Pelvic Prolapse
Pelvic Prolapse, Cystocele, Enterocele, and Rectocele (Bladder or Bowel Bulging into the Vagina):
Pelvic organ prolapse is a general term referring to the protrusion (herniation) of one of a woman¿s pelvic organs (uterus, vaginal apex, bladder or rectum) and its associated vaginal wall into the vaginal vault. There are different terms used to describe the specific prolapsed organs, which we detail below. The female pelvic organs are supported by the muscles and fascia of the pelvic floor. Prolapse results from weakness in these structures.
Pelvic prolapse is common, and more than 200,000 surgeries are performed to correct it each year. In fact, a woman¿s lifetime risk for undergoing surgery for prolapse is approximately 10% by the time she reaches age 80. Risk factors for prolapse include prior pregnancy, vaginal delivery, obesity, old age, and menopause, among others.
Women with prolapse most commonly complain of pelvic pressure or heaviness. They might also note protrusion of tissue from their vagina. Certain types of prolapse are associated with specific symptoms. Women with a cystocele (the downward displacement of the bladder) often have problems with urinating. They might also complain of discomfort with intercourse and/or urinary incontinence. Women with a rectocele (displacement of the rectum) might complain of low back pain, severe constipation, or an intense desire to defecate. An enterocele (herniation of the bowel and the lining of the abdomen) can coexist with a cystocele and/or a rectocele.
Women with mild prolapse can be treated with pelvic floor exercises and physical therapy with behavioral modification. Women with moderate prolapse might benefit from a vaginal pessary used in combination with vaginal estrogen. In cases of severe prolapse, surgery is the treatment of choice. Options for pelvic reconstruction vary, but all involve strengthening the pelvic floor defect.
| Service Name | Appointment |
|---|---|
| Urology - Adult | |
| Neurourology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery | A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center | 734-936-7030 |
| Livonia Center for Specialty Care | 734-936-7030 |
