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What Should You Know About Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse affects about one-third of all women during their lifetime. As women age, it becomes a more common issue. Anytime an organ becomes displaced or starts to droop, it’s known as prolapse. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that form a kind of hammock across your pelvic opening. The bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum are all included in your pelvic organs. Symptoms will differ depending on what area specifically is affected.

The condition can be caused by anything that puts increased pressure on your abdomen. This can be a result of pregnancy, labor or childbirth, which are the most common causes. Pelvic prolapse can also happen because of obesity, respiratory problems, constipation, hysterectomy or pelvic organ cancers. Sometimes genetics also plays a role in prolapse.

In many cases, your doctor will discover pelvic prolapse during a routine pelvic exam or Pap smear. Treatment for prolapse doesn’t always involve surgery. Your doctor may at first recommend changes to your diet and increased exercise and including Kegel exercises. Sometimes behavior modifications are all that is necessary to help the condition. A pessary, which is a rubber or plastic device that will support prolapse, may be inserted as another non-surgical option.

Surgery is also a viable choice and may be the best in some cases. In most cases, surgery will be minimally invasive, for a faster recovery time and reducing complications and scarring.

At Arkansas Urology, we see regularly see women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse. Our experts can help you and develop a treatment plan for your individual situation. If you begin experiencing symptoms of prolapse, consult with a doctor. Give us a call today at 877-321-8452 to make an appointment or talk with someone in our clinic.

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