Been meaning to
get that exam—and
always put it off?
Simply call the Aspirus
General Clinic today
for an appointment
with our OB-GYN:
715-623-2351
.
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 supporting 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, the
American College of Obstetricians
and Gynecologists reports. And
women who deliver vaginally
face a slightly higher risk of this
condition than women who deliver
by cesarean section. But prolapse
can also be brought on by:
➜
A loss of muscle strength that
can accompany aging.
➜
Decreased estrogen production
after menopause.
➜
Pelvic surgery.
➜
Being overweight or chronically
constipated, both of which put
pressure on the abdomen.
Warning Signs of Prolapse
The first symptoms of pelvic organ
prolapse are often subtle. For
Here are five steps every woman
can take to reduce her risk of
pelvic organ prolapse:
1
Keep your weight in a healthy
range. Carrying extra pounds raises
your risk for prolapse significantly.
2
Fend off constipation with a
fiber-rich diet and regular exercise.
Straining during bowel movements
adds to your risk.
3
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.
4
Avoid heavy lifting, which can
contribute to prolapse.
5
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
PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE
Am I at Risk?
instance, it might be hard to keep a
tampon inside the vagina.
But if prolapse worsens, these
symptoms might occur:
➜
Pressure or a heavy feeling in
the vagina that intensifies as the
day goes on or gets worse during
bowel movements.
➜
The sensation of sitting on a ball.
➜
Bulging tissue that protrudes
out of the vagina.
➜
Urinary incontinence.
➜
Difficulty urinating or emptying
the bowels completely.
➜
Recurrent urinary tract
infections (UTIs)
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
disrupting your life, surgery may
be your best option. Several types
of surgery can correct prolapse.
Ask your doctor about the risks
and benefits of each option, and
ask which would be best for you.
Additional sources: American Geriatrics Society
Foundation; American Urogynecologic Society
Foundation; National Institutes of Health
Five Ways to
Prevent Pelvic
Organ Prolapse
14
Pathways •
