When the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue weaken or rupture, one or more of the organs within the pelvis move from their normal position and protrude into the vagina, known as pelvic organ prolapse. The uterus, vagina, bowel, and bladder are the pelvic organs. Usually, the muscles and tissues of the pelvic area support and retain the pelvic organs in place. The pelvic organ prolapse stages are as follows.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stages: 1-4 Stages
The severity of a pelvic organ prolapse is determined by how far it has progressed. Pelvic organ prolapse is classified into four stages, with stage 1 having minimal symptoms and stage 4 having severe symptoms.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stages 1-4 (1):
Despite the mild prolapse, the organs are still reasonably well supported by the pelvic floor.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stage 2:
Pelvic floor organs have started to slip out, although they are still trapped inside the vagina.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stage 3:
Pelvic floor organs have fallen to or beyond the vaginal opening.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stage 4:
The pelvic floor organs have entirely passed through the vaginal opening.
At what stage of prolapse require surgery?
Stage 1 prolapse causes no symptoms in a woman and would most likely be watched over time. Stage 2 vaginal prolapse in one location would need a conservative surgical correction. Stage 3 and 4 pelvic organ prolapse, which are severe prolapse, would require a more extensive prolapse repair.
Your physician will examine your medical history and do a pelvic examination to assess you for pelvic organ prolapse. They will use a 1-4 staging method to determine the degree of prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse may be classified into four types:
Anterior vaginal wall prolapse (cystocele) occurs when the vaginal front wall sags downward or outward, allowing the bladder to descend from its usual position.
Posterior wall prolapse or posterior vaginal wall prolapse (rectocele): The rectum bulges upward into the vagina due to a weakening vaginal wall and perineum.
Uterine Prolapse /prolapsed uterus; When the uterus and higher vaginal supports weaken, the uterus slides down into the vaginal canal or beyond the vaginal opening.
Vaginal Vault Prolapse: The weakening of the vaginal vault’s top support in a woman who has previously undergone a hysterectomy. The vaginal walls might then drop into the vaginal canal or beyond the vaginal aperture.
How fast does pelvic organ prolapse progress?
Pelvic organ prolapse may occur fast but can also grow slowly over time. One in every three women will have prolapse over her lifetime, and one in every five will have surgery for this reason.
How serious is pelvic organ prolapse?
Prolapse may be painful, particularly if you can feel the bulge after lengthy periods of walking or standing. The good news is that prolapse is seldom fatal, and several treatment options are available. Most women pick their treatment based on how severe the symptoms are.
Several non-surgical treatment alternatives are available, including dietary adjustments, pelvic floor muscle exercises, and physical therapy. A pessary, which is put into the vagina, is one therapy for prolapse. Finally, surgeries are available to treat prolapse.
Causes of pelvic organ prolapse
Many factors might cause your pelvic floor to deteriorate. A weak pelvic floor raises your chances of having a prolapse.
The most frequent risk factor for developing POP is vaginal childbirth. Multiple vaginal births, having twins or triplets, or carrying a larger-than-average baby (fetal macrosomia) increase your chances of injuring your pelvic muscles and developing POP.
Your muscles, especially your pelvic floor muscles, might lose strength as you age. One factor is an estrogen deficiency. Your body generates less estrogen during menopause. The deterioration might impair the connective fibers that support your pelvic floor.
Being overweight raises your risk of POP. Persons who are clinically overweight or obese are more likely to acquire POP than people who are in the normal weight range, according to studies.
Long-term abdominal strain might overwork your pelvic floor muscles, leading them to deteriorate. Chronic constipation, coughing, and heavy lifting regularly raise your risk of getting POP.
A family history of POP may raise your chances of having the disease. Although research on the genetic components of POP is underway, you may have inherited a weaker pelvic floor.
Collagen alterations might weaken the connective tissues in your pelvic floor, increasing your chances of developing POP. People with connective tissue problems, such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and more joint mobility are more likely to get POP.
Degrees of uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is classified into phases based on how far it has dropped. Other pelvic organs (such as the bladder or intestine) may prolapse into the vagina as well. The four degrees of uterine prolapse are as follows:
Stage I – the uterus is located in the upper portion of the vaginal canal.
Stage II – the uterus has almost reached the vaginal opening.
Stage III – the uterus protrudes from the vaginal wall opening.
Stage IV – the uterus has entirely exited the vaginal canal.
Pelvic floor exercises
Many women find that completing certain exercises relieves their Pelvic Organ Prolapse symptoms. A physical therapist experienced in this area may assist in developing a personalized strategy that involves locating and strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and learning to relax them.
While physical therapy cannot entirely correct a pelvic prolapse, pelvic floor muscle exercise may dramatically lessen symptoms. As a first step, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a women’s health physical therapist who will walk you through the therapy choices listed below.
· Biofeedback for Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegel Exercises)
· Stimulation of the Pelvic Floor
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
The most typical symptom is a bulge in your vagina as if something were about to fall out of it. Other signs and symptoms include:
· Vaginal enlargement, fullness, or pressure
· Pelvic pain
· Aches and pains in your lower back.
· During intercourse, there may be pressure, a hitting feeling, or pain (dyspareunia).
· The presence of a bulge or pressure that worsens during the day
· Bulge or pressure that intensifies when you cough or stand for too long
· Having to use your finger to relocate protruding organs to pee or defecate.
· Spotting in the cervix
The location of your prolapse determines your symptoms. Informing your doctor about your symptoms allows them to pinpoint the weakest areas of your pelvic floor. If you are in need of a pelvic organ prolapse lawyer to assist with a case of malpractice, contact Tom Plouff Chicago.
