Approximately 3% of American women experience pelvic organ prolapse. This condition occurs when the muscles and ligaments in your pelvic floor can no longer support your uterus, bladder, or rectum. Without the support of a healthy pelvic floor, these organs can slip out of position. When you have uterine prolapse, it means your uterus dropped down into — or out of — your vagina.
Our fellowship-trained, all-female team at Bela Vida Urogynecology specializes in treating gynecological issues affecting women of all ages, including pelvic organ prolapse. We recommend watching for these signs of uterine prolapse, and we offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.
Recognizing the signs of uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse can vary in severity and influence your symptoms. In very mild cases, for example, you may not experience any issues at all, or have a minor problem that worsens over the course of the day.
When you do have symptoms of uterine prolapse, they might include:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Urinary issues, like incontinence or infections
- Constipation or other bowel issues
- Lower back pain
- Difficulties or pain with sexual intercourse
- Problems inserting tampons
- A heaviness, discomfort, or pressure in your pelvis
You may also notice something protruding from your vaginal opening or feel like something is falling out of your vagina. It’s also common to feel like you’re sitting on a small ball.
Knowing your risks of uterine prolapse
Several things can weaken or damage the muscles and ligaments in your pelvic floor. While any woman can have pelvic organ prolapse, certain factors can increase your chances of developing this condition.
Common causes of uterine prolapse include:
- Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
- Delivering a large baby
- Being overweight or obese
- Chronic coughing
- Straining during bowel movements
- Frequent heavy lifting
- A family history of the condition
Your chance of having uterine prolapse also increases with age, especially after menopause. In fact, approximately 37% of women with pelvic floor disorders are between 60-79 years of age, and 50% are 80 and older.
Treating uterine prolapse
As expert urogynecologists, our team specializes in issues affecting a woman’s reproductive system. Depending on the extent of your uterine prolapse, overall health, and lifestyle, we might recommend a variety of therapies, such as:
- Lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber to address bowel issues
- Pessary, a removable device inserted in your vagina to support your pelvic organs
- Pelvic floor muscle therapy, to strengthen connective tissues
If your condition doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, we might recommend pelvic floor reconstruction, like robotic surgery, to repair your prolapse and rebuild your pelvic floor.
Don’t ignore the signs of uterine prolapse. Contact one of our convenient locations to meet with our all-female team in Ocoee, Florida, by calling or booking an appointment online today.