Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a situation the place a number of of the pelvic organs, such because the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descend into the vaginal wall. This weblog will talk about the causes, signs and kinds of pelvic organ prolapse, in addition to varied therapy choices accessible.
Causes & Threat Components
Causes of POP is multifactorial and may happen on account of a lot of causes, together with:
- Being pregnant: The rising uterus and foetus places elevated downward stress on the pelvic ground muscle mass, inflicting them to stretch and turn into weakened.
- Childbirth: Throughout childbirth, the pelvic ground muscle mass will be additional stretched or typically torn, which may contribute to the event of POP. The chance of POP is elevated by elements corresponding to extended pushing throughout supply and the usage of forceps of vacuum throughout supply.
- Menopause: The hormonal adjustments that happen throughout menopause could cause the pelvic ground muscle mass to turn into weaker, which may result in prolapse.
- Weight problems: Being chubby can put additional stress on the pelvic ground muscle mass and weaken them, resulting in prolapse.
- Elevated stomach stress: Behaviours that trigger a rise in intra-abdominal stress, corresponding to continual coughing on account of situations corresponding to bronchial asthma or COPD, or continual constipation, could also be extra more likely to develop pelvic organ prolapse.
- Genetics: Some ladies could also be extra predisposed to pelvic organ prolapse on account of genetic elements.
Signs
The signs of pelvic organ prolapse can differ relying on the severity and site of the prolapse. Some ladies could expertise no signs, whereas others could expertise a number of of the next:
- A sense of stress or fullness within the pelvic area
- A sensation of “one thing popping out” of the vagina
- Ache or discomfort throughout intercourse
- Urinary incontinence or urgency
- Problem urinating or having a bowel motion
- Decrease again ache
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
In some circumstances, the signs of pelvic organ prolapse could also be gentle and manageable, whereas in different circumstances they could be extra extreme and intervene with every day actions. It’s essential to notice that the signs of pelvic organ prolapse can worsen over time if left untreated, so it’s essential to hunt assist if you’re experiencing any of those signs.
Varieties of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are several types of pelvic organ prolapse, relying on which organ is affected. These embrace:
- Cystocele: This happens when the bladder bulges into the vagina.
- Uterine prolapse: This happens when the uterus descends into the vagina.
- Rectocele: This happens when the rectum bulges into the vagina.
- Enterocele: This happens when the small bowel bulges into the vagina.
- Vaginal vault prolapse: This happens when the highest of the vagina bulges into the vaginal canal.
Therapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The therapy for pelvic organ prolapse will depend on the severity of the situation, the lady’s age, general well being, and the presence of every other situations that could be contributing to the prolapse. Listed here are just a few attainable therapies:
- Pelvic ground workouts: Workout routines that strengthen the pelvic ground muscle mass may also help to alleviate signs of pelvic organ prolapse. These workouts contain contracting and stress-free the pelvic ground muscle mass. A Girls’s Well being Physiotherapist can present steerage on the right approach, kind and frequency for performing these workouts.
- Pessary: A pessary is a tool that’s inserted into the vagina to offer help to the prolapsed organs. Pessaries come in several styles and sizes, and will be an efficient solution to handle POP signs in some circumstances.
- Surgical procedure: In some circumstances, surgical procedure could also be essential to restore the prolapse. The kind of surgical procedure will depend on the severity of the prolapse and the lady’s general well being.
- Life-style adjustments: Sure way of life adjustments may also help to alleviate signs of pelvic organ prolapse. These could embrace avoiding heavy lifting, sustaining a wholesome weight, quitting smoking, and treating continual constipation or coughing.
- Hormone substitute remedy: In ladies who’ve gone by menopause, hormone substitute remedy could also be useful in lowering signs of pelvic organ prolapse.
It’s essential to notice that the suitable therapy for pelvic organ prolapse will rely on the person case. Girls who’re experiencing signs of pelvic organ prolapse ought to seek the advice of with their physician or Girls’s Well being Physiotherapist for an correct prognosis and efficient therapy plan.