At Arkansas Urology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating pelvic organ prolapse with advanced, compassionate care. Our team understands how pelvic floor disorders can impact a woman’s health, daily function, and confidence. That’s why we offer individualized treatment plans that help women regain strength, comfort, and quality of life.
When an organ becomes displaced or slips downward in the body, it is known as a prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse, a type of pelvic floor disorder, affects about one-third of all women over their lifetime. Women often describe this condition as a “dropped bladder” or “fallen uterus.”
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that form a kind of hammock across your pelvic opening. Normally, these muscles and the tissues surrounding the pelvic organs keep them in place. Normally, these muscles and the tissues surrounding the pelvic organs keep them in place. The pelvic organs include your bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum. However, in the case of pelvic prolapse, the muscles weaken or become stretched, causing the organs to “droop” and descend outside the vaginal canal or anus. This may be due to childbirth, but most cases occur in older women. Some women may also experience vaginal dryness and structural issues around the vaginal opening that contribute to symptoms.
Pelvic prolapse diagnosis and treatment can vary based on the type and severity of the condition. This disorder affects the pelvic organs and pelvic floor structure, requiring a personalized approach for effective care.
Pelvic organ prolapse is classified based on which pelvic organ has shifted out of place. This condition may be referred to broadly as pelvic prolapse and can involve one or more pelvic structures. A cystocele occurs when the bladder prolapses into the vagina and is the most common form. A urethrocele involves the urethra, while uterine prolapse happens when the uterus descends into the vaginal canal. Vaginal vault prolapse typically occurs after a hysterectomy, causing the top of the vagina to drop. Enterocele refers to the small bowel pushing into the vaginal wall, and rectocele is when the rectum protrudes forward into the vagina.
The causes of pelvic prolapse are varied. Anything that puts increased pressure on the abdomen can lead to prolapse, such as:
Prolapse symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the prolapse, but often include:
Women may also experience stress urinary incontinence, pelvic floor dysfunction, or a sense that pelvic organ prolapse is getting worse with activity. In some cases, a posterior vaginal wall prolapse may contribute to bowel symptoms or pelvic pressure. Anterior vaginal wall prolapse, bladder prolapse, and uterine prolapse are also commonly observed, especially in cases of advanced prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse is often discovered during a routine pelvic exam or Pap smear. If you have pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed, early evaluation can help avoid worsening symptoms.
For patients experiencing prolapse symptoms, it is essential to diagnose pelvic organ prolapse early to guide appropriate care. To confirm the diagnosis and assess severity, providers may recommend urinalysis, imaging studies such as pelvic ultrasound or MRI, and a urodynamic study to evaluate urinary function. Additional diagnostic tools might include an X-ray of the urinary tract (IV pyelography) and testing the strength and coordination of pelvic floor muscles, and a pelvic organ prolapse quantification exam to assess severity. These tests help determine if pelvic organ prolapse surgery or conservative options are appropriate and allow us to treat pelvic organ prolapse with greater accuracy. Bladder function tests may also be used to assess the impact on urinary control, especially when urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence is present.
The right treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the specific organ involved. At Arkansas Urology, we offer a range of pelvic organ prolapse treatment options including both non-surgical and surgical approaches.
Conservative treatment typically starts with pelvic floor muscle training such as Kegels to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve support. Some patients may benefit from pessary devices, such as vaginal pessaries, which are inserted into the vaginal canal to support sagging tissues and relieve symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Lifestyle modifications like weight loss, treating chronic constipation, and managing a chronic cough may also improve pelvic floor stability. In certain cases, hormone therapy such as vaginal estrogen may be used to improve tissue strength and elasticity.
For women with more severe prolapse or persistent symptoms, pelvic organ prolapse surgery may be recommended. Surgical options include reconstructive surgery that restore the natural position of the pelvic organs and improve pelvic floor function. These may be performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques. Vaginal vault suspension is a common approach after hysterectomy to support the top of the vaginal canal. In women who are no longer sexually active, colpocleisis, a procedure that closes the vaginal canal, may also be considered. The choice of genital prolapse surgery options depends on a woman’s goals, symptoms, and anatomy.
To help prevent recurrence, patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy weight, practice pelvic floor exercises regularly, avoid heavy lifting, and address chronic conditions that increase abdominal pressure. Following surgery or pessary use, follow-up visits ensure that the pelvic organs remain well supported and that any new prolapse symptoms are addressed early.
If you’ve noticed symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or have already been diagnosed, Arkansas Urology is here to help. We provide compassionate, comprehensive care—from diagnosis to pelvic floor therapy or surgical treatment—tailored to your unique health needs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your path to relief and improved quality of life.
At Arkansas Urology, our team is highly experienced in treating pelvic floor disorders and pelvic organ prolapse. We work closely with each patient to develop the most effective treatment strategy. Our providers stay current on the latest advances in pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis and minimally invasive prolapse surgery. Whether you are newly diagnosed or seeking to have pelvic organ prolapse treated, our team is here to guide you.
