Female vaginal prolapse, or pelvic organ prolapse, occurs when the structures of the pelvis protrude into or outside of the vaginal canal.
Who is affected by female genital prolapse?
Although urethral prolapse sometimes occurs in young girls, pelvic organ prolapse is experienced almost entirely by adult women. It is most common in white women. Asian women rarely develop pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse is caused most commonly by pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. It also can be related to diseases that cause increased pressure in the abdomen, such as obesity, respiratory problems with a long-lasting (chronic) cough, constipation, and pelvic organ cancers. Pelvic organ prolapse can occur after hysterectomy for another gynecological health problem, such as endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, or uterine fibroids.
What are the symptoms of female genital prolapse?
Although many women who have pelvic organ prolapse do not have symptoms, the most common and bothersome symptom is bulging of the uterus into the vagina or outside of the body. Other common symptoms include:
* A feeling of pelvic pressure, or feeling as if something is actually falling out of the vagina.
* A pulling or stretching in the groin area or a low backache.
* Painful intercourse (dyspareunia).
* Spotting or bleeding from the vagina.
* Urinary problems, such as incontinence or a frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night.
* Difficulty with bowel movements. A woman may have to support the back (posterior) of her vaginal wall to have a bowel movement. Constipation is frequently a problem for women who have pelvic organ prolapse.
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are made worse by standing, jumping, and lifting and usually are relieved by lying down.
How is female genital prolapse classified?
The classification or “grade” of the prolapse is determined by the normal position of the organ inside the pelvis. Pelvic organ prolapse that does not cause symptoms is often discovered during a routine pelvic exam. The woman is also examined in the standing position and is instructed to “bear down” or “strain.”
How is female genital prolapse treated?
There are many surgical and nonsurgical methods used to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Treatment should take into consideration:
* Your age.
* Your desire for future pregnancy.
* How sexually active you are.
* The severity of your symptoms.
* Whether you have other medical conditions.
Many women who have pelvic organ vaginal prolapse do not have symptoms and therefore do not require treatment.
