Pelvic organ prolapse is a common and treatable condition. Treatments and therapies can include lifestyle changes, mechanical supports for pelvic floor muscles, and surgery. If you think you may have pelvic organ prolapse, a trusted expert can help rule out other conditions, determine a diagnosis, and find the right treatment plan for you.
How is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Diagnosed?
DiagnosisIf you are experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, discuss each of them with your doctor. Your doctor will also ask questions about your general health and your past pregnancies, if any, to help diagnose pelvic organ prolapse.
They will also perform a pelvic exam to check the size and shape of your pelvic organs. Your doctor may ask you to strain or cough during the exam to see whether this causes the organs to move or urine to leak. Your doctor may then refer you to a specialist called a urogynecologist.
Tests
Your doctor may order one of these tests to provide more information about your condition and to help determine your diagnosis. Some are done in a doctor’s office, others in a hospital.
- Bladder function tests, also called urodynamic tests, measure how well your bladder empties
- Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI, or computed tomography (CT) that take pictures of the pelvic organs
- Cystoscopy to inspect the bladder and urethra using a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end
How is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treated?
TreatmentsPelvic organ prolapse treatment options depend on your symptoms and which organs have prolapsed. If symptoms are mild, you may opt to do nothing beyond avoiding heavy lifting and other forms of chronic straining.
Pelvic organ prolapse treatment options for more severe cases include:
Physical therapy
Strengthening pelvic floor muscles can help relieve symptoms of mild pelvic organ prolapse and prevent the need for more treatment. You can do pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, at home, or your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in the pelvic floor. These experts can help you learn exercises, including biofeedback training, to help bladder and bowel control.
Mechanical support
A pessary is a removable device inserted into the vagina—similar to how a diaphragm is used for birth control—that supports prolapsed organs. Pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse come in different shapes and sizes. Your doctor will help you find one that fits and is comfortable. Some pessaries are easy for a patient to insert and remove themself, while others require a visit to the doctor.
Types of pessaries for pelvic organ prolapse include:
- Ring - Helpful for symptoms of urinary urgency
- Donut - Supports both mild and more severe prolapses
- Gellhorn - For advanced prolapse
- Cube - For advanced prolapse
- Inflatable - Supports several prolapsed organs together
Medications
Medications may relieve some symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. The use of medication depends on the area that is bulging or prolapsed.
- Oral estrogen or topical estrogen creme, prescribed to treat vaginal dryness after menopause, may be used with a pessary
- Stool softeners to help ease bowel movements in cases of rectal prolapse
Surgery
If pelvic organ prolapse causes pain, affects your daily life, and does not improve with nonsurgical treatments, talk to your doctor about options for surgery. Surgical approaches to treatment vary depending on the organs affected, your age, other health problems, whether you are sexually active, and whether you plan to become pregnant.
Some pelvic organ prolapse surgery can be done through the vagina or with minimally invasive techniques
This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.
Find Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse at NewYork-Presbyterian
At NewYork-Presbyterian, our specialists are skilled in evaluating pelvic floor disorders and treating them with the least invasive approaches. We are dedicated to helping you understand your symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and find effective treatments that improve your quality of life. Make an appointment to see a pelvic organ prolapse specialist today.