Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The pelvic organ prolapse is the bulging of one or more organs into the vagina. These organs include the uterus, vagina, bowel, and bladder. Many people fear that prolapse is a sign of cancer. However, it is rare and you don’t need to stress over it. If you feel a sensation of a bulge coming out of the vagina, it indicates a problem. Moreover, when a female feels discomfort during sex it is another sign.
Patients suffering from prolapse complain of problems in passing urine. The stream of urine is slower and doesn’t empty the bladder fully. When you feel the need to urinate often it can be due to prolapse. Unfortunately, some women don’t get any symptoms of this condition. Everything is discovered during the internal examination of the pelvis. Sometimes cervical screening is also used to find the exact cause of your problem.
Is Prolapse A Sign Of Cancer?
Pelvic organ prolapse is not life-threatening and it is a sign of cancer. However, it can affect the quality of your life in many ways. You need to consult a doctor if you have symptoms related to prolapse. If you notice a lump inside or around your vagina it is a sign of a problem. The doctor will suggest you an internal pelvic examination to be sure of the condition.
You will need to undress and lie back on the examination table. They will feel for any lumps that are surrounding your pelvic area. Some women may feel embarrassed about the doctor may mind. However, it is always better to remain careful and vigilant. There is no doubt a doctor can help you feel better. It takes only a few minutes for the expert to carry out the test.
If things don’t seem clear the doctor will ask you to go through further tests. In any case, if you suffer from bladder issues the tests will be different. When you need to rush to the bathroom frequently it can be an issue. Or if the leaking happens as you cough or sneeze, further tests will clear the situation. No matter what type of test it is conducted at the hospital. Some tests are conducted by inserting a small tube inside the bladder. Once the bladder is examined doctor will find out more about your problem.
Types Of prolapse
If the test confirms a prolapse it is best to determine how severe it is. Most often the doctor uses a number system to indicate the level of severity. It ranges from one to four. The fourth number indicates a severe condition. Pelvic prolapse can directly affect the front, top, or back of the vagina. Some main types of prolapse are:
1. Anterior Prolapse (Cystocele)
With anterior prolapse, the bladder will bulge into the front wall of the vagina.
2. Uterus Prolapse
The uterus prolapse can be a result of treatment that was used to remove the womb.
3. Posterior Wall Prolapse
Posterior wall prolapse occurs when the bowel bulges out from the back wall of the vagina. It is even possible to have one or more prolapses at the same time.
Why Does Prolapse Happen?
Prolapse is quite common among women. It happens due to weak tissues that fail to support the pelvic organs. Even though this is rare among many, a single risk can develop an increase in prolapse. As you get older and reach the level of menopause you are under more threat.
If you have experienced long and painful labor it can lead to weak tissues around the pelvis. Once you give birth to multiple babies or a large baby it can affect your pelvic region. The body of a female goes through many changes during menopause. All the tissues become weak as the level of estrogen goes down.
If any woman is overweight she can expect to have large fibroids in or around her womb. However, they are non-cancerous tumors. Sometimes the pelvic cysts can create a lot of pressure around the pelvic area. When you have had a previous bladder surgery developing a prolapse is easier.
Women need to make sure that they don’t for repeated heavy lifting. If you are into manual work you need to be even more careful. Long-term sneezing or coughing can have a bad effect on your overall body. Are you suffering from constipation? You will be surprised to know that it can lead to weaker tissues in the pelvic region.
How To Prevent Prolapse?
If you don’t want to have prolapse it is necessary to take good care of yourself. You can reduce the risk of this disease by doing pelvic floor exercises. It is necessary to keep your body weight in control. If you are overweight the risk of developing prolapse is higher. When you are constipated try and incorporate a healthy high-fiber diet.
Your diet must include fresh fruits, vegetables, and cereal along with wholegrain bread. This will help you keep away from the strain in the toilet. Women can try and reduce the heavy lifting to save themselves from trouble. One more important thing is that you need to stop smoking. It can drastically reduce the risk of prolapse. Few changes in your lifestyle can lead to beneficial results.
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How To Treat Prolapse?
Many women don’t need to have treatment for this problem. It will normally not hinder your daily activities and routine. All you need is to incorporate a few changes in your day and get the best results. A healthy weight loss plan can prevent you from developing prolapse. Pelvic floor exercises are turning out to be useful for preventing prolapse.
If the symptoms are not improving and you feel a risk it is best to get another treatment. Doctors can treat this condition by inserting a device into the vagina. This method is known as a vaginal pessary. It will help bring prolapsed organs into the right place.
Surgery can be a good option for some females though. Sometimes support is given to the prolapsed organ. In some cases, the removal of the womb seems to be the only option. Many women continue to have a better lifestyle right after the surgery.
