Pelvic Prolapse

What causes Pelvic Prolapse?

Childbirth, especially vaginal delivery, is a key contributor to this condition. Other risk factors include a family history of the condition, obesity, advancing age, hysterectomy, and conditions that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as asthma or constipation.

How is Pelvic Prolapse diagnosed?

What to know before your visit Michigan Institute of Urology in Southeast Michigan:

• During your visit, your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform an exam focused on the abdomen and genitalia.

Other tests may include:

• Urinalysis: This test looks for any blood in the urine or infection.
• Post-void residual: You’ll be asked to urinate, then checked to make sure are emptying your bladder.
• Cystoscopy: Your physician inserts a small scope into the urethra/bladder.
• Urodynamic testing: In cases where there is urine retention or severe urgency, this test is used to measure your bladder function. A catheter is inserted into your bladder to monitor bladder pressure and activity.

How is Pelvic Prolapse treated?

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS 

• Pelvic floor muscle exercises (i.e., Kegel exercises) to strengthen these muscles.
• Pessaries: A medical device inserted into the vagina used to provide structural support.
• Activity modification: Your physician may recommend activity modification such as avoiding heavy lifting or straining. 

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

• For sexually active women a vaginal surgery can be performed using their own vaginal tissue to rebuild pelvic floor support. Often, a more robust operation performed robotically through the abdomen is offered to support the vagina to the sacrum (tail bone) using synthetic mesh. Vaginal mesh procedures are no longer performed due to safety concerns
• For women who are not sexually active or who are high surgical risk (due to age or medical history) a simple surgery to close the vaginal opening can be performed.