Problems With Sudden Incontinence? 4 Things You Need To Know About Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Health & Medical Blog

If you're a woman, you are at risk for developing a medical condition known as pelvic organ prolapse. This disorder occurs when the pelvic organs – such as your bladder or bowels – drop from their normal position and protrude through the pelvic wall. In most cases, pelvic organ prolapse – or POP – occurs after surgery or child birth, especially when there have been multiple pregnancies. There are four different types of pelvic organ prolapse.

Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse

This type of prolapse is most common among women who've had a hysterectomy. The prolapse occurs at the top of the pelvic cavity where the uterus was positioned. Because the uterus is no longer there to keep things in proper alignment, the bladder drops down into the vaginal cavity. When that happens, you may be able to feel a bulge at the opening of your vagina. At that point, you may develop incontinence or begin to experience frequent bladder infections. 

Posterior Wall Prolapse

This type of prolapse is common among women who've had multiple pregnancies. The fascia between the vagina and the rectum weakens and begins to stretch out. When this happens, the intestines can drop down into the vaginal cavity. With this type of prolapse, you might find yourself straining during bowel movements. You might also have to place a finger inside your vagina to help push the fecal matter through your bowels.

Apical Prolapse

This type of prolapse is common among women who've had a hysterectomy, but who did not have their cervix removed during the procedure. With this type of prolapse, the cervix drops down and protrudes from the vaginal opening. If you have a apical prolapse, you may feel something rubbing up against your panties or notice blood smears. This is from your cervix rubbing against the material.

Rectal Prolapse

This type of prolapse is common among women who've experienced multiple pregnancies and/or had a hysterectomy. This type of prolapse causes the rectum to protrude from the anus. In the beginning stages, you may think that you have a large hemorrhoid protruding from your anus. However, as the prolapse worsens, you will feel more of the rectum protruding from your anus. 

Pelvic organ prolapse is not something that should be taken lightly. If you have begun to experience incontinence, or any of the information provided above seems familiar with the symptoms you're experiencing, you need to speak to an OB/GYN, such as those at Women First OBGYN, as soon as possible. Treatment options are available. 

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26 July 2016

introducing your daughter to the gynecologist

Having a daughter comes with a number of challenges. One challenge that you will one day need to tackle is determining when to introduce your daughter to the gynecologist. Do you take your daughter to the same gynecologist that you see or take her somewhere else? Do you wait until she gets her first period or do you take her in to learn about the menstrual cycle from the doctor? There is a long list of questions you likely have about introducing your daughter to the world of gynecology. Having gone through this twice myself, I have learned quite a bit and have included a lot of helpful information in my site to help other parents get through this complicated time a little easier.