Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (pronunciation: pɛlvɪk ɔːɡən proʊlæps) is a medical condition that occurs when a pelvic organ, such as the bladder, drops (prolapses) from its normal place in the lower belly and pushes against the walls of the vagina. This can happen when the muscles that hold the pelvic organs in place get weak or stretched from childbirth or surgery.
Etymology
The term "pelvic organ prolapse" is derived from the Latin pelvis meaning "basin", organum meaning "instrument", and prolapsus meaning "a slipping forth".
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are several types of pelvic organ prolapse, which are named after the organ that is affected:
- Cystocele: A prolapse of the bladder into the vagina.
- Rectocele: A prolapse of the rectum into the vagina.
- Uterine prolapse: A prolapse of the uterus into the vagina.
- Vaginal vault prolapse: A prolapse of the vagina itself.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can include:
- A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area.
- A feeling as if something is falling out of the vagina.
- A pulling or stretching in the groin area or pain in the lower back.
- Sexual problems, such as a feeling of looseness in the tone of the vaginal tissue.
Causes
Pelvic organ prolapse is usually caused by damage to the tissues that hold the pelvic organs in place. This can occur due to:
- Childbirth: This is the most common cause of pelvic organ prolapse. The stress of childbirth can stretch and weaken pelvic muscles.
- Menopause: The drop in estrogen levels that occurs during menopause can weaken the pelvic muscles.
- Hysterectomy: This surgery can sometimes lead to pelvic organ prolapse.
Treatment
Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends on the severity of the symptoms and can include:
- Pelvic floor exercises: These exercises can strengthen the muscles in the pelvis and can help prevent or relieve symptoms.
- Pessary: This is a device that is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair the prolapsed organ.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pelvic organ prolapse
- Wikipedia's article - Pelvic organ prolapse
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