Pelvic Organ Prolapse

About 3% of women in the United States will experience unexpected urine leaks, pelvic pain, and other symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime. At Bellingham Urology Group, the skilled urologists offer nonsurgical treatment solutions like pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. The providers also perform mesh placement surgeries for women with severe prolapse symptoms. Call the Mount Vernon or Bellingham, Washington, office to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for pelvic organ prolapse symptoms or book an appointment online today. 

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when your pelvic floor organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum fall downward and into the vaginal canal.

This condition occurs when your pelvic floor muscles weaken due to pregnancy, childbirth, or aging. Weak muscles can’t support your pelvic floor organs, and they fall out of place, leading to a range of disruptive symptoms.

Bellingham Urology Group offers pelvic organ prolapse diagnostic testing and treatment services to resolve your symptoms and restore your health.

When should I seek treatment for pelvic organ prolapse?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Bellingham Urology Group if you have symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, such as:

• Urinary incontinence
• Fecal incontinence
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Pain during sex
• Difficulties inserting tampons
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

You may also have a bulge in your vagina that you can see or feel. Symptoms may worsen when lifting heavy objects, having a persistent cough, or experiencing constipation.

During a pelvic exam, your provider can confirm pelvic organ prolapse is the cause of your symptoms. They may also request additional tests to evaluate the function of your bladder.

Based on your exam and testing results, the urology specialists customize a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and improve the strength of your pelvic floor muscles.

How is pelvic organ prolapse treated?

If your pelvic floor prolapse is mild, the Bellingham Urology Group providers can suggest exercises you can do to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

When your prolapse symptoms are moderate to severe, the providers may recommend:

Estrogen replacement therapy

Women who have weakness in the pelvic floor muscles during menopause may benefit from estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen is a reproductive hormone that keeps vaginal tissue strong, healthy, and lubricated.

Older women experience a drop in estrogen levels as they transition to their postmenopausal years, which can increase risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse.

Pessary

A pessary is a removable device that fits into the vagina to increase support for the pelvic organs. The device can relieve symptoms like urinary incontinence without the need for surgery.

Mesh placement surgery

When other strategies don’t work well for your pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, you may need surgery to place a synthetic mesh. The mesh strengthens weak muscles to keep your pelvic organs in place.

Call the Bellingham Urology Group office near you to schedule a pelvic organ prolapse consultation or book an appointment online today.