Pelvic Organ Prolapses

Pelvic organ prolapse problems are very common among women, and if you suffer from uterine prolapse, bladder prolapse, vaginal prolapse, or rectal prolapse, please understand, we can help. Prolapses can occur on a variety of levels, and they can range from mild (grade 1) to very severe (grade 4) in symptoms. For those with less mild prolapses, they can present with discomfort, pain, and overall stress.

Characteristics of Pelvic Organ Prolapses

Pelvic organ prolapses typically occur when there is a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, causing the organs held there to shift from their normal placement, into the vagina. When prolapses are more advanced, tissue can be forced through the vagina, causing them to bulge externally. In the most extreme situations, a uterus can be pushed entirely out of the vagina.

Types of Pelvic Prolapses:

Bladder Prolapse: Also known as a cystocele, this occurs with bulging and/ or herniation at the front wall of the vagina.

Uterine Prolapse: A descending or “dropping” of the uterus into the vaginal vault.

Rectocele Prolapse: Also known as a rectal prolapse, this condition occurs when the lower end of the rectum protrudes externally from the anus.

Vaginal Prolapse: Vaginal prolapse occurs when the upper part of the vagina drops into the vaginal vault.

Each type of prolapse will have certain unique symptoms. However, general symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse issues include the following:

• Feelings of pain, pressure, or a fullness in the vagina and/ or rectum
• The feeling that your insides are falling out, or you feel the tissues of the vagina bulging
• Back and/ or pelvic pain
• Urinary incontinence (from mild to severe)
• Retention of urine
• Fecal incontinence
• Chronic constipation
• Involuntary pushing out of tampons
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• A loss of sensation during sexual intercourse

What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapses can occur from a variety of causes; from multiple vaginal births to obesity to age. Another risk factor is having had a hysterectomy. Lifestyle, additionally, can play a role in the development of a prolapse of a pelvic organ.

The most common side effects of prolapse include urinary incontinence, the urge to urinate frequently, and sensations of continuous pressure in the pelvic area (vagina or rectum). A woman can have multiple prolapses, which can make things even more uncomfortable. Fortunately, whether a single prolapse is present, or several, there are options available to assist, ranging from non-invasive treatments to pelvic surgery, if a total correction is needed. If you suspect you have a pelvic organ prolapse, or if you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms, we recommend you contact the experts at Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey for an evaluation. Care for a prolapse should begin immediately as these conditions can worsen and become more extreme with time.

The office of Dr. Khashayar Shakiba can be reached at:

Women’s Pelvic Surgery of North Jersey, LLC

211 Essex Street, Suite 402

Hackensack, 07601

Telephone: (201)- 301-2772

Fax: (551)-313-8274