Pelvic floor prolapse is a condition in which bulging or herniating of the bowel, vagina, bladder or uterus occurs. Many women (up to 40% according to the International Urogynocological Association) have a minor degree of prolapse with minimal or no symptoms.
Symptoms and Common Causes
Common symptoms include:
- A heavy dragging feeling in the vagina or lower back,
- The feeling of a lump in or outside the vagina,
- Bowel problems (such as feeling of not emptying properly),
- Urinary problems (such as slow urinary stream, unusual urinary frequency) or;
- Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
Common causes of Pelvic Floor Prolapse include:
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Aging and Menopause
- Hereditary: increased risk
- Excessive strain to pelvic floor
Your Next Step
If you are experiencing these types of symptoms you may have a Pelvic Floor Prolapse and we recommend making an appointment with the clinic. You may need a referral from your doctor (please see Patient Information [Link] for more information)
As part of your examination additional testing may be required to help identify the precise causes and degree of your condition and help identify the best treatment options.
Treatment Options
There are non-surgical and surgical treatments for a Pelvic Floor Prolapse, for example:
- Non-surgical
– Vaginal Devices called Pessaries provide support to prolapsed muscles.
– Pelvic Floor exercises may be recommended if suitable and involve specialized techniques and time frames.
- Surgical (including laparoscopic surgery)
– Reconstructive Surgical Repair