What are the signs of a prolapse and will it get better?

[specialmom]

I guess it is not that uncommon for women, especially those who have had natural childbirth or if you are over weight or a genetic predisposition for it, and h eave forbid if you have all three going on!  Anyone had a uterine or rectal prolapse that is more minor and did it get better with pelvic floor exercises or losing weight?  Or is surgery the only way?

[old_before_my_time]

This site has some good info too - https://wholewoman.com/.

[radar7]

Surgery should be left as a last resort only if the symptoms start to bother you.
Pelvic floor exercises  - done correctly with the help of a good pelvic floor physio, weight loss, diet to avoid constipation, avoiding heavy lifting etc. will all help to slow the progression of the prolapses.  A consultation with a good urogynocologist might be something to consider to see what he/she can suggest.  Hystersisters is another website which I find very helpful dealing specifically with such problems.  

[specialmom]

This is hopeful.  I'm going to do my best to improve this situation through the pelvic floor exercises with hopes to avoid surgery!  I don't have time for surgery!!  I appreciate your information and the website suggestion!

[CHIN_C]

This is the patient version of the evidence-based online resource called UpToDate that many doctors use:
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/pelvic-floor-muscle-exercises-beyond-the-basics

This is the practice bulletin from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2017/04000/Practice_Bulletin_No__176__Pelvic_Organ_Prolapse.46.aspx

[specialmom]

Thank you so very much!  I will look into these links. I want to give that a try to see if it helps.

[old_before_my_time]

I don't have any personal experience with prolapse. Pelvic floor exercises and weight loss are not helpful, you could always get fitted for a pessary instead of undergoing surgery. I have heard that some  can be left in for months before removing and cleaning. I have also read that prolapse surgery has a fairly high failure rate so you would not want to undergo surgery without trying all other options first.

One thing I find perplexing is that many women who go in for prolapse consultations are told that a hysterectomy will be done at the same time. Hysterectomy increases your risk of prolapse (as well as causing a number of other problems) so you certainly wouldn't want that!

Best of luck in addressing this!

[specialmom]

Interesting.  I have a friend who is actually excited because she's had a minor long term issue with a prolapse after birth of her second child and her ob/gyn offered a hysterectomy.  She's like, why not?  I'm like, why?

[old_before_my_time]

I can understand her thinking "why not?" With the prevalence of hysterectomy, women mistakenly think it is without negative effects. And gynecologists fail to divulge the lifelong non-reproductive functions of the uterus (and ovaries). If she hasn't gone under the knife yet, I hope she reconsiders.

[specialmom]

I think they were going to leave her ovaries but still!  She is highly interested in no period anymore.  But think she may get some surprises as well.  It truly is being done because she thinks she'll appreciate not having a uterus!  

[CHIN_C]

Some patients with pelvic organ prolapse are asymptomatic, while others are symptomatic. Clinical presentation depends somewhat on which organ is drooping and may include pelvic discomfort, sexual dysfunction, urinary disorder, and/or fecal disorder. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should see your gynecologist for further workup and evaluation, including pelvic exam. Complex cases may benefit from additional tests such as dynamic MRI pelvis, which is taken at various stages of rest, stress (Valsalva), and evacuation (defecation), the latter which accentuate the prolapse.

[specialmom]

Thank you so much for this answer.  It is a sudden situation but maybe not so and I just didn't notice. I am hoping that weight loss, kegel exercises and pelvic floor strengthening would help?  Thoughts on that?