exercises are recommended for mild cases.
In severe cases, surgery for a prolapsed uterus is necessary to correct the underlying issue causing the prolapse. This procedure is relatively straightforward, where a gynecologist makes an incision in the vagina and places stitches to improve the support provided by the pelvic floor muscles to the pelvic organs. In some cases, a hysterectomy may also be performed if the uterus has prolapsed.
Making lifestyle changes can help prevent a prolapse. Here are some simple steps you can take:
By following these tips, you can reduce the risk of developing a prolapse and promote overall pelvic health.
Therefore, if you think you may have this condition, it's very important to consult the expert doctors at Nimai's Borneo Mother and Child Hospitals as soon as possible for advice.