Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment in Bethesda, MD

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when one or more pelvic organs drop from their position. Pelvic organ prolapse is most commonly seen during pregnancy or after childbirth, however, there may be other causes.

At Capital Women’s Care, our all-female care team is highly trained in treating pelvic organ prolapse. Schedule a consultation at our gynecology clinic in Bethesda, MD today by calling (301) 897-9817.

Which Organs are Impacted by Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Weakened muscles in your pelvis may affect the following organs:

Vagina
Uterus
Bladder
Rectum

What Happens with Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken, causing one or more organs to drop or press into the walls of the vagina.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse can vary in severity:

With mild cases of POP, your organs may drop.
In more severe cases, they may extend outside your vagina and cause a bulge.

What are the Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Several factors can contribute to the development of pelvic organ prolapse, including:

Pregnancy
Childbirth
Aging
Obesity
Chronic coughing
Genetics

What are the Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

If you have weakened muscles in the pelvis area, you may experience:

Fullness in the pelvic area
Feeling of heaviness
A bulge or lump protruding from the vagina
Pelvic pain
Discomfort
Lower back pain
Urinary problems
Bowel issues
Issues or pain during sex

Diagnosing Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is common, but it can go undiagnosed. Even though it affects millions of women worldwide, many may feel uncomfortable discussing it due to its intimate nature. However, raising awareness and understanding of POP is crucial for early detection and effective management.

Your OB/GYN may request:

A bladder function test
An internal pelvic exam
Feeling for any lumps in the pelvic area
Imaging tests

Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends on several factors, including the severity of the prolapse, your age, overall health, and whether you plan to have children in the future.

Treatment options may include:

Lifestyle modifications

Making changes such as losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding heavy lifting can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further prolapse.

Pelvic floor exercises

Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercises such as Kegels can improve support for the pelvic organs and reduce symptoms of prolapse.

Pessaries

A pessary is a device inserted into the vagina. The pessary provides support for the pelvic organs and relieves symptoms of prolapse.

Surgery

In severe cases of pelvic organ prolapse, surgery may be necessary to repair the weakened tissues and provide support for the pelvic organs. Surgical options range from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive surgeries, depending on the individual case.

Schedule a Pelvic Organ Prolapse Consultation in Bethesda, MD

Left untreated, your prolapse and your symptoms can worsen. Schedule a consultation at our gynecology clinic in Bethesda, MD by calling (301) 897-9817 today.