Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment
A feeling of pressure, heaviness, or a bulge in the vagina may be a sign of pelvic organ prolapse. At Marina OB/GYN, our board-certified providers offer both nonsurgical and minimally invasive surgical treatments to restore comfort and support for women throughout Los Angeles County.
Book OnlineWhat Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support the pelvic organs become weakened or stretched, allowing the bladder, uterus, rectum, or top of the vagina to drop down into or beyond the vaginal canal. It is especially common after vaginal childbirth and menopause, and it affects millions of women. While prolapse is not usually dangerous, it can cause discomfort and interfere with daily activities, exercise, and intimacy.
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Cystocele: The bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina.
- Rectocele: The rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.
- Uterine prolapse: The uterus descends into the vaginal canal.
- Vaginal vault prolapse: The top of the vagina drops after a hysterectomy.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Common symptoms include a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, a bulge at the vaginal opening, urinary incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and discomfort during intercourse. Risk factors include vaginal childbirth, aging, menopause, chronic coughing, heavy lifting, and excess weight.
Treatment Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Treatment depends on the type and severity of prolapse and how much it affects your life.
- Pelvic floor strengthening: Targeted exercises can improve mild prolapse and bladder control.
- Pessary: A removable device placed in the vagina to support the pelvic organs.
- Weight management: Our weight loss program can reduce pressure on the pelvic floor.
- Vaginal tightening and repair: Vaginoplasty and nonsurgical vaginal rejuvenation can restore support and tone.
- Surgery: For more advanced prolapse, reconstructive surgery or hysterectomy, often performed with da Vinci robotic surgery, can restore pelvic support.
Prolapse Care Close to Home
Marina OB/GYN treats pelvic organ prolapse at offices in Marina Del Rey, Hawthorne, South Gate, Carson, Long Beach, Torrance, and Los Angeles. Learn more about other conditions we treat or browse our OB/GYN services.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse FAQs
What causes pelvic organ prolapse?
Prolapse is most often caused by weakening of the pelvic floor from vaginal childbirth, aging, and the drop in estrogen after menopause.
What does prolapse feel like?
Many women describe pelvic heaviness, pressure, or a feeling that something is falling out of the vagina, which often worsens later in the day.
Can prolapse get better without surgery?
Mild prolapse often improves with pelvic floor exercises, weight management, or a pessary. More advanced prolapse may need surgery.
Is pelvic organ prolapse dangerous?
It is rarely dangerous, but it can affect bladder and bowel function and quality of life, so evaluation is recommended.
Does prolapse cause bladder leakage?
Yes. A bladder prolapse can cause urinary incontinence or trouble emptying the bladder.
Do I need a hysterectomy for uterine prolapse?
Not always. Treatment depends on severity and your goals. Hysterectomy is one option for advanced uterine prolapse.
How can I lower my risk of prolapse?
Pelvic floor exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, treating chronic cough or constipation, and using proper lifting technique can all help.