Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles and ligaments that hold the pelvic organs in place become weakened or stretched. As a result, the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) can then bulge into the vagina.

Risk Factors for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Multiple pregnancies
• Large infant size
• Race (Caucasian or Hispanic)
• Forceps or vacuum delivery
• Prior pelvic surgery (hysterectomy)
• Increased abdominal straining (obesity, smoking, or lung disease)

Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

• Visible bulge in the vaginal area
• Vaginal or rectal pressure
• Bladder does not empty completely or at all
• Difficulty starting your urinary stream
• Dribbling of urine after urination
• Repeated urinary tract infections
• Low backache
• Constipation or leakage of stool

Prolapse can occur in multiple areas of the vagina. Many women have one or more types of prolapse.

The main types of prolapse are:

• Cystocele (dropped bladder) – weakness in the front part of the vagina
• Rectocele (rectal prolapse) – weakness in the back part of the vagina
• Uterine prolapse (dropped uterus) –weakness at the top of the vagina
• Vaginal vault prolapse – weakness at the top of the vagina after hysterectomy
• Enterocele (small bowel prolapse) – weakness at the top of the vagina, usually after hysterectomy

In many cases, non-surgical treatment is a good choice, especially if your prolapse is mild and does not bother you much. Your doctor will help you decide if non-surgical treatments are right for you.

Get Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse at Urology Specialists of Oregon

We offer many options for Non-surgical treatment of pelvic prolapse:

• Kegel exercises
• Pessary (device worn in the vagina to support prolapse)
• Prevent constipation
• Stop smoking to prevent excessive coughing
• Weight loss

If surgery is indicated, there are several types of surgery depending on your specific prolapse:

• Vaginal repair using your own tissue (native repair)
• Vaginal repair using cadaveric tissue (graft repair)
• Robotic Sacro-colpopexy – abdominal surgery that uses mesh to secure the top of the vagina to the tailbone
• Colpocleisis – closure of the vagina to repair prolapse for women who are not sexually active

Your physician will discuss all options (both conservative and surgical) for management of your prolapse with you. To schedule an appointment, call Urology Specialists of Oregon (541) 322-5753.