But here’s the thing-you are not alone and the condition is definitely treatable. One in five U.S. women is affected by POP, and 30% of U.S. women over 50 have this condition. And of course, the condition becomes more common the older we get-no big surprise there!
Almost 50% of women who have had vaginal births will develop some form of POP in their lifetime. The uterus, bladder, intestines, and rectum are all located around the vagina. Because of their close proximity, it is possible for them to “herniate” or bulge into the vagina. Such bulges are called pelvic floor prolapse and present as a feeling of pelvic pressure or heaviness. Who is at risk? Moms, heavy-lifters, and smokers are susceptible. POP can be brought on by chronic coughing, chronic constipation, menopause, normal aging, previous pelvic surgery (hysterectomy), or genetics.
Symptoms of prolapse include:
– A bulge in your vagina that ranges in size from that of small egg to that of a grapefruit
– Discomfort or pressure in your pelvis or vagina
– Difficulty having a bowel movement
– Difficulty emptying your bladder (can cause overflow incontinence) or your rectum/bowel
– Loss of urinary control with coughing, laughing or sneezing (stress urinary incontinence)
– Pain during intercourse
– Lower back pain
– Increased discomfort with long periods of standing
– Recurrent bladder infections
If you experience any of these symptoms, then you are definitely overdue for a visit with your urologist or gynecologist. You can explore both conservative and surgical options with your healthcare provider, which will relieve you of the feeling that stuff is “falling out” down south!
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