It may be embarrassing to talk about issues relating to your pelvic organ as a woman. And this may explain the high number of women who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse. There are reasons to be open and optimistic because New York pelvic organ prolapse treatments are available to help eliminate the problem and give you a chance to be healthy again.
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
A pelvic organ prolapse is the weakening of the tissues in the pelvic floor, thus causing your pelvic organs to fall off their normal position. The pelvic floor consists of muscles surrounding your pelvic organs and keeping them in place. The organs may consist of your vagina, rectum, bladder, and uterus. If you develop a pelvic floor issue, your pelvic organs may fail to function properly, thus leading to a pelvic organ prolapse condition. When your pelvic organs go in or out of the anus or vagina, the condition is called a prolapse. You may have either of the following prolapses:
· Cystocele
Prolapse of your bladder into your vagina
· Urethrocele
The prolapse of your urethra
· Rectocele
Prolapse of your rectum
· Vaginal prolapse
· Uterine prolapse
What are the causes of pelvic organ prolapse?
You may develop a pelvic organ prolapse if there is increasing pressure in your abdomen. The most known causes of pelvic organ prolapse may include:
· Pregnancy and childbirth
· Hysterectomy
· Cancers in your pelvic organs
· Obesity
You may also have a pelvic organ prolapse due to genetic factors. You may be at a higher risk of having a pelvic organ prolapse if your connective tissues are weak.
How do you know you have pelvic organ prolapse?
You may begin to develop symptoms, which you may or may not notice. The symptoms may include:
· Lower backaches
· Pressure in your pelvic area
· Spotting or vaginal bleeding
· Painful intercourse
Your symptoms may depend on whichever organ is falling out. If you may have a bladder prolapse, you may experience urine leaks; if it may be a rectocele, you may experience constipation and painful intercourse. Your symptoms may worsen as your day continues.
What is the diagnosis and treatment for pelvic organ prolapse?
Your doctor may review your medical history by asking questions. You may have a physical exam of the pelvic organs to get a correct diagnosis. It may also be possible that your doctor may discover a prolapse during a Pap smear exam. After your diagnosis, your doctor may recommend treatment depending on the severity of your symptoms. Treatment may include:
· Physical therapy
This behavioral treatment may help strengthen your muscles in the core area and include exercises for your pelvic floor muscles.
· Mechanical treatment
This treatment may involve the insertion of a pessary into your vagina to offer support for the pelvic organs that may want to fall off.
· Surgery
Your doctor may do surgery to correct the pelvic organ or a hysterectomy in the case of removing your uterus.
You may also need to maintain healthy lifestyle habits to lower the risk of getting the disorder. Visit Park Avenue Urogynecology today or request your appointment online to learn about pelvic organ prolapse.
