Pelvic Organ Prolapse
what is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, drop down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. This can occur when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken or stretch, leading to a loss of support.
Pelvic organ prolapse is most commonly seen in women who have given birth, but it can also occur in women who have never been pregnant. The severity of pelvic organ prolapse can range from mild, with only a small bulge into the vagina, to severe, where the vagina and/or pelvic organ is completely outside the body.
do you feel a bulge in your vagina?
what are the symptoms?
- Vaginal bulge is the most common symptom. This can feel like a heaviness in your vagina, like a tampon that is not in the right position, like a ball or egg between your legs, or even worse. The vaginal bulge may be obviously visible outside the opening or only perceived by sensation.
- Trouble urinating or defecating pelvic organ prolapse can sometimes get in the way of normal urinating or defecating if the bulge is severe enough. If you have to “splint” or push into your vagina to pee or poop or press below your vagina to poop, you may have pelvic organ prolapse
- Sexual dysfunction it is very common for women who have pelvic organ prolapse to lose interest in sex due to decreased self image from what’s happening to their vagina. Women may also report changes in how penetration feels and decreased enjoyment or pleasure.
- Chafing/Skin irritation because pelvic organ prolapse exposes the inside of your vagina and/or pelvic organs to the outside, this can lead to skin irritation because of the loss of moisture and chafing.
Treatment Options
- 1. Pelvic floor muscle exercises/pelvic floor physical therapy generally reserved for the mildest cases
- 2. Vaginal pessaries- vaginal devices designed to support the vagina and pelvic organs. These are placed in the office without any need for anesthesia, as a non-surgical treatment option for mild to severe prolapse. Vaginal pessaries require some level of self-care to manage long term.. Dr. Milhouse and her team will equip you to manage your pessary successfully.
- 3.Prolapse surgery There are various surgical options for pelvic organ prolapse. The choice of treatment will depend on the individual patient's situation and preferences. Dr. Milhouse is highly experienced in a diverse range of surgical options for pelvic organ prolapse including vaginal surgery, robotic surgery, and uterine-sparing options. Dr. Milhouse will go through all the surgical options with you in detail to help you make an informed decision about your body.
Learn more...
Dr. Milhouse is fellowship-trained female pelvic reconstructive surgeon and highly skilled prolapse surgeon in Chicago.. Dr. Milhouse has performed thousands and thousands of successful prolapse surgeries on women across Chicagoland. Schedule a consultation with her today and make your vagina whole again.