What are the 3 types of prolapse?

There are several types of prolapse that have different names depending on the part of the body that has dropped. Cystocele—The bladder drops into the vagina. Enterocele—The small intestine bulges into the vagina. Rectocele—The rectum bulges into the vagina.

How do I know what type of prolapse I have?

How prolapse is named depends on which organ is affected:
  1. Cystocele is when the bladder protrudes into the vagina, creating a bulge. It’s the most common form of prolapse.
  2. Rectocele is when the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.
  3. Uterine prolapse involves the uterus dropping into the vagina.

What is the most common prolapse?

Cystocele (bladder)

This type of prolapse is by far the most common and occurs when your bladder shifts downward into your vagina. Bladder prolapse often leads to problems with urinary incontinence.

What is Grade 4 pelvic organ prolapse?

The worst case (stage 4) is when organs like the uterus push through the vaginal wall and can be completely outside the body. Your OBGYN at South Florida Women’s Care can determine the stage of a patient’s pelvic organ prolapse by doing a simple pelvic exam.

What can be mistaken for prolapse?

The most common disorders that pelvic organ prolapse is mistakenly diagnosed as include urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, and irritable bowel disease. Unfortunately, when pelvic organ prolapse is misdiagnosed as urinary incontinence, surgical outcomes are poor and women can be left with worsened conditions.

At what stage of prolapse require surgery?

Consider surgery if the prolapse is causing pain, if you are having problems with your bladder and bowels, or if the prolapse is making it hard for you to do activities you enjoy. An organ can prolapse again after surgery. Surgery in one part of your pelvis can make a prolapse in another part worse.

Can Stage 3 prolapse be fixed without surgery?

The two non-surgical options for prolapse are pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and a vaginal pessary. PFMT can be effective for mild prolapse but is usually not successful for moderate and advanced prolapse. The main alternative to surgery for prolapse is a vaginal pessary.

Can organs fall out with prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) become weak or loose. This allows one or more of the pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina.

How can you tell the difference between a cystocele and a Rectocele?

Both rectocele and cystocele are conditions that involve pelvic organs shifting out of place because of a weakened pelvic floor. With a rectocele, weaknesses in the pelvic floor cause the rectum to bulge onto your back vaginal wall. With a cystocele, weaknesses cause your bladder to bulge onto the front vaginal wall.

How do I know if my prolapse is bladder or uterus?

An experienced physician usually can diagnose uterine or bladder prolapse with a pelvic examination. Occasionally, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. .

How do doctors check for prolapse?

Diagnosis of anterior prolapse may involve: A pelvic exam. You may be examined while lying down and possibly while standing up. During the exam, your provider looks for a tissue bulge into your vagina that indicates pelvic organ prolapse.

What stage is a mild prolapse?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stages

Stage 1: Very mild prolapse – organs are still fairly well supported by the pelvic floor. Stage 2: Pelvic floor organs have begun to fall, but are still contained inside the vagina. Stage 3: Pelvic floor organs have fallen to, or beyond the opening of the vagina.

When should I worry about a prolapse?

A ‘heavy’, ‘dragging’ sensation in the vagina. The feeling of ‘something coming out’ the vaginal passage or an observable bump/lump bulging out of the vagina. Pain with intercourse. Bladder symptoms including: weak urine stream, feelings of incomplete bladder emptying and recurrent urinary tract infections.

Does walking make prolapse worse?

Prolapse symptoms may be worse at different times in the day. Some women notice that they feel more pressure after walking or standing for long periods of time.

Is it OK to leave a prolapse untreated?

It is generally safe to leave prolapse untreated unless the prolapse is very large or causes difficulty with bowel or bladder emptying.

Can you live with a prolapsed?

A prolapse is not life threatening, but it can cause pain and discomfort. Symptoms can usually be improved with pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes, but sometimes medical treatment is needed.

What is a Stage 3 prolapse?

Degrees of uterine prolapse

Stage I – the uterus is in the upper half of the vagina. Stage II – the uterus has descended nearly to the opening of the vagina. Stage III – the uterus protrudes out of the vagina. Stage IV – the uterus is completely out of the vagina.

Can organs fall out with prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) become weak or loose. This allows one or more of the pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina.

Does sitting make prolapse worse?

The way you sit and stand can also have a huge impact on your pelvic floor, and related conditions, such as incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse. How does posture help the pelvic floor? When you sit in a slouched position, you’re activating your pelvic floor far less than when sitting or standing.