All About Pelvic Organ Prolapse by Dr. Hailey Jackson
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs slip from their normal position and bulge into the vaginal canal. This can occur with the bladder, uterus, rectum, small intestine, or a combination of the organs. Pelvic organ prolapse is staged 1-4 with 1 being classified as minimal descent of the pelvic organs and stage 4 visibly descended externally.
Pelvic organ prolapse can occur after child birth, hysterectomy, menopause, and/or a lifetime of chronic straining.
POP can be worsened by a variety of things, such as breath holding and constipation, and can typically be treated by simple lifestyle management strategies, a pessary, or surgery. Stage 1-2 is less likely to require surgery than stage 3-4 prolapse.
The most common classifications of prolapse we see and treat in the clinic include cystoceles, rectoceles, and uterine prolapse, with enterocele and uterocele being less common. A cystocele is the descent of the bladder into the vaginal canal, while a rectocele is the descent of the rectum into the vaginal canal. A uterine prolapse is the descent of the uterus. Though less common, a urethrocele is a type of prolapse that occurs when the urethra moves from its normal position and presses against the front wall of the vaginal, and an enterocele occurs when the small intestine prolapses into the back of the vaginal canal.
How might you know if you have a prolapse? Most patients either feel heaviness or like something is about to fall out of their pelvis, while some can visibly see a bulge (stage 3-4).
As stated above, pelvic floor PT is a great treatment option for pelvic organ prolapse and uses both exercises and lifestyle modifications with the goal of non-invasive treatment to get you back to living your best life with confidence.
For more information, be sure to call 903-962-2600, email hello@txpelvichealth.com, visit www.txpelvichealth.com and follow @thepowerfulpelvis on instagram for more on pelvic organ prolapse.
