Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Up to half of American women develop pelvic organ prolapse within their lifetime. Experienced board-certified women’s health nurse practitioner Amanda Phelps-Jones, WHNP-BC, provides pelvic organ prolapse care with gentle compassion in her Evansville, Indiana office. Pelvic organ prolapse is highly treatable with nonsurgical therapies, especially if you reach out for help early. Call the office or book your appointment through online scheduling now. 

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse refers to pelvic organs — the uterus, bladder, vagina, and rectum in women — that start sagging and gradually fall beneath their usual position. This can eventually lead to a vaginal bulge. 

What symptoms does pelvic organ prolapse cause?

While pelvic organ prolapse isn’t life-threatening, however, it can really make your life very uncomfortable. Some of the symptoms may include:

• Feeling of pressure
• Feeling of heaviness
• Difficulty emptying your bladder 
• Changes during sexual intercourse
• Low back aching or pain 

In some cases, pelvic organ prolapse can eventually cause a prominent vaginal bulge and even more severe symptoms. 

Why does pelvic organ prolapse happen?

In pelvic organ prolapse, the ligaments that hold the pelvic organs in place start stretching out, and the muscles supporting those organs weaken. This is what causes the gradual downward sag of the pelvic organs.

The underlying reason for the ligament and muscle weakening varies, but the most common associated factors are:

Vaginal childbirth

Women with several vaginal deliveries, large babies, or multiple births (twins or triplets) have an increased risk of pelvic prolapse because the pelvic muscles and ligaments can sustain injury during pregnancy and birth. 

Menopause 

Another common cause of pelvic prolapse is estrogen loss during menopause. Reduced estrogen can trigger connective tissue weakening that then causes prolapse. 

Many other factors may contribute to pelvic organ prolapse, including extra body weight, chronic constipation, and a family history of the condition. People with connective tissue disorders also have an increased risk. 

Is pelvic organ prolapse treatable?

Pelvic prolapse is very treatable. Seeking help early, when you first notice symptoms, can be key in preventing its progression. Amanda provides personalized treatment plans for pelvic organ prolapse based on your symptoms, lifestyle, preferences, schedule and budget. 

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) can be very helpful, and they’re easy to learn and incorporate into your day. Professional pelvic floor therapy can help you target the specific muscles you need to strengthen, and can also help with bladder and bowel control. 

Some patients may need a pessary, a removable silacone device that fits into your vagina to help support your pelvic organs. Rarely, some women may need to consider surgery for severe pelvic prolapse. 

Amanda Phelps-Jones, WHNP-BC, provides empathetic, individualized support, so you can feel comfortable seeking help with pelvic organ prolapse. Call the office or click online booking to arrange your appointment now.