What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse often doesn't cause problems. But sometimes it causes symptoms, such as urinary problems or pain during intercourse. Pelvic organ prolapse may get worse over time and cause more severe symptoms. But in some cases, it gets better over time.

You may not have any symptoms. Or pressure on your vagina may cause discomfort or problems with your pelvic organs. Symptoms may include:

• Feeling pressure or fullness in your lower belly.
• Feeling as if something is actually falling out of your vagina.
• Feeling a pull or a stretch in the groin area or a low backache.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Urinary problems. For example, you may release urine without meaning to (incontinence). Or you may have a frequent or urgent need to urinate.
• Problems with bowel movements. You may be constipated or need to support the back (posterior) of the vaginal wall to have a bowel movement.

Symptoms are worse when you stand, jump, or lift. They usually are relieved if you lie down.

You may not need or want treatment. But if symptoms bother you, you can try doing Kegel exercises and staying at a healthy weight. You can also try a pessary. Surgery may also be an option.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your past and current health. This includes asking about your symptoms and past pregnancies. Your doctor will also do a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. And you may have other tests. Pelvic organ prolapse that doesn't cause symptoms may be found during a routine exam.

If you have pain and discomfort from pelvic organ prolapse that isn't helped by nonsurgical treatment and lifestyle changes, you may want to think about surgery. Which type of surgery depends upon which organs are involved, how bad your symptoms are, and what other medical conditions you have. Also, your surgeon may have experience with and prefer to do a certain procedure. The goals of surgery are to relieve your symptoms and restore the normal functioning of your pelvic organs. Types of surgeries used to correct pelvic organ prolapse may include:

• Reconstructive surgery. This surgery helps repair and support the vaginal wall and bring pelvic organs back to their original position.
• Vaginal obliteration. This closes the vagina to help support the prolapsed organs.
• Hysterectomy. Removal of the uterus.

These surgeries can help treat your symptoms. But some people may have symptoms of urinary incontinence after surgery. Your doctor may do an exam to check if urinary incontinence could be a problem for you after surgery. If the exam shows that it could be a problem, surgery to correct stress urinary incontinence can be done at the same time as surgery to repair prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that hold your pelvic organs in place get weak or damaged. It's often linked to pregnancy and vaginal childbirth. During pregnancy and delivery, pelvic muscles can get stretched and injured. Other causes of prolapse include aging, menopause, obesity, and frequent constipation.

Pelvic organ prolapse means that a pelvic organ—such as your bladder—has moved from its normal position and is pressing against your vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse often isn't a big health problem. But it can be uncomfortable or painful. It can be treated if it bothers you.