Female genital prolapse is an ordinary condition that affects many women worldwide each year. As women age or experience multiple pregnancies, the muscles and tissues that normally support the pelvic organs can weaken over time. One out of every four women aged 18 and above acknowledges experiencing a pelvic floor disorder, such as pelvic organ prolapse. 

However, despite this significant statistic, numerous women refrain from discussing this issue with a healthcare professional. For some, feelings of embarrassment arise, while others may perceive it as a natural aspect of the aging process.

For many women, the topic of female genital prolapse is often met with discomfort and embarrassment. But why suffer in silence when knowledge is power? In this blog post, we will discuss all details about female genital prolapse. 

Understanding Female Genital Prolapse

Female genital prolapse is a condition where organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum sag or bulge into the vaginal canal. 

It occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting these organs weaken, often due to factors like childbirth, aging, or even chronic coughing. This weakening can lead to various symptoms and affect your daily life.

4 Facts About Female Genital Prolapse

Are you feeling discomfort or strange sensations in your pelvic area but too embarrassed to talk about it? It's time to break the silence and learn more about an important issue affecting women worldwide: female genital prolapse. Here are four essential facts you need to know:

1) You’re not alone

Female genital prolapse, or pelvic organ prolapse (POP), is a common condition affecting women of various ages. Statistics reveal that POP impacts 1 in 4 women in their 40s, escalating to 1 in 3 in their 60s, and eventually affecting half of all women by their 80s. 

While childbirth-related changes in the pelvic floor are primary contributors to POP, other factors such as aging, hormonal shifts during menopause, obesity, genetic predisposition, pelvic floor injuries, and certain medical conditions can also trigger or exacerbate the condition. 

Additionally, lifestyle habits like chronic constipation, persistent coughing from smoking or lung disease, and strenuous physical activities can strain the pelvic floor muscles, increasing the risk of POP.

2) The postpartum period is an ideal time to check your pelvic floor health

During the postpartum period, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," it's crucial to prioritize your pelvic floor health. This time offers an excellent opportunity to discuss any changes in your pelvic muscles with your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn).

Engaging in preventive care during this phase can significantly reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This may involve consulting with a pelvic floor therapist, making dietary adjustments to alleviate constipation or aid in weight loss, or considering the use of a pessary.

Always remember that maintaining optimal pelvic floor health is essential for your overall well-being. Collaborating with your ob-gyn allows you to address any concerns and provide the necessary attention and care to your pelvic floor.

3) Many Symptoms Develop Over Time

Female genital prolapse manifests through a variety of symptoms that typically develop gradually over time. 

While some cases may present suddenly, such as during strenuous activities like weightlifting, most instances exhibit female genital prolapse symptoms like urinary incontinence, incomplete bladder emptying, pelvic pressure or discomfort, pain during intercourse, vaginal laxity, difficulty achieving orgasm, and potential exacerbation of bowel issues, including constipation. 

In severe cases where the rectum protrudes into the vagina, additional bowel-related complications may arise, necessitating manual assistance for bowel movements.

Here's a detailed overview of the female genital prolapse symptoms:

A) Feeling of Pressure or Fullness: 

Many women with genital prolapse experience a sensation of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area. This sensation may be likened to the feeling of having a tampon in place or something pushing down on the pelvic floor.

B) Bulging or Protrusion: 

A common symptom of genital prolapse is the feeling of something bulging or protruding from the vagina. This may be more noticeable during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as standing, lifting, or straining.

C) Pelvic or Lower Back Pain: 

Women with genital prolapse may experience pelvic or lower back pain, particularly during activities such as intercourse or prolonged standing. The pain may be dull or achy and may worsen as the day progresses.

D) Urinary Symptoms: 

Genital prolapse can affect bladder function, leading to various urinary symptoms, including:

• Urinary Incontinence: Leakage of urine, particularly with activities such as coughing, sneezing, or lifting.
• Urinary Urgency: Sudden and strong urges to urinate.
• Incomplete Emptying: Difficulty fully emptying the bladder, resulting in a sense of incomplete voiding or the need for frequent trips to the bathroom.
• Urinary Retention: Difficulty initiating or maintaining urination, which may require straining to empty the bladder fully.

E) Bowel Symptoms: 

Prolapse of the rectum or other pelvic organs can lead to bowel symptoms, such as:

• Constipation: Difficulty passing stools or infrequent bowel movements.
• Incomplete Emptying: Feeling as though the bowel movements are incomplete or that stool is trapped in the rectum.
• Straining: Excessive straining during bowel movements, which can worsen prolapse symptoms.

F) Sexual Dysfunction: 

Genital prolapse can impact sexual function and comfort, leading to symptoms such as:

• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, often due to pressure on the vaginal wall or stretching of the tissues.
• Reduced Sensation: Diminished sensation or pleasure during sexual activity, which may affect sexual satisfaction.

4) Good Treatment Options

Women should collaborate with a urogynecologist or pelvic floor specialist to tailor treatment to their specific needs and preferences. If pelvic organ prolapse (POP) isn't causing discomfort, treatment may not be necessary. There are several lifestyle adjustments that can potentially improve symptoms:

• Increasing fiber intake and staying hydrated to ease bowel movements.
• Shedding excess weight, if necessary, to alleviate pressure on pelvic organs.
• Engaging in exercises like yoga and Pilates to strengthen the core muscles.

Additionally, various treatment options are available:

• Pessaries: These simple devices, inserted into the vagina, provide support to pelvic organs and can effectively alleviate bulging symptoms and urinary leakage.
• Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): These exercises target muscles around the vagina, urethra, and rectum. However, it's essential to perform them correctly to avoid exacerbating POP. A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess muscle strength using sensors and teach the proper technique. Alternatively, devices for at-home use are available.
• Surgery: In cases where POP significantly impacts quality of life, surgery may be necessary. Symptoms such as vaginal bulging, urinary or fecal incontinence, pain, or difficulty retaining a pessary may indicate the need for surgical intervention.

Conclusion

It is vital for all women to understand the symptoms and facts about female genital prolapse. As we have learned, this common but often overlooked condition can greatly impact a woman's physical and emotional well-being. It's time to stop suffering in silence and take control of our own health. 

Whether you are experiencing symptoms or not, it is important to schedule regular check-ups with your gynecologist and speak up about any concerns you may have. Don't let the stigma surrounding female genital prolapse discourage you from seeking help. Remember, your health should always be a top priority.