Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Like a hammock, the pelvic floor is a group of muscles and tissues in the pelvic area that supports your bladder, uterus and cervix, vagina, small bowel and rectum and keep them in the right place.

When these muscles and tissues weaken or become loose, one or more of the organs can droop and descend into or outside the vagina or rectum. The drooping is known as a prolapse.

For women, the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse is cystocele, which is when the bladder protrudes into the vagina.

You might feel as though something is protruding into the vagina or slipping out of it. In addition to pressure, you might have some achiness. These sensations might happen more often when you’re physically active or having sex. The might get worse when you stand for a long time or cough, and there might be bleeding and discharge.

If the bladder has dropped, you might leak urine or feel as though you frequently need to urinate. If the rectum has prolapsed, you may experience problems having a bowel movement, constipation or fecal incontinence.

You might have only a few symptoms with a significant prolapse or many symptoms with a small amount of drooping. Alert your health care provider about any pressure or achiness in the pelvic area—no matter how small.

A detailed pelvic exam will typically uncover the problem. The doctor will ask you to strain or cough. You may need an ultrasound for an image of the organs.

Also, discuss any symptoms with your health care provider, no matter how embarrassing. Pelvic organ prolapse is highly treatable, and you don’t need to suffer.