What is pelvic organ prolapse?
It is a very common condition, particularly among older women. It's
estimated that half of women who have children will experience some form of
prolapse in later life, but because many women don't seek help from their
doctor the actual number of women affected by prolapse is unknown. This
leaflet explains the different types of prolapse that can occur and provides
information about causes, diagnosis, treatment options and prevention as
well as what you can do to help ease your symptoms.
Prolapse may also be called uterine prolapse, genital prolapse, uterovaginal
prolapse, pelvic relaxation, pelvic floor dysfunction, urogenital prolapse
or vaginal wall prolapse.
Types of Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become weak or
damaged and can no longer support the pelvic organs. The womb (uterus) is
the only organ that actually falls into the vagina. When the bladder and
bowel slip out of place, they push up against the walls of the vagina. While
prolapse is not considered a life threatening condition it may cause a great
deal of discomfort and distress.
There are a number of different types of prolapse that can occur in a
woman's pelvic area and these are divided into three categories according to
the part of the vagina they affect: front wall, back wall or top of the
vagina. It is not uncommon to have more than one type of prolapse.
Prolapse of the anterior (front) vaginal wall
Cystocele (bladder prolapse)
When the bladder prolapses, it falls towards the vagina and creates a large
bulge in the front vaginal wall. It's common for both the bladder and the
urethra (see below) to prolapse together. This is called a cystourethrocele
and is the most common type of prolapse in women. Urethrocele (prolapse of
the urethra)When the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder)
slips out of place, it also pushes against the front of the vaginal wall,
but lower down, near the opening of the vagina. This usually happens
together with a cystocele (see above).
Prolapse of the posterior (back) vaginal wall
Enterocele (prolapse of the small bowel)
Part of the small intestine that lies just behind the uterus (in a space
called the pouch of Douglas) may slip down between the rectum and the back
wall of the vagina. This often occurs at the same time as a rectocele or
uterine prolapse (see below).
Rectocele (prolapse of the rectum or large bowel)
This occurs when the end of the large bowel (rectum) loses support and
bulges into the back wall of the vagina. It is different from a rectal
prolapse (when the rectum falls out of the anus). Uterine and vaginal vault
prolapse (apical or top)
Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse is when the womb drops down into the vagina. It is the
second most common type of prolapse and is classified into three grades
depending on how far the womb has fallen.
There are a number of different types of prolapse that can occur in a
woman's pelvic area and these are divided into three categories according to
the part of the vagina they affect: front wall, back wall or top of the
vagina. It is not uncommon to have more than one type of prolapse.
Prolapse of the anterior (front) vaginal wall
Cystocele (bladder prolapse)
When the bladder prolapses, it falls towards the vagina and creates a large
bulge in the front vaginal wall. It's common for both the bladder and the
urethra (see below) to prolapse together. This is called a cystourethrocele
and is the most common type of prolapse in women.
Urethrocele (prolapse of the urethra)
When the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) slips out of
place, it also pushes against the front of the vaginal wall, but lower down,
near the opening of the vagina. This usually happens together with a
cystocele (see above).
Prolapse of the posterior (back) vaginal wall
Enterocele (prolapse of the small bowel)
Part of the small intestine that lies just behind the uterus (in a space
called the pouch of Douglas) may slip down between the rectum and the back
wall of the vagina. This often occurs at the same time as a rectocele or
uterine prolapse (see below).
Rectocele (prolapse of the rectum or large bowel)
This occurs when the end of the large bowel (rectum) loses support and
bulges into the back wall of the vagina. It is different from a rectal
prolapse (when the rectum falls out of the anus). Uterine and vaginal vault
prolapse (apical or top)
Uterine prolapse
Uterine prolapse is when the womb drops down into the vagina. It is the
second most common type of prolapse and is classified into three grades
depending on how far the womb has fallen.
Grade 1
The uterus has dropped slightly. At this stage many women may not be aware
they have a prolapse. It may not cause any symptoms and is usually diagnosed
as a result of an examination for a separate health issue.
Grade 2
The uterus has dropped further into the vagina and the cervix (neck or tip
of the womb) can be seen outside the vaginal opening.
Grade 3
Most of the uterus has fallen through the vaginal opening. This is the most
severe form of uterine prolapse and is also called procidentia. Vaginal
vault prolapseThe vaginal vault is the top of the vagina. It can only fall
in on itself after a woman's womb has been removed (hysterectomy). Vault
prolapse occurs in about 15% of women who have had a hysterectomy for
uterine prolapse, and in about 1% of women who have had a hysterectomy for
other reasons. Describing the severity of a prolapseMost women, and their
doctors, describe the severity of a prolapse simply as mild, moderate or
severe.
There is, however, a grading system that uses numbers to describe the extent
of a prolapse. In the past, the grading system for uterine prolapse (1, 2,
3) was also used for other types of prolapse. This wasn't technically
accurate, and a new, more precise classification system has recently been
developed.The new grading system uses a series of measurements and is fairly
complicated, but generally categorises the severity of prolapse into stages
I, II, III or IV. Stage I is mild prolapse. Stage IV is severe prolapse.
Some doctors may still refer to prolapse using the older classification of
1, 2 and 3.
Pelvic organ prolapse
Causes of uterine and bladder prolapse
Risk Factors
Normally, the pelvic organs are held in place by the pelvic floor muscles
and supporting ligaments, but when the pelvic floor becomes stretched or
weakened, they may become too slack to hold the organs in place. A number of
different factors contribute to the weakening of pelvic muscles over time,
but the two most significant factors are thought to be pregnancy and
ageing.Pregnancy & childbirthPregnancy is believed to be the main cause of
pelvic organ prolapse - whether the prolapse occurs immediately after
pregnancy or 30 years later.
The weight of the baby, and the physical trauma of labour and birth,
stresses and strains the pelvic muscles and ligaments. Some of the tissues
that become damaged during pregnancy never fully regain their strength and
elasticity.
Certain situations in pregnancy and birth further increase the likelihood
and extent of damage, such as a large baby, a long labour and the use of
forceps or extraction devices. There is conflicting information about the
effect an episiotomy (a cut made in the base of the vagina during
childbirth) may have on a woman's risk of prolapse, but the most recent
research suggests it does not prevent pelvic floor damage.
Women who have more than one child, whether the delivery is vaginal or by
caesarean section, have a higher risk of prolapse than women who have one
child or no children at all. Some people believe a caesarean section may be
less damaging than a vaginal birth, but the majority of studies suggest that
it is only slightly, if at all, protective. Studies also suggest that women
who have children in close succession are at an even greater risk of
prolapse because the muscles and ligaments are under constant strain.
Aging and the Menopause
Our muscles weaken as we grow older and the pelvic muscles are no exception.
Although tissue damage is likely to have been caused much earlier, the
ageing process further weakens the pelvic muscles, and the natural reduction
in oestrogen at the menopause also causes muscles to become less elastic.
Obesity, large fibroids or tumors
Women who are severely overweight, or have large fibroids or pelvic tumours,
are at an increased risk of prolapse due to the extra pressure this creates
in their abdominal area.
Chronic Coughing or Strain
Chronic (long-term) coughing, from smoking, asthma or bronchitis for
example, or the straining associated with constipation, increases a woman's
risk of prolapse. A few bouts of bronchitis or constipation are unlikely to
have a serious effect on your pelvic muscles, but if the stress and strain
is ongoing, it may eventually weaken the pelvic support structures.
Heavy Lifting
Heavy lifting can also strain and damage pelvic muscles and women in careers
that involve regular manual labour or lifting, such as nursing, have an
increased risk of prolapse.
Genetic Conditions
Women with a genetic collagen deficiency (Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
have an increased risk of prolapse even if they don't have any of the other
risk factors. Collagen is a natural protein that helps keep tissues plump
and elastic. Without it, the pelvic floor muscles become weak.
Previous Pelvic Surgery
Pelvic surgery, including hysterectomy or bladder repair procedures, may
damage nerves and tissues in the pelvic area increasing a woman's risk of
prolapse.
Spinal Cord Conditions and Injury
Spinal cord injury and conditions such as muscular dystrophy and multiple
sclerosis dramatically increase a woman's risk of prolapse. If the pelvic
muscles are paralysed or movement is restricted, the muscles waste away and
cannot support the pelvic organs.
Ethnicity
Studies show that white and Hispanic women have the highest rate of pelvic
organ prolapse, followed by Asian and black women. There is little
information about the incidence of prolapse in women of other (or more
specific) ethnic groups.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Symptoms And Diagnosis Symptoms:
Women with mild prolapse may have no symptoms or discomfort at all and may
not be aware they have a prolapse. When symptoms do occur, however, they
tend to be related to the organ that has prolapsed.
A bladder or urethra prolapse may cause incontinence (leaking urine),
frequent or urgent need to urinate or difficulty urinating.
A prolapse of the small or large bowel (rectum) may cause constipation or
difficulty defecating. Some women may need to insert a finger in their
vagina and push the bowel back into place in order to empty their bowels.
Women with uterine prolapse may feel a dragging or heaviness in their pelvic
area, often described as feeling "like my insides are falling out".
With severe prolapse, when the uterus is bulging out of the vagina, the skin
may become irritated, raw and infected. Symptoms that may be occur with all
types of prolapse:
· Feeling a lump or heavy sensation in the vagina
· Lower back pain that eases when you lie down
· Pelvic pain or pressure
· Pain or lack of sensation during sex
Diagnosis
If you have any of the symptoms of prolapse, particularly if you can see or
feel something near or at the opening of your vagina, make an appointment to
see your medical doctor.
Many women with prolapse avoid going to the doctor because they are
embarrassed or afraid of what the doctor might find, but prolapse is very
common and is nothing to be ashamed of.
Before you see your doctor, it may help to make a list of symptoms, concerns
and questions. Take the list with you to your appointment. It may be
difficult at first to talk about your symptoms, and some women find the
examination uncomfortable, but it only takes a few minutes. And by having
your symptoms checked you are taking an active role in your health and
well-being.
What to expect at your appointment
To look for signs of prolapse your doctor will need to do a thorough pelvic
examination.
You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on your back on the
examination table. You should be given a blanket or sheet to put over
yourself but if you aren't, just ask for one. The doctor will ask you to
bend your knees and let them fall open. Some women find this position
difficult, so if you can't lie this way, say so. The doctor can do the
examination with you lying on your side with your knees drawn up in the
foetal position. In fact, many doctors will do this anyway when looking for
prolapse as it's a good way to check the front and back walls of the vagina.
The doctor will feel for any unusual lumps or bumps in your pelvic area by
inserting two fingers in your vagina and pushing gently on your abdomen. You
will be asked if you feel any pain or discomfort. Tell the doctor if it
hurts even if you are not asked.
The doctor may also insert a special speculum (called a Sims speculum) to
examine the walls of the vagina for bulges. You may be asked to cough or
strain during the examination. This enables the doctor to see if any urine
leaks or if any of the pelvic organs prolapse into the vaginal walls. Some
prolapse symptoms go away when you're lying down, so your doctor may also
want to examine you while you're standing. If you have bowel symptoms the
doctor may need to feel for bowel prolapse by placing one finger in your
rectum and another in your vagina and asking you to strain or bear down. If
you have urinary symptoms, the doctor should take a urine sample to check
for a urinary infection.
Questions to ask your doctor about your prolapse
· What type of prolapse do I have?
· How severe is it?
· Do I need treatment and if so, what treatment do you recommend and why?
· What if I choose not to have any treatment?
· What can I do to ease the symptoms?
An intimate examination can be unnerving and many women (and men for that
matter) find it difficult to remember everything that is said during the
appointment, particularly if the doctor uses technical terms. It may help to
write down the answers to your questions.
A good doctor will explain what s/he is doing throughout the examination but
if you have any questions, ask for an explanation. If you have a mild
prolapse that isn't causing you any pain or discomfort, you don't need
treatment. There are, however, some steps you can take to help improve your
prolapse and prevent it from getting any worse, see Preventing Prolapse
If you develop any new symptoms or your existing symptoms get worse, contact
your doctor. Because symptoms often develop gradually it may be difficult to
judge when you should go back to the doctor. There's no right or wrong
answer, but as a general guideline, tell your doctor if:
· pain or discomfort is interfering with your daily activities
· sex becomes painful
· you can feel or see something bulging out of your vagina or just inside
your vagina
· you have any unusual bleeding or discharge
· you develop any of the other symptoms mentioned above
If your prolapse is moderate or severe and is causing pain or discomfort,
you should be referred to a urogynecologist for further investigations and
possible treatment.
The specialist will ask you about your symptoms and health history and will
examine you again to make sure the diagnosis is as precise as possible. If
you have bladder symptoms the specialist may do additional urine and bladder
tests to check if the symptoms are related to your prolapse or separate from
it. Incontinence will need to be treated in addition to treating your
prolapse.
Uterine Prolapse
Rectocele
Rectocele Repair
Cystocele
Cystocele Repair
