Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when the uterus, bladder, urethra, gastrointestinal tract, or rectum bulges through the vaginal walls. Another condition, rectal prolapse, occurs when the rectum or part of it slips down or protrudes from the anus. POP is mainly caused by weakness in the fascia and pelvic floor muscles. Factors like obesity and vaginal childbirth can weaken and damage these muscles and fascia, leading to the organs herniating.
The Facts
- Half of all women experience pelvic organ prolapse.
- Prolapses are classified on a scale from I to IV, with Grade IV indicating a complete protrusion outside the vagina.
- About 20% of women will need pelvic floor reconstruction surgery to address POP.
- There is a 30% chance that POP will recur after surgery, often necessitating another procedure.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy helps improve muscle function and alleviate symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when the uterus, bladder, urethra, gastrointestinal tract, or rectum bulges through the vaginal walls. Another condition, rectal prolapse, occurs when the rectum or part of it slips down or protrudes from the anus. POP is mainly caused by weakness in the fascia and pelvic floor muscles. Factors like obesity and vaginal childbirth can weaken and damage these muscles and fascia, leading to the organs herniating.
The Facts
- Half of all women experience pelvic organ prolapse.
- Prolapses are classified on a scale from I to IV, with Grade IV indicating a complete protrusion outside the vagina.
- About 20% of women will need pelvic floor reconstruction surgery to address POP.
- There is a 30% chance that POP will recur after surgery, often necessitating another procedure.
- Pelvic floor physical therapy helps improve muscle function and alleviate symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse.
Symptoms
- Feelings of heaviness or bulging in the vagina
- Urine and/or fecal leaking (incontinence)
- Abnormal bowel and bladder emptying
- Bladder and bowel urgency, frequency
- Nocturia (nighttime urination)
- Frequent bladder infections
- Pelvic pain
- Painful sex
Symptoms
- Feelings of heaviness or bulging in the vagina
- Urine and/or fecal leaking (incontinence)
- Abnormal bowel and bladder emptying
- Bladder and bowel urgency, frequency
- Nocturia (nighttime urination)
- Frequent bladder infections
- Pelvic pain
- Painful sex
Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Menopause
- Childbirth, with vaginal deliveries causing higher risk
- Age-related pelvic floor and girdle changes
- Previous Hysterectomy
Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Genetics
- Obesity
- Menopause
- Childbirth, with vaginal deliveries causing higher risk
- Age-related pelvic floor and girdle changes
- Previous Hysterectomy
Associated Diagnoses
- Urethrocele
- Cystocele
- Rectocele
- Enterocele
- Rectal prolapse
Associated Diagnoses
- Urethrocele
- Cystocele
- Rectocele
- Enterocele
- Rectal prolapse
Diagnostic Challenges
Research indicates that many women underreport symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and are not always informed about pelvic floor physical therapy as a treatment option. Both over-the-counter and prescribed pessaries can be beneficial. Studies reveal that women with pelvic organ prolapse who receive pelvic floor physical therapy experience reduced symptoms, better function, and improved surgical outcomes. Women with Grades III and IV POP are usually advised to consider surgery, and in these cases, pelvic floor physical therapy can be helpful both before and after the procedure.
Diagnostic Challenges
Research indicates that many women underreport symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and are not always informed about pelvic floor physical therapy as a treatment option. Both over-the-counter and prescribed pessaries can be beneficial. Studies reveal that women with pelvic organ prolapse who receive pelvic floor physical therapy experience reduced symptoms, better function, and improved surgical outcomes. Women with Grades III and IV POP are usually advised to consider surgery, and in these cases, pelvic floor physical therapy can be helpful both before and after the procedure.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can occur when pelvic floor muscles are either too tight, too weak, or not functioning properly due to poor coordination. Traditionally, people diagnosed with POP were advised to do Kegel exercises. However, if the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, Kegels can worsen the symptoms. This is why it’s essential to work with a pelvic floor physical therapist which you can now do through telehealth, for proper rehabilitation. Often, the pelvic floor muscles need to be lengthened before they can be strengthened. Additionally, the pelvic floor muscles should work in harmony with the entire core. As women age and experience daily micro-injuries and natural wear-and-tear, their pelvic floor and core muscles can start to work against each other, leading to issues like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Virtual consultations with a pelvic floor specialist can also be a convenient option for those seeking guidance and treatment from home.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can occur when pelvic floor muscles are either too tight, too weak, or not functioning properly due to poor coordination. Traditionally, people diagnosed with POP were advised to do Kegel exercises. However, if the pelvic floor muscles are too tight, Kegels can worsen the symptoms. This is why it’s essential to work with a pelvic floor physical therapist which you can now do through telehealth, for proper rehabilitation. Often, the pelvic floor muscles need to be lengthened before they can be strengthened. Additionally, the pelvic floor muscles should work in harmony with the entire core. As women age and experience daily micro-injuries and natural wear-and-tear, their pelvic floor and core muscles can start to work against each other, leading to issues like incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Virtual consultations with a pelvic floor specialist can also be a convenient option for those seeking guidance and treatment from home.
During a pelvic floor physical therapy virtual evaluation, the therapist will review your medical history and symptoms, discuss previous diagnoses, and assess the effectiveness of any treatments you have undergone.
How Can We Help You?
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At its heart, Pelvic Pain Explained is the story of how patients develop pelvic pain, the challenges patients and providers face throughout the diagnosis and treatment process, the difficult task of sifting through the different available treatment options, and the impact that an “invisible” condition has on a patient’s life and relationships, and much more.