Pelvic organ prolapse is common and treatable. Whether your symptoms are mild or disruptive, you don’t have to live with them. MU Health Care offers personalized nonsurgical and surgical options to help relieve your discomfort.

If pelvic organ prolapse is affecting your life, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all women between the ages of 50 and 79 have some form of prolapse. 

Over time, factors like childbirth, straining, genetics and other health conditions can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and supportive tissues. This can cause pelvic organs like the bladder, urethra, cervix or rectum to shift downward, creating a bulge in the vagina known as prolapse. 

Having a conversation with your doctor is the first step toward feeling better. At MU Health Care, you’ll find expert care in a place where you’re the most important part of the conversation. Together, we’ll find the care that is right for you.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms

Pelvic organ prolapse affects everyone differently, depending on the type and severity of symptoms. You may have some, all or none of these symptoms: 

  • Tissue protruding outside the vagina
  • A sensation that something is bulging or falling out of the vagina
  • Vaginal fullness or pelvic pressure
  • Feeling like you’re sitting on a lump or there is a tampon inserted when nothing is there
  • Chronic urinary tract infections
  • Difficult bowel movements, constipation or liquid stools
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Lower backache
  • Painful intercourse
  • Frequent urination or urine leakage

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Diagnosis at MU Health Care

During your first visit, we’ll do a thorough review of your medical history, talk through your concerns and perform a pelvic exam.

Since pelvic floor issues can sometimes be linked to other health concerns, we may recommend additional testing to rule them out. 

This may include: 

  • Urodynamics: A series of bladder tests can assess how your urinary tract works and identify issues like incontinence or urine loss.
  • Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera and light examines your bladder and urethra. It helps detect issues like infections, blockages, narrowing, bleeding or early signs of cancer.
  • Ultrasound: This imaging test helps examine many of the body's internal organs like the bladder, bowel and uterus.

Understanding Your Pelvic Organ Prolapse Diagnosis

At MU Health Care, we believe the more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in your care. 

As an academic health system, we take the time to explain your diagnosis and go over your results. We will share the latest resources and answer your questions. With expert care and advanced technology, we’ll help you find the right treatment for you.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment at MU Health Care

MU Health Care offers both nonsurgical and surgical treatments designed around your symptoms and needs. 

Nonsurgical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

If your prolapse is mild or caught early, nonsurgical options may be the best place to start. We offer: 

  • Pessaries: A small, flexible device placed in the vagina supports the uterus or vaginal walls. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We can help you find your best fit.
  • Pelvic floor therapy: Our specialists design a personalized treatment plan to help you regain strength, control and confidence. 

Surgical Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment

Prolapse usually progresses slowly, and nonsurgical treatments can help for months or even years. If you no longer get relief from these treatments, surgery may be the next step.

We offer a range of surgical options, including minimally invasive vaginal, robotic, and laparoscopic procedures. We’ll work with you to decide if it’s the right choice. 

Our Team Is Focused on Your Needs 

Pelvic organ prolapse looks different for everyone, so your care should too.

Our team includes many specialists: 

Together, we take the time to listen, understand your history and discuss your options. Most importantly, we ask what feels right for you. With your goals leading the way, we create a treatment plan that supports you now and in the future.

 

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