If you find yourself dealing with unpleasant symptoms such as incontinence, painful intercourse, or abdominal discomfort, you should ask your doctor whether pelvic organ prolapse treatments can offer relief.
As you grow older, the effects of childbirth and aging can weaken the muscles and connective tissues that form the pelvic floor, which supports the organs in your lower abdomen. The weakening of your pelvic floor can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that occurs when your cervix, uterus, vagina, urethra, bladder, or rectum shifts downward into the vaginal canal. If you notice the following signs of pelvic organ prolapse, you may find relief through treatment at a women’s health clinic in Arkansas.
Painful Intercourse
Sex is a regular part of a healthy lifestyle, so painful intercourse may be the first sign of pelvic organ prolapse that you notice. If you suffer from this condition, intercourse may be uncomfortable or even painful. Being mindful of your body and differentiating between normal sensations and those caused by pelvic organ prolapse can be a key first step toward receiving treatment.
Pressure in the Lower Abdomen
Feelings of fullness or pressure in your lower abdomen can normally be dismissed as a sign that you have simply eaten too much food or that you need to use the restroom. But for women who are suffering from an issue with their pelvic floor, these seemingly harmless feelings can a sign of pelvic organ prolapse.
As the muscles of the pelvic floor begin to weaken, the organs located in the pelvis can begin to shift into unnatural positions. This leads to the constant feeling of having to use the bathroom. If you experience unusual feelings of pressure at the base of your abdominal area, discuss the symptom with your doctor.
Bulging of the Pelvic Floor
Over time, childbirth or aging can cause the muscles and tissues of your pelvic floor to weaken, and the organs can begin to sag. One of the telltale signs of pelvic organ prolapse is a bulge that appears within the opening of the vagina. This bulge is caused by organs sliding downward due to a lack of support.
Sensations of Discomfort
While a visible bulge in the vaginal canal can be a definitive sign of pelvic floor prolapse, not all cases are as severe. Even if your pelvic floor has not weakened to the point of having a bulge, you may experience a sensation similar to that of a tampon falling out of your vagina. If you notice these sensations, it may be an indicator that your pelvic floor is weakening.
Changes in Bathroom Habits
During the aging process, you may begin to notice changes in your normal bathroom habits. Increased frequency of urination and incontinence are both to be expected as common experiences of growing older. Although these changes are inconvenient, they are typically not cause for alarm.
However, if you are experiencing other signs of pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence and the need to urinate more frequently may appear earlier in your life. This is due to increased pressure being placed on the bladder as a result of organs sliding out of their normal positions. The pressure on the bladder itself causes a sensation of having to urinate or, in some cases, incontinence.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatments
As you begin to explore pelvic organ prolapse treatments in Arkansas, talk with your doctor about your options. Many women can find relief through lifestyle changes and physical activity. Pelvic floor exercises, a high-fiber diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are a few ways you may be able to address your pelvic floor problem. There are also medical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse, such as surgery, physical therapy, and pessaries, which are silicone devices placed in the vagina to support the pelvic organs.
If you are interested in pelvic organ prolapse treatment in Arkansas, contact The Woman’s Clinic at (501) 664-4131 to schedule an appointment with a member of our experienced, compassionate staff.
