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Women's Pelvic Floor & Incontinence Center
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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment in Denver
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse develops when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues weaken and gradually stop supporting your pelvic organs. Prolapse can happen after menopause, childbirth, or a hysterectomy. During pelvic organ prolapse, organs like the bladder or rectum push into the vaginal wall causing pain or intense pressure.
If you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, it's important to seek treatment early. The Women's Health Group can help you.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Complications
When should you seek care?
If you experience urine leakage or tissues bulging past your vaginal opening, consult one of our healthcare providers for a proper diagnosis. Further complications can develop if proper treatments are delayed.
Severe prolapse of the pelvic organ can push the vaginal lining out of the birth canal. The lining then protrudes outside of the body, where it can come into contact with clothing. This exposure of the reproductive system can increase the risk of:
Injury
Vaginal sores
Infection
Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is common after childbirth, however, generally doesn't cause symptoms. Symptoms include:
- Seeing or feeling tissue bulge out of the vagina
- Feeling as if you're sitting on a small ball
- Feeling heaviness or pulling in the pelvis
- Pressure or discomfort in the pelvis or lower back
- Feeling like the bladder doesn't empty all the way when you use the bathroom
- Problems with leaking urine, also called incontinence
- Trouble having a bowel movement
Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Sacrocolpopexy is a surgical procedure that treats pelvic organ prolapse. During a sacrocolpopexy, a surgeon attaches a surgical mesh onto the prolapsed pelvic organs. They then connect the mesh to the lower area of the spinal column to keep your organs in position. Over time, new connective tissues will grow onto the mesh and create a new ligament to keep your organs in place.
Pelvic organ prolapse often takes the form of bladder prolapse, in which the bladder presses against the wall of the vagina to dislocate it. During fallen bladder surgery, your surgeon will pull together the torn tissues surrounding the bladder to strengthen the vaginal wall and prevent prolapse.
The typical recovery time for a sacrocolpopexy is around six weeks. If you work in a high-stress industry, consider taking more time off to rest. Some best practices to speed up your recovery time include:
- Taking laxatives to keep your bowels clear.
- Gently washing your vagina twice a day for the first two weeks.
- Avoiding sexual intercourse for six weeks after the procedure
