The pelvic floor muscles, ligaments and tissues provide support to the female reproductive and pelvic organs. When this lower support is weakened from damage, aging or other factors, the organs can shift, causing a condition called pelvic organ prolapse. This can result in physical changes and uncomfortable symptoms in the pelvis area. As part of our gynecology services at FEM Women’s Wellness, we offer pelvic organ prolapse treatment at our facility in the Reno and Lake Tahoe, NV, area.
Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When the pelvic floor is weak, the uterus, vagina, bladder and rectum can all be affected. These organs can sink or drop lower, even protruding into other organs or outside of the body. Some of the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:
- A feeling of pressure in the pelvic region
- Noticeable protrusion in or around the vagina
- Lower back or pelvic pain
- Painful intercourse
- Spotting between periods or after sex
- Incontinence
There are many different types of pelvic organ prolapse, depending on which organs have shifted or dropped. Some of these involve dropping or descending of the bladder, urethra, vagina, rectum and even the intestines into the vaginal area.
What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Anything that weakens the pelvic floor can cause pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This can occur due to degenerative conditions or damage to the tissues. Some of the most common causes and risk factors for weakening the pelvic floor include:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Obesity
- Aging
- Genetics or family history of POP
- Chronic coughing or constipation
Pressure on the pelvic floor from vaginal childbirth, excess weight, straining and other factors can weaken the muscles. Degenerative factors also allow the tissues to disintegrate, resulting in shifting organs.
POP treatment begins with diagnosis and determining the severity or stage of POP. For mild or beginning stages, non-surgical treatment can be effective, including exercises and support devices. For more severe stages, surgical intervention may be required to strengthen the pelvic floor and reposition the pelvic organs.
If you have symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, do not wait to explore treatment. Contact our team at FEM Women’s Wellness to schedule an exam and consultation. We offer advanced GYN treatments and procedures, as well as emotional and mental health support at our facility in the Carson City, Reno and Lake Tahoe, NV, area.