What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when one or more pelvic organs, like the uterus, bladder, rectum, or vagina, move down from where they should be. This happens because the muscles and tissues that support these organs get weak or stretched and cannot hold them in place anymore.

The pelvic floor works like a hammock, supporting the organs in the pelvis. When this support weakens, the organs can drop down into the vagina or even bulge outside it.

Pelvic organ prolapse is not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and affect daily activities and quality of life.

How severe can pelvic organ prolapse be?

• Mild prolapse: Organs sag slightly and may not cause symptoms
• Moderate prolapse: A bulge may be felt inside the vagina
• Severe prolapse: Organs may come out of the vaginal opening

The severity of symptoms depends on which organ is involved and how much it has dropped.

What are the types of pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is classified based on the organ involved:

1. Anterior vaginal wall prolapse (Cystocele)

• The bladder drops into the vagina
• Most common type of POP

2. Urethrocele

• The urethra (urine pipe) drops downward
• Often occurs with cystocele

3. Posterior vaginal wall prolapse (Rectocele)

• The rectum pushes into the back wall of the vagina

4. Enterocele

• The small intestine moves down into the upper or back part of the vagina

5. Uterine prolapse

• The uterus moves down into the vagina

6. Vaginal vault prolapse

• The top of the vagina falls in after the uterus is removed

What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?

Common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis or vagina
• Sensation that something is coming out of the vagina
• Visible or felt bulge in the vagina
• Pain or discomfort during sex
• Difficulty with urination or bowel movements

Other symptoms may include:

• Urine leakage while coughing or laughing
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Constipation or difficulty passing stools

Symptoms usually worsen after long standing or physical activity.

What causes pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the pelvic floor weakens due to:

• Vaginal childbirth (most common cause)
• Multiple deliveries, large baby, or forceps delivery
• Getting older and menopause (less estrogen makes tissues weaker)
• Overweight or obesity
• Chronic constipation
• Long-term coughing (smoking, asthma)
• Heavy lifting over many years
• Family history of weak connective tissues
• Problems with the body's support tissues (for example, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)

What problems can pelvic organ prolapse cause?

If untreated, POP may lead to:

• Urinary infections due to incomplete bladder emptying
• Kidney problems in severe cases
• Bowel difficulties
• Sexual discomfort
• Emotional distress and reduced confidence

How is pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed?

Pelvic organ prolapse diagnosis usually includes:

1. Medical history: Your doctor will ask about symptoms, childbirth history, and daily activities.

2. Pelvic examination

• Done while lying down and sometimes standing
• You may be asked to cough or strain to assess severity

3. Additional tests (if needed)

• Pelvic floor strength tests
• Bladder tests (such as checking how the bladder works or looking inside the bladder)
• Imaging tests (like ultrasound or MRI scans) in complicated cases

How is pelvic organ prolapse treated?

Treatment depends on:

• Severity of prolapse
• Symptoms
• Age and overall health
• Desire for future sexual activity

Nonsurgical treatment options

These aim to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life:

Vaginal pessary

• A soft, flexible device placed in the vagina to help support the organs

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)

• Strengthen pelvic muscles
• Often taught by a specialist who helps with pelvic floor problems

Lifestyle changes:

• Weight management
• Treat constipation
• Avoid heavy lifting

Surgical treatment options

Doctors may suggest surgery if symptoms are very bad or do not get better with other treatments.

Obliterative surgery

• Makes the vagina smaller
• Suitable for women who do not wish to have penetrative sex
• Example: Colpocleisis

Reconstructive surgery

• Moves the organs back to where they should be
• Keeps the vagina working as usual

Common procedures include:

• Colporrhaphy (repairs vaginal wall)
• Sacrocolpopexy (uses mesh to support vagina)
• Sacrohysteropexy (supports uterus)
• Native tissue repairs (using your own tissues)

Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of each option.

Will pelvic organ prolapse go away?

• Mild prolapse may improve with exercises and lifestyle changes
• Moderate to severe prolapse usually requires medical treatment
• Surgery provides long-term relief in most cases

POP is treatable, and most women feel much better after treatment.

Can I push the prolapse back in?

In severe cases, you may manually push the bulge back temporarily.

However, this is not a permanent solution, and medical care is advised.

How can pelvic organ prolapse be prevented?

You can reduce your risk by:

• Doing pelvic floor exercises regularly
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Preventing constipation
• Avoiding smoking
• Lifting heavy objects correctly

When should I see a doctor?

See a doctor if you experience:

• Vaginal bulge or pressure

• Painful sex
• Urine or stool leakage
• Difficulty emptying bladder or bowels
• Feeling that something is coming out of the vagina

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Pelvic Organ Prolapse treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynecologists and pelvic floor specialists, known as some of the best doctors for women’s pelvic health care. We provide accurate diagnosis with clinical evaluation and imaging, personalized medical management, pelvic floor therapy, and surgical treatment when required. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Pelvic Organ Prolapse treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back