PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
- The drooping or sinking of the pelvic floor organs such as Bladder, Uterus, Vagina, Small bowel, Rectum to the lower body pushing against the vaginal walls is known as Pelvic Organ Prolapse. It is common in Women.
Types
The types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse is classified on the basis of the pelvic floor organ descend into or outside of the vaginal canal or anus.
- Cystocele- the drooping of the bladder
- Urethrocele- the drooping of the urethra
- Uterine prolapse
- Vaginal vault prolapsed- prolapsed of the vagina
- Enterocele- small bowel prolapse
- Rectocele- Rectum prolapsed
Causes
The most common cause of the pelvic organ relapse is:
- Pregnancy – when muscles that hold the pelvic organs get weak due to stretching
Other causes are:
- Obesity
- Chronic Respiratory problems
- Hysterectomy- Removal of uterus through surgery
- Constipation
- Pelvic organ cancers
- Family history
- Advanced age
When to approach the Doctor?
When you have the following symptoms:
- Feeling of pressure on the vagina
- Feeling that the vagina is bulging out
- Urinary problems
- Pain or irritation in the vagina
- Problems with bowel movements
Diagnosis Tests
- Cystoscopy
- X-ray of the urinary tract (intravenous pyelography)
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
- MRI
Treatment
The treatment is based on the severity of the symptoms.
Behavioural Treatment
- This initial treatment focuses on strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles, by doing Kegal exercises.
- Increasing fibre intake to prevent constipation
- Weight loss
- Avoid doing any work which creates a pressure on the pelvic organs
Mechanical treatment
- In this, a small plastic devise called pessary into the vagina to support the drooping organs.
Surgical treatment
- Removing or repairing the organ through surgery.
Post surgery
- There might be mild pain in the abdomen after the surgery, which is normal
- The doctor should be reported to periodically after the surgery, to check for proper functioning of the pelvic organs and for potential recurrence of the prolapse
- Any bleeding or abnormal discharge should be immediately reported to the doctor
"Authored By Dr.Niraj Mahajan"
