Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support the female pelvic organs start to weaken. As a result, the pelvic organs—including the uterus, bladder, and rectum—drop out of place and create a bulge of tissue in the vagina.

In many women with only mild prolapse, there may be no signs of symptoms of this condition. Others with mild or severe prolapse may experience some symptoms, such as:

• Experiencing a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the pelvis
• Experiencing a pulling or aching feeling in the lower abdomen or pelvis
• Having difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
• Having painful or uncomfortable sexual intercourse

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an appointment to see your women’s health provider right away.

Any condition or situation that creates intense and extended pressure in the abdomen can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse. This condition is most commonly caused by pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. However, constipation, hysterectomy, obesity, pelvic organ cancers, and respiratory ailments that involve a chronic cough can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse.

Additionally, research has shown that this condition may run in families, in which the connective tissues in some women are weaker.

Visiting Dr. DelCharco and the competent staff at his clinic provides you with access to a doctor who has decades’ experience addressing urogynecological issues. In addition to offering conventional OB/GYN services, Dr. DelCharco also cares for female bladder problems and pelvic organ prolapse.

Depending on the severity of your pelvic organ prolapse and the organs affected, Dr. DelCharco may suggest pelvic floor exercises, nonsurgical pessaries that are inserted into the vagina to help hold the pelvic organs in place, or laparoscopic surgery with the da Vinci robot-assisted computer system. Contact the office to learn about your options for treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.