You’ve been noticing strange symptoms in your pelvic and genital area. You might feel a constant sense of pressure that seems to come from your pelvis or lower back, or a sense of unexplained “fullness” in your vagina.
Vigorous physical activity, or sexual intercourse, results in pain, which isn’t normal for you. You’re either constipated or incontinent. What on earth is your body trying to tell you?
These could all be early symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. One of the many organs in your pelvis, including your uterus, bladder, or rectum, may have shifted out of place within your body. The muscles and tissues that support the organ become weakened or damaged. In severe cases, pelvic organ prolapse may even result in organs emerging out of the body via the vaginal canal.
Prolapse is more common than you may realize, affecting one in every five women in the United States.
If you notice early warning signs of prolapse or if you have significant risk factors, seek evaluation and care from board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Kristin M. Jackson and the team at Advanced Urogynecology, located in Maitland, Florida. Dr. Jackson can help you understand the messages your body is sending and work with you to plan the next steps in your treatment and healing.
Your first signs of a pelvic organ prolapse are often unclear or complex. In general, pay attention to how your body feels, and reach out to Dr. Jackson if you notice changes, especially ones that are uncomfortable.
An aching sense of pressure in your lower body may be your first indicator that something is wrong. If it’s organ prolapse, the sense of pressure will be persistent and constant. Your discomfort may worsen during sex or other physical activity.
You may also notice problems with urination, alerting you to the fact that all is not well in your pelvic area. When your organs aren’t positioned correctly, you’re likely to have related issues with urination and defecation. You might experience urinary incontinence or leakage, or constipation and bowel reluctance.
Since your vaginal canal provides an exit to your pelvic area, pelvic organ prolapse may cause symptoms felt primarily in your genitals. Your vagina may feel unusually “full,” or it may feel like something is coming out of it. You may even be able to see or feel a vaginal bulge.
If you notice these symptoms, especially if you also have risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse, such as being overweight or obese, or having given birth vaginally to a baby weighing more than 8.5 pounds, contact Advanced Urogynecology right away. Your risks go up if you’ve been pregnant very recently or if you’ve delivered vaginally multiple times.
Dr. Jackson reviews your symptoms and examines your pelvis. You may need additional diagnostic tests.
Once prolapse is identified, you can find the right treatment plan tailored to your needs. Your treatment may involve lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or the use of supportive devices.
Either way, when you notice symptoms of potential pelvic organ prolapse, don’t hesitate to seek evaluation. If you feel atypical vaginal fullness, pelvic discomfort, or notice changes in your bowel or urinary habits, contact Dr. Jackson at Advanced Urogynecology right away.
To schedule your initial consultation, call us now.
