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Vaginal prolapse, also known as pelvic organ prolapse, occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, fall down into the vagina due to weakened pelvic muscles and ligaments. This can result in a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, as well as a visible bulge or lump in the vaginal area.
Vaginal prolapse can occur in women of all ages, but it is most common in women who have given birth vaginally, are post-menopausal, or have a family history of the condition. Other risk factors for vaginal prolapse include chronic constipation, obesity, and chronic coughing.
Symptoms of vaginal prolapse may include a sensation of vaginal fullness or pressure, a bulge or lump in the vaginal area, discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, urinary incontinence, difficulty urinating or emptying the bladder completely, and constipation. Treatment options for vaginal prolapse may include pelvic floor exercises , vaginal pessaries, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Pelvic organ prolapse can feel different for each woman, and the symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the prolapse and which organs are affected. However, some common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:
- A feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvic area
- A bulge or lump in the vagina
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Urinary problems, such as incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Bowel problems, such as constipation or difficulty emptying the bowels
- Lower back pain
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge
Some women with mild prolapse may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life. It is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing any symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, as early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from getting worse and improve your symptoms.
One of the solutions offered by BioConnect for this type of prolapse is a vaginal pessary. A vaginal pessary is a medical device that is inserted into the vagina to support the uterus, bladder, or rectum. It is typically made of silicone or plastic and is available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit individual needs.
The pessary can be used to treat conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse or urinary incontinence, which occur when the pelvic muscles weaken and cannot support the organs in their proper position. The pessary works by providing additional support to the pelvic organs, reducing the symptoms of these conditions.
Vaginal pessaries are typically fitted during a gynecological exam. They require regular maintenance and should be cleaned and checked by your Physician at least every three months. In some cases, they may need to be removed and reinserted more frequently to prevent infection or other complications.
Inserting a vaginal pessary may cause some discomfort or pressure, but it should not be painful. The pessary is designed to fit comfortably inside the vagina and provide support to the pelvic organs without causing discomfort or pain. During the fitting process, Dr. Corona will work with you to select the right size and shape of pessary to ensure a comfortable fit. If you experience any pain or discomfort after the pessary is inserted, you should contact BioConnect Medical to have it adjusted or removed. It’s also important to attend regular follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the pessary and make any necessary adjustments to ensure ongoing comfort and effectiveness.
Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles is an important part of this conversation and an area of our overall health that we need to consider before prolapsing occurs. The Emsella chair can help to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. The Emsella chair cannot cure prolapse, but it can help with weakened muscles. Book a consultation with Dr. Corona who will guide you on the best treatment options.
