Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Symptoms

Some common symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse may include:

• A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvis or vagina
• A bulge or protrusion from the vagina
• Discomfort or pain during sexual activity
• Difficulty with bowel movements
• Urinary incontinence (leaking urine)
• Difficulty urinating or feeling the need to urinate frequently
• Lower back pain

It's important to note that not all people with pelvic floor prolapse will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of the symptoms can vary. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to speak with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and treatment.

Causes

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of pelvic floor prolapse, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth: The increased weight and pressure on the pelvis during pregnancy and the strain of childbirth can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, leading to prolapse.
• Aging: As the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor naturally weaken over time, the risk of prolapse increases with age.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of pelvic floor prolapse because the extra weight puts additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
• Chronic coughing: Constant coughing can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, potentially leading to prolapse.
• Constipation: Straining to have bowel movements can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, potentially leading to prolapse.

Other factors that may increase the risk of pelvic floor prolapse include genetics, menopause, and certain medical conditions or treatments (such as radiation therapy or hysterectomy).

Risk factors

Some risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing pelvic floor prolapse include:

• Age: The risk of pelvic floor prolapse increases with age, as the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor naturally weaken over time.
• Pregnancy and childbirth: The increased weight and pressure on the pelvis during pregnancy and the strain of childbirth can weaken or damage the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, leading to prolapse.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of pelvic floor prolapse because the extra weight puts additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
• Chronic coughing: Constant coughing can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, potentially leading to prolapse.
• Constipation: Straining to have bowel movements can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, potentially leading to prolapse.
• Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to pelvic floor prolapse.
• Menopause: The changes in hormones that occur during menopause can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, increasing the risk of prolapse.
• Medical conditions or treatments: Certain medical conditions (such as uterine fibroids) or treatments (such as radiation therapy or hysterectomy) may increase the risk of pelvic floor prolapse.

Complications

Pelvic floor prolapse can cause a variety of complications, including:

• Discomfort or pain: The bulging or protrusion of the pelvic organs can cause discomfort or pain, especially during sexual activity.
• Difficulty with bowel movements: The protrusion of the rectum or bladder into the vagina can make bowel movements difficult or painful.
• Urinary incontinence: The protrusion of the bladder into the vagina can cause urinary incontinence (leaking urine).
• Difficulty urinating: The protrusion of the bladder or urethra into the vagina can make it difficult to urinate or cause a frequent need to urinate.
• Lower back pain: The descent of the pelvic organs can cause lower back pain.

It's important to speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these complications or other symptoms related to pelvic floor prolapse.

How to diagnose it?

There are several methods that a healthcare provider may use to diagnose pelvic floor prolapse, including:

• Physical examination: During a physical examination, the healthcare provider will feel the muscles of the pelvic floor and look for any bulges or protrusion in the vagina or rectum. The provider may also ask the patient to bear down (as if having a bowel movement) to see if the pelvic organs descend.
• Pelvic imaging: The healthcare provider may order an imaging test (such as an MRI or CT scan) to get a detailed view of the pelvic organs and muscles.
• Urodynamic testing: This test measures how the bladder and urethra are functioning. It can help determine if urinary incontinence is related to pelvic floor prolapse.
• Cystoscopy: This test involves inserting a thin tube with a camera (called a cystoscope) into the bladder through the urethra. It allows the healthcare provider to see the inside of the bladder and urethra to check for any abnormalities.

It's important to speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to pelvic floor prolapse. The provider can determine the appropriate tests and treatment for your individual situation.

How to prevent it?

There are several steps that you can take to help prevent pelvic floor prolapse:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of pelvic floor prolapse because the extra weight puts additional strain on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
• Exercise regularly: Pelvic floor muscle exercises (also called Kegel exercises) can help strengthen the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to ensure that you are performing these exercises correctly.
• Avoid constipation: Straining to have bowel movements can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, potentially leading to prolapse. To avoid constipation, drink plenty of fluids and eat a high-fiber diet.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of pelvic floor prolapse because it can cause chronic coughing, which can put extra pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues.
• Avoid heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects can put extra strain on the pelvic floor muscles and tissues, potentially leading to prolapse. When lifting heavy objects, be sure to lift with your legs and not your back.

It's also important to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any risk factors for pelvic floor prolapse (such as pregnancy, childbirth, or obesity) to determine any additional steps that you can take to prevent the condition.

When do you need to see a doctor?

• If you are experiencing any symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse (such as a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvis, discomfort during sexual activity, difficulty with bowel movements, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating, or lower back pain)
• If you have any risk factors for pelvic floor prolapse (such as pregnancy, childbirth, obesity, chronic coughing, or constipation)
• If you have any concerns or questions about your pelvic health

It's important to speak with a healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or concerns. The provider can determine the appropriate tests and treatment for your individual situation.

FAQs