What is pelvic organ prolapse?
This can happen when the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor become weakened or damaged.
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What are the different types of pelvic organ prolapse?
Stage 1 is the least severe, and means the organ is still pretty well-supported and inside the vagina.
Stage 4 is the most severe, and means the organ is coming out of the vagina.
What causes pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is due to a weakened or injured pelvic floor.Trusted SourceU.S.
Prolapse most commonly occurs many years after childbirth, with the risk going up after multiple births.
But it can also happen in the immediate weeks and months postpartum.
However, the pressure build-up of pregnancy alone can lead to prolapse.
In mild cases of prolapse, there are often no symptoms at all.
In those cases, its more likely for the prolapse to be noticed during a physical exam.
Mild cases might feel like a bulge in the vagina.
However, it can take up to six months or longer for your pelvic floor to heal from birth.
The good news: Postpartum prolapse can improve with time, especially with physical therapy.
Treatment depends on the severity of the prolapse, as well as the organs affected.
Sometimes, treatment isnt needed.
Physical therapy with a womens health orpelvic floor physical therapistcan help retrain your pelvic floor to improve symptoms.
An OB/GYN or urogynecologist can recommend and fit you for a pessary, if needed.
Surgery is also an option, if the prolapse persists and is severe.
Is there anything you could do to prevent pelvic organ prolapse?
Many of the risk factors for developing prolapse are not in your control.
These include your family history and how your pregnancy and childbirth unfold.
However, understanding the importance of your pelvic floor and keeping it strong can go a long way.
Most importantly, remember that nine months of pregnancy and labor change your body.
It takes time to recover!
Be gentle with yourself, and never feel ashamed to seek advice from a professional for help.
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