Pelvic Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, is the dropping of the pelvic organs caused by the loss of normal support of the vagina.
POP occurs when there is weakness or damage to the normal support of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor holds up the pelvic organs, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, intestines and rectum. If the muscles of the pelvic floor and layers of connective tissue, which are called fascia, become weakened, stretched, or are torn the pelvic organs may fall downward. The organs drop down from where they should be and can cause trouble. In severe cases, women may feel or see tissue coming out of the opening of their vagina. Typically, the tissue coming out is from a prolapsing cervix and uterus or the walls of the vagina.
Though most women with POP often have no symptoms, some women experience:
Discomfort (usually pressure or fullness).
Bleeding from the exposed skin that rubs on pads or underwear.
Urinary symptoms of leakage, difficulty starting the stream of urine, frequent urinary tract infections.
Difficult bowel movements—the need to strain or push on the vagina to have a bowel movement.
A bulge near the opening of the vagina or have a pressure sensation in their pelvic region and or lower abdomen.
As POP worsens, you may notice:
A bulging, pressure or heavy sensation in the vagina that worsens by the end of the day or during bowel movements.
The feeling of “sitting on a ball”.
Needing to push stool out of the rectum by placing fingers into or around the vagina during a bowel movement.
Difficulty starting to urinate or a weak or spraying stream of urine.
Urinary frequency or the sensation that you are unable to empty the bladder well.
Lower back discomfort.
The need to lift up the bulging vagina or uterus to start urination.
Urinary leakage with intercourse.
Severe prolapse can block the flow of urine and cause recurrent urinary tract infections.