Pelvic organ prolapse is a medical condition which affects women.
It arises when any of the pelvic organs, including the bladder and the rectum, prolapse or fall to a lower level.
Pelvic muscles and tissues may reduce in density or sustain damage, resulting in a prolapse.
There are a handful of forms which pelvic organ prolapse may take. These include the relatively prominent cystocele, characterised by a woman’s bladder lowering into the vagina.
There is also a rectocele, which involves the intrusion of the rectum into the vagina.
Additionally, pelvic organ prolapse may take the form of a woman’s uterus lowering into or protruding past the vagina.
The specific types of pelvic organ prolapse are thus associated with specific pelvic organs.
Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Old age, vaginal delivery and family precedents are among the leading causes of pelvic organ prolapse.
Regarding old age, older women are generally more disposed to developing this condition.
A vaginal delivery also runs the risk of putting excess pressure on the pelvic floor, especially when a woman undergoes multiple vaginal deliveries.
However, pelvic organ prolapse may ensue even when a woman has never given birth.
Detection of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic examinations typically disclose the existence and the extent of this condition.
A doctor may focus on likely incontinence while examining a woman for pelvic organ prolapse.
Treatment
Women with pelvic organ prolapse may begin therapy to ease the pressure on their pelvic floors.
They may conduct this on their own or with the aid of a therapist. Altered eating habits may also weave into the recovery process, especially where faecal incontinence is involved.
These habits will most likely feature a patient consuming more fibre foods to ease bowel movement.
Furthermore, doctors may insert pessaries to augment the pelvic muscles or conduct outright surgery.
