Are You Suffering From Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
As we age, our bodies go through many changes. Men are fortunate in that their bodies are not exposed to so much stress as they age. Women, on the other hand, are used to intense procedures, such as childbirth, which can cause unwanted changes in their bodies. They experience not only mental signs of aging, such as memory loss, slurred speech and poor vision, but also physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and curvature of the body due to weakened bones throughout the body. Unfortunately, these physical changes are not limited to the surface of the body.
Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the most common conditions in women as they age. When the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic organs weaken, the organs can slip out of their normal position. Some of the symptoms associated with this condition are
Pain during urination and bowel emptying.
A feeling of heaviness and pressure that spreads to the vagina and causes discomfort.
Swelling of the urethra, rectum, cervix and bladder through the vagina.
Feeling of having to insert fingers into the vagina before emptying the bowels.
The urge to urinate becomes a problem.
Leaking urine during intercourse
Feeling the need to move the vagina to urinate.
Symptoms can vary greatly depending on the patient and the stage of pelvic organ prolapse, and worsen in the later stages of the condition. The causes of this condition vary from patient to patient. Some of the most common include:
Muscle and bone strength. People with weak tissues are prone to developing pelvic organ prolapse. Muscle and bone strength is determined by race and genes. Caucasian women are more likely to suffer from this condition than African American women.
Vaginal childbirth, which can lead to weakened pelvic muscles.
Injuries and accidents, such as car accidents and falls.
Constipation
Smoking
Obesity
Aging and menopause
Hysterectomy and other treatments for pelvic organ prolapse can make the condition worse later in life.
As pelvic organ prolapse affects an increasing number of women, many of them seek medical care each year. Many choose less invasive, nonsurgical procedures to treat this condition. Surgical procedures, such as the use of pelvic floor mesh, have also been performed on many women, although they have recently been discontinued due to complications experienced by many patients.
Therefore, if you think you have pelvic organ prolapse, you should see your doctor and have an examination to begin treatment immediately. You should also take the time to research the symptoms, causes, and treatments and find out which one is best for you. If pelvic organ prolapse is at an early stage, remedial measures may be recommended. The Internet can be a helpful resource for you.
