Pelvic Prolapse Specialist

Pelvic Prolapse Q & A

What is pelvic prolapse?

Pelvic prolapse occurs when the connective tissue that holds up your pelvic organs, including your uterus, bladder, and rectum, are too weak, causing the organs to drop into the vagina.

There are three primary types of pelvic prolapse:

• Dropped bladder or cystocele
• Dropped uterus or uterine prolapse
• Dropped rectum: Rectum protruding or dropping into the vagina

Many women are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about pelvic prolapse and the symptoms they’re experiencing. The professionals at the Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating issues related to your pelvic area and can get you the treatment you need to improve your quality of life.

How do I know if I have pelvic prolapse?

Symptoms for pelvic prolapse vary, but you may be able to feel or see a protrusion from your vaginal opening. Other common symptoms include:

• You may feel pressure or gaping open sensation in the pelvis or vagina.
• Difficulties with emptying your bladder or bowels or difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels.

Pelvic prolapse affects at least 15% of women in the United States and is more common in older women. There is a slightly higher incidence of pelvic prolapse among Caucasian and Hispanic women.

How is pelvic prolapse treated?

Treatment for your pelvic prolapse depends on the type, your symptoms, age, and overall health. The team at the Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health are experts in urogynecologic health and work with you to develop the best treatment plan to manage your symptoms and treat your prolapse.

The team may recommend conservative treatments to start, such as pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your muscles and a change in diet to improve bowel function.

The team may also recommend a pessary, which is a removable device that you insert into your vagina to help support your organs.

If conservative treatments fail to improve your symptoms then a surgical option may be best.  The team will review your options in detail so that you may choose the treatment best suited to your needs.

What types of surgery treat pelvic prolapse?

Pelvic prolapse is a complex issue and typically is not solved by focusing on only one area, as all of the organs in the pelvis are connected.  The most appropriate approach should take into consideration the most predominant areas of prolapse as well as areas of less severe prolapse, the overall health of the individual, and her priorities regarding surgical outcomes.

Surgery may be done vaginally, laparoscopically/robotically or in some combination when appropriate.

To reduce risk and improve recovery, we use a minimally invasive surgical approach whenever possible.

If you’re experiencing symptoms you think may be pelvic prolapse, please call the Palm Beach Center for Pelvic Health at 561-701-2841 to schedule an appointment.