Pelvic Prolapse
When an organ becomes displaced, or slips down in the body, it is referred to as a prolapse. Pelvic prolapse occurs when due to childbirth and the aging process the muscles and tissues surrounding the pelvic organs tear, stretch or weaken causing incontinence.
The primary risk factors associated with incontinence are:
- Vaginal delivery
- Age
- Obesity
- Hysterectomy
- Chronic Straining
Many women have no symptoms and are not bothered by their pelvic organ prolapse. A woman may only have felt a bulge of tissue inside her vagina or her doctor may have noticed it during a physical exam. Depending on which organs are involved in the prolapse, different symptoms may occur.
- Sensation of or seeing a bulge or protrusion in the vagina
- Pelvic pressure that gets worse with standing, lifting, or coughing or as the day goes on
- Urinary incontinence, frequency and/or urgency
- Weak or prolonged urinary stream
- Feeling of incomplete emptying
- Needing to change position to start or complete voiding
- A sense of pressure or heaviness in the vagina
If you are in need of a physician, visit our Baptist Medical Group Ladies First practice for caring providers in multiple locations.