Pelvic Organ Prolapse
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Pelvic Health Specialists
Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery located in Lawrence, KS & Topeka, KS
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles that support your pelvic organs weaken and the organs slip from their normal position. The condition may cause pelvic pain or pressure or make it difficult for you to empty your bowel or bladder. Pelvic organ prolapse isn’t a normal part of the aging process. Board-certified urogynecologist Cathy Dahl, DO, at Pelvic Health Specialists provides nonsurgical and surgical treatments to alleviate your symptoms. Call one of the offices in Lawrence or Topeka, Kansas, or book online to schedule an appointment today.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Q & A
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
In general, pelvic organ prolapse occurs when your pelvic organs fall out of place and cause pressure on your vagina.
The pelvic muscles and tissue span across your pelvic area and help support your pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and rectum.
If your pelvic muscles or tissues are weak or damaged, they may no longer be able to support your pelvic organs. When this happens, the organs fall out of place and press on or fall through your vagina.
With pelvic organ prolapse, you may feel pelvic fullness or pressure, or it may feel as though you’re sitting on a ball.
Pelvic organ prolapse may also make it difficult for you to empty your bladder, which can increase urinary frequency and risk of urinary tract infections.
What are the types of pelvic organ prolapse?
There are many types of pelvic organ prolapse. The most common include:
Cystocele
This is the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse. With a cystocele, your bladder drops into or out of your vagina.
Apical prolapse
Apical (uterine) prolapse occurs when the uterus and/or cervix bulges into or out of the vagina. This can also occur after a hysterectomy when the top of the vagina falls into or protrudes out of the vagina.
Rectocele
With a rectocele, your rectum prolapses into or out of your vagina. A rectocele may cause constipation or make it harder for you to eliminate stool.
Some women have more than one type of pelvic organ prolapse.
You can develop pelvic organ prolapse from many causes, including pregnancy and childbirth, heavy lifting, or chronic straining due to constipation. Aging may increase your risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
How is pelvic organ prolapse treated?
Pelvic Health Specialists offers several nonsurgical and surgical options for pelvic organ prolapse. They spend time talking to you about your treatment options and work with you to develop a plan of care that works best.
Your nonsurgical treatment options may include pelvic floor rehabilitation with the in-house certified pelvic floor physical therapist, diet modification to prevent constipation, or placement of a pessary to support your pelvic organs.
Dr. Dahl offers many types of vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic approaches for a surgical prolapse repair, as well as surgical placement of mesh to support your pelvic organs. Dr. Dahl is a skilled surgeon and uses the da Vinci® robotic surgical system, when possible, to perform procedures.
To discuss treatment options for your pelvic organ prolapse, call Pelvic Health Specialists or book online today.
