Most of us likely take for granted that everything in our body is where it should be. But many women experience a distressing shift they don’t expect.
About 40% of women worldwide experience pelvic organ prolapse (POP), a condition causing pelvic organs to shift out of position. This can be highly problematic, especially as it progresses.
Board-certified urology expert Dr. Robert J. Cornell counts pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction among his many areas of expertise.
Let’s take a look at this common women’s health issue and how to treat it.
You’re likely aware of many muscle groups, such as your quads that burn when you climb stairs or biceps that strain when you lift something heavy. But another group works quietly behind the scenes — your pelvic floor. This group makes up part of your core muscles and forms a hammock below your pelvic organs to support and hold them in position.
Should your pelvic floor start to weaken — known as pelvic floor dysfunction — that support weakens, too. Nearby organs can also shift out of place, mostly downward. Many roads lead to a weaker pelvic floor, including:
Different organs may shift, leading to different types of POP. The most common type is cystocele, which occurs when the bladder bulges into the vaginal canal, often causing urinary incontinence.
Other organs that can shift due to a weak pelvic floor include your uterus, rectum, top part of the vagina, and your small intestine. Each can lead to different symptoms.
Whatever the case, pelvic floor dysfunction can cause functional problems and discomfort.
Now let’s look at how we can fight back against pelvic floor dysfunction, which include:
Your pelvic floor is a muscle, so keeping those tissues strong is a frontline defense against POP. The best way to do that is through targeted pelvic floor strengthening exercises called Kegels. Here’s a great article on Kegel exercises and how you should perform them.
If Kegels aren’t doing the trick, we can outfit you with a pessary — a support device that you place inside your vagina to re-establish pelvic floor support.
POP is far more prevalent in postmenopausal women because the loss of estrogen can weaken the pelvic floor. By replenishing these hormones, we can provide your pelvic floor with the resources it needs to remain strong.
This is a last-resort treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, but an effective one. During POP surgery, Dr. Cornell repositions and re-supports the shifting pelvic organ, sometimes with a surgical mesh. The exact approach varies depending on which type of POP you have.
If you’re living with a weak pelvic floor or signs of pelvic organ prolapse, you don’t have to manage it alone. We offer a wide range of solutions and can help determine which ones are best for you. To find out more, contact our office in Houston, Texas, to schedule an appointment.
