If you’re a female with a backache or incontinence, it’s possible that you may be experiencing more than just those symptoms would indicate. They are two potential signs of pelvic prolapse, which occurs when your pelvic organs begin to drop from their normal position and protrude into your vaginal canal.
This condition affects almost 3% of American women. Dr. John Macey, a board-certified OB/GYN in Nashville, Tennessee, is a specialist in helping women recover from prolapse.
Here are a few signs to be aware of, and what you can do if you suspect you have prolapse.
Signs of prolapse
Prolapse occurs when the muscles that support your pelvic region — sometimes called the pelvic floor — develop problems and weaken, often as a result of pressure during pregnancy and childbirth. These muscles normally form a “hammock” that supports your uterus, bladder, bowels, and urethra.
If the hammock weakens, it can cause the pelvic organs to slip and tilt abnormally. Depending on which organ is prolapsing, you may feel like you’re sitting on a ball or a mound. One of the most recognizable symptoms is a feeling of something bulging at the opening of your vagina.
Other, lesser-known signs that could indicate prolapse include:
- A feeling of fullness in the abdomen
- Incontinence
- Pain during intercourse
- Constipation
- Frequent bladder infections
- Low backache
These symptoms can depend somewhat on which organ is prolapsing. Uterine prolapse, for example, can cause uncomfortable intercourse and a low backache. If your bladder is prolapsing, the symptoms could include urine leakage. If it’s a rectal prolapse, constipation could be an issue.
Prolapse treatment options
If Dr. Macey diagnoses you with prolapse, he may recommend one of several treatment options, depending on your situation. In mild cases, the problem may resolve itself over time, or you can try less invasive options, such as losing weight, Kegel exercises, and hormone therapy.
Other treatment options include physical therapy to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles or a pessary, which is a prosthetic device made of silicone that is inserted into your vagina to hold the prolapsed organ in place.
A final recourse is surgery. Dr. Macey can attach a mesh sling to the abdominal wall to support the prolapsed organ so you can resume your normal activities. If your uterus has already begun to fall through your pelvic floor, he may also have to repair some tendons and ligaments.
If you notice any of the signs of prolapse, book an appointment online or over the phone with the practice of Dr. John Macey today. We want to help you get back to your normal lifestyle as soon as possible.