PelvicProlapse
Muscles and other tissues form a sling across the pelvis holding pelvic organs in place. When these muscles weaken over time due to childbirth, pregnancy, obesity, radiation treatment, surgery, consistent constipation and aging, pelvic prolapse may develop. Pelvic prolapse affects women on an everyday basis. Some may experience heaviness and aching in the vagina or even a sensation like something is falling out on the vagina, difficulty starting a urine stream, repetitive urinary tract infections, leaking urine during a cough, laugh or exercise and frequent urination. If any of these symptoms occur, a physician will attempt to diagnose the issue first with a physical pelvic examination. Once the pelvic exam has been performed a variety of different tests including a cotton swab test, bladder function test, pelvic floor strength test, MRI, ultrasound or cystoscopy may be administered. These tests will help the physician pinpoing the type of pelvic prolapse and administer the appropriate treatment. If the prolapse is mild, the physician may suggest specific excercises to strengthen pelvic muscles. Decisions about the treatment necessary for each patient will be made based on the severity of the pelvic prolapse.