Pelvic Organ and Uterine Prolapse Symptoms and Treatment

The pelvic organs — the uterus, bladder and rectum — are supported by the pelvic floor, a hammock-like structure of muscles and tissues. When the pelvic floor is weakened or damaged, any of those organs can prolapse, or move out of their normal position and bulge out of or protrude into the wall of the vagina.

Several factors put you at risk for pelvic organ prolapse. Those include:

• Aging
• Family history
• Long-term pressure on your abdomen from obesity, chronic cough or chronic constipation
• Pregnancy
• Repetitive heavy lifting
• Surgery in your pelvic area
• Vaginal childbirth

The board-certified women's health specialists at Beaufort Memorial are skilled in managing this common condition. Request an appointment with a gynecologist or OB-GYN.

Uterine Prolapse Symptoms

Some women don't know they have uterine prolapse until it's diagnosed during their annual checkup. But the following symptoms are typical:

• Aching or fullness in the pelvis
• Bladder infections
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Difficulty having a bowel movement
• Lower back pain
• Pain during sex
• Pelvic pressure that increases with standing or coughing
• Problems inserting tampons
• Seeing or feeling a bulge coming from the vagina
• Uncomfortable pressure during physical activity
• Urine leakage

Uterine Prolapse Treatment

The symptoms of uterine prolapse typically get worse if left untreated. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If your prolapse is mild or asymptomatic, your doctor might suggest these remedies:

• Exercise: A physical therapist can teach you to retrain your pelvic floor muscles. Biofeedback therapy can also help.
• Lifestyle changes: Whenever possible, manage your risk factors. Lose weight, stop smoking (to control chronic cough) and control constipation with treatments and/or lifestyle changes.
• Vaginal pessary: This device, a plastic or rubber ring that supports the uterus, is a nonsurgical treatment option for mild to moderate cases of prolapse.

Uterine Prolapse Surgery

Surgery for prolapsed uterus can be performed vaginally, through an abdominal incision or with laparoscopy. Procedures include:

• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus
• Native tissue repair: Reconstructive surgery using your own tissue to fix the uterus into place
• Obliterative surgery: Narrowing or closing of the vagina to support the prolapsed organs
• Sacrohysteropexy: Reconstructive surgery using surgical mesh to lift the organs back into place
• Vaginally placed mesh: Typically recommended only if you aren't a candidate for other reconstructive options

Your provider will help you determine which treatment or surgery is appropriate for your condition.