Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Prolapse
Prolapse of the organs is simply used to describe sagging, bulging or falling of the organs supported by the pelvic floor.
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs protrude into the vagina, which can be associated with weakened or damaged pelvic muscles.
- Cystocele - Prolapse or bulging of the bladder into the vagina
- Rectocele - Prolapse or bulging of the rectum into the vagina
- Enterocele - Prolapse or bulging of the small intestine into a space between the rectum and vagina
- Uterine prolapse - Prolapse or descent of the uterus into the vagina
Videos of prolapse as well as the function of pessaries are available through the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, as well as from the Pelvic Floor Institute.
Treatment of prolapse usually depends on how much the patient is bothered by their symptoms. Many conservative treatments include pelvic floor muscle exercises (Incon Therapy), pessaries, and dietary changes.
Incon Therapy is a safe, painless, noninvasive, non-surgical approach that can be used as a primary therapy or in addition to surgical correction.
Reconstructive pelvic surgery is highly effective in correcting pelvic organ prolapse for women who are more bothered by their symptoms. Short stay procedures include laparoscopic and robotic-assisted sacral colpopexy and vaginal reconstruction with and without mesh implantation. Incon Therapy may be recommended in minor to moderate prolapse cases to support the pelvic floor and as an adjunct to surgical repair.
More online resourcecs for pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor disorders are available in our link library.