Pelvic Organ Prolapse:
Easy Help for the first 2 stages

Most women who’ve given birth know about basic pelvic floor health and the wonders Kegels can do, but pelvic organ prolapse (POP) may not be as familiar a term. Even though up to 40% of women develop some form of pelvic prolapse, many do not discuss prolapse with their clinicians until symptoms are well developed.

What is Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic prolapse, also known as pelvic organ prolapse (POP), occurs when the pelvic floor muscles weaken, causing one or more organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) to shift downward into the vaginal canal. This condition can lead to discomfort, a sensation of heaviness, and, in some cases, difficulty with bladder or bowel function. Your pelvic floor muscles are actually a layered network that creates a “hammock” or sling-like support for your bladder, rectum, and uterus. So it is no wonder that when the support system weakens or stretches, pelvic prolapse happens.

Many women experience mild to moderate pelvic prolapse without realizing it, as symptoms may develop gradually. Left untreated, the condition can worsen over time, impacting daily activities and quality of life.

Pelvic Prolapse vs. Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The terms “pelvic prolapse” and “pelvic organ prolapse” are often used interchangeably. However, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) specifically refers to the descent of individual organs, such as:

Cystocele (Bladder Prolapse): When the bladder drops into the vaginal space.
Rectocele (Rectal Prolapse): When the rectum pushes into the vaginal wall.
Uterine Prolapse: When the uterus descends into or beyond the vaginal opening.
Enterocele: When the small intestine presses against the vaginal wall.

Pelvic prolapse is a broader term that describes the general weakening of pelvic floor support and the shifting of organs, regardless of severity.

Symptoms and stages of pelvic organ prolapse

Symptoms. One of the problems with pelvic prolapse is that women may not notice the problem until the condition has significantly progressed.

Early Signs of Pelvic Prolapse

Women with early-stage pelvic prolapse may notice:

A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis.
A bulging sensation or visible tissue at the vaginal opening.
Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
Lower back discomfort, especially after standing for long periods.
Increased urinary urgency or frequency.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, early intervention can help prevent worsening prolapse. Additionally, after progressions, symptoms may include:

Trouble urinating, caused by a kink in the ureter from a cystocele.
Constipation, caused by a rectocele.
Chronic urinary tract infections.
A physical bulge protruding from the vagina.

Stages. Clinicians divide POP into four stages, depending on how far the organ has descended into or beyond the vagina.

Stages 1 and 2 are considered mild and occur when any of the pelvic organs begin to fall into the vagina.
Stage 3 is moderate and describes when a pelvic organ has fallen to or partly through the opening of the vagina.
Stage 4 occurs when the organ is completely through the vaginal opening.

Risk factors for pelvic prolapse

Any condition that puts excessive pressure on the pelvic floor or compromises the muscle strength in your pelvic floor can contribute to developing POP. The largest risk of POP is women who’ve given birth, particularly vaginal deliveries. Other risk factors include:

Obesity. Excess weight puts more pressure on the pelvic floor, which can weaken the support system for pelvic organs.
Smoking. Chronic coughing can weaken your pelvic floor by putting repeated pressure on the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and anus.
Aging. Menopausal women’s pelvic floor muscles can deteriorate, either by stretching out over time or a decrease in muscle tone due to a lack of pelvic floor exercise.
Constipation. Repetitive straining can weaken your pelvic floor.

Elitone can help reduce those bladder leaks in just a few weeks!

Treatments for pelvic organ prolapse

After a pelvic exam, your doctor may suggest a variety of treatment depending on the severity of your prolapse. The main goal of any pelvic organ prolapse treatment is to create a stronger foundation for your pelvic organs. The type of prolapse and its cause will determine which treatment is right for you.

Pelvic floor exercises

Conservative treatment involves strengthening the pelvic floor muscles by doing Kegel exercises. About 1 in 3 women do Kegels incorrectly, but there are external devices, like ELITONE, that do your Kegels for you. This is effective for the first 2 mild stages.

Pessaries

This vaginal device is an alternative to surgery. Pessaries are made of silicone or latex and range in shape from a ring (similar to a diaphragm) for mild prolapse to a cube for more severe cases. When inserted up into the vagina, a pessary helps support the protruding bladder, rectum, or uterus. Pessaries are fitted to the individual and require periodic removal and cleaning, either at home (mild prolapse) or in a doctor’s office (severe prolapse).

Surgery

As a last resort, women undergo surgery to remedy the prolapse. The type of surgery depends on the diagnosis and can be done vaginally, laparoscopically, or abdominally.

Hysterectomy removes the uterus so it no longer puts pressure on the vaginal wall.
Cystocele/Rectocele repair surgically fixes the offending bladder or rectum, repositioning it and implanting a support material. Pelvic mesh surgery is a controversial topic, and the FDA banned some types of mesh.
Closure of the vagina may be used in older patients. The vagina is sewn shut, eliminating the prolapse, as well as sexual intercourse.

How to Strengthen the Pelvic Floor and Manage Pelvic prolapse

Women can take steps toward preventing pelvic prolapse by minimizing some of the risk factors (e.g., lose weight, stop smoking) and improving their pelvic floor health.

One of the most important aspects of pelvic floor health is toning and strengthening your pelvic floor muscles. Kegel exercises play a big part in reinforcing these muscles, but they can be tricky to do effectively. Externally applied devices, like Elitone, can do your Kegels for you, resulting in stronger pelvic floor muscles and fewer bladder leaks. In addition, because Elitone is externally applied (unlike vaginal devices), it is comfortable, worn under clothing as you continue other tasks, convenient, and easy to use. Learn more how Elitone works.