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WOMEN’S
bodies go through
many changes, from menstruation to
menopause. But there’s one possible
change you may not be aware of,
even though 200,000 surgeries are
performed every year in this country
because of it.
Doctors call this change pelvic
organ prolapse, and it occurs when
the muscles and
other tissue sup-
porting pelvic
organs weaken
or are injured.
As a result, these
organs can drop
down from their
normal position.
The uterus is especially likely
to slip out of place and can either
descend partially into the vagina—or
sometimes completely outside of it.
The bladder, urethra and rectum are
also particularly prone to sagging.
Why it happens
Giving birth is the main cause
of pelvic organ prolapse, says Tim
Hall, MD, board-certified OB-GYN
at Stanly Regional Medical Center.
And women who deliver vaginally
face a slightly
higher risk of
this condition
than women
who deliver by
cesarean sec-
tion. But pro-
lapse can also
be brought on by:
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A loss of muscle
strength that can accompany aging
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Decreased estrogen production
after menopause
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Pelvic surgery
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Being overweight or chronically
Five ways to prevent pelvic organ prolapse
Here are five steps every woman
can take to reduce her risk of pelvic
organ prolapse:
Keep your weight in a healthy range.
Carrying extra pounds raises your risk for
prolapse significantly.
Fend off constipation with a fiber-
rich diet and regular exercise. Straining
during bowel movements adds to
your risk.
Control your coughs. Frequent
coughing increases your risk, so see a
doctor if you cough frequently. And
don’t light up; you don’t want to wind
up with a smoker’s cough.
Avoid heavy lifting, which can con-
tribute to prolapse.
Do regular Kegel exercises. If you’re
not sure how to do them correctly, ask
your doctor at your next pelvic exam.
Source: American Urogynecologic Society Foundation
What is pelvic
organ prolapse?
constipated, both of which put pres-
sure on the abdomen
Warning signs of prolapse
The first symptoms of pelvic organ
prolapse are often subtle. For instance,
it might be hard to keep a tampon in-
side the vagina. But if prolapse wors-
ens, these symptoms might occur:
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Pressure or a heavy feeling in the
vagina that intensifies as the day
goes on or gets worse during bowel
movements
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The sensation of sitting on a ball
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Bulging tissue that protrudes out
of the vagina
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Urinary incontinence
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Difficulty urinating or emptying
the bowels completely
If prolapse doesn’t cause any
symptoms—and was only discovered
because of a physical exam—
treatment may not be necessary.
But if you do have bothersome
symptoms, your doctor may fit you
with a pessary—a rubber or plastic
device inserted in the vagina that
helps support pelvic organs.
What about surgery?
If pelvic organ prolapse is disrupt-
ing your life, surgery may be your
best option. Several types of surgery
can correct prolapse.
Dr. Hall and the staff of Stanly
Medical Services–Women’s Services
can explain the procedures and help
you decide which would be the best
for you. To schedule an appoint-
ment, call
(704) 982-1590
.
Additional sources: American College of Obstetricians and
Gynecologists; American Urogynecologic Society Foundation
Procedures for treatment are
available at Stanly Regional
Medical Center—and most are
on an outpatient basis.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
www.stanly.org
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