OVERVIEW
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a hernia of the pelvic organs to or through the vaginal opening. All of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, and rectum) are supported by a “hammock” of muscles and ligaments. When these muscles are weakened, the bladder, uterus, or rectum can bulge or “drop” into the vagina.
Symptoms
You may experience the following symptoms:
- Constant heaviness
- Increased pressure in the pelvis
- Feeling or seeing a bulge coming from your vagina
Causes
In addition to childbirth, risk factors for the development of POP include a family history of POP, obesity, advancing age, prior hysterectomy, and conditions that chronically increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as asthma or constipation.
Diagnosis/Evaluation
- What to know before our visit:
- During your visit, your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history and will perform an exam with focused attention to the abdomen and genitalia.
- Other tests that may be performed during or after your visit:
- Urinalysis: This test evaluates for any blood in the urine or infection.
- Post-void residual: The physician will often ask you to void and then check to make sure you are emptying your bladder.
- Cystoscopy: This is a procedure performed in the office where the physician inserts a small scope into the urethra/bladder
Treatment
NON-SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises (i.e. kegel exercises)
- Biofeedback
- Pelvic floor stimulation
- Pessaries: A medical device inserted into the vagina used to provide structural support
SURGICAL TREATMENT
- Cystocele Repair: Repairs a prolapsed bladder or urethra (urethrocele).
- Hysterectomy: A complete removal of the uterus.
- Hysteropexy: The tacking of the uterocervical area with one or two permanent sutures.
- Rectocele Repair: Repairs the fallen rectum and small bowel (enterocele – typically with history of a hysterectomy)
- Vaginal Vault Suspension: Vaginal or robotically assisted laparoscopic procedure approach to repair the vaginal wall
- Vaginal Obliteration: Closure of the vagina
- Vaginoplasty: Narrowing of enlarged vaginal vault, excision of elongated labia
- Grafts: Tissue from your own body, a cadaver or porcine or bovine tissue for added support and long term success
- Removal of Painful Grafts: Such as mesh from former vaginal kits
Schedule an appointment with a MidLantic Urology physician near you today!