The Association of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeons

…dedicated to safe, state-of-the-art surgery and health life-styles for women of all ages

R. Wayne Whitted MD, MPH

Paul A. Pietro MD

740 N Kendall Dr. Suite 101

Miami, Florida 33176

Phone: 305-596-3744

www.floridaamigos.com

Pelvic Support Problems

Many women's pelvic organs change as they age. They may have a feeling of

pelvic pressure or heaviness. It may feel like "something is falling out of the

vagina." These symptoms may be caused by pelvic support problems.

Although these problems may begin with childbirth, women may notice them

even more as they age.

The Pelvic Organs

The parts of the body affected by pelvic support problems include the urethra

and bladder, the small intestine, the rectum, the uterus and the vagina.

The pelvic organs are held in place by three types of support:

1. Layers of connecting tissue called endopelvic fascia

2. Thickened parts of the fascia called ligaments

3. A paired group of muscles that lies on either side and around the

openings of the urethra, vagina and rectum

When the tissues that support the pelvic organs are stretched and damaged,

the organ that they support may drop down and press against the wall of the

vagina. This causes a bulge.

Causes

The main causes of pelvic support problems are pregnancy and childbirth.

However, pelvic support problems can occur in women who have never had

children.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pelvic support problems depend on which organs are

involved. They can cause minor discomfort or major problems in the way the

organs work. Symptoms include:

• Feeling of pelvic heaviness or fullness, or as though something is

falling out of the vagina

• Pulling or aching feeling in the lower abdomen or pelvis

• Leakage of urine or problems having a bowel movement

In severe cases, the pelvic organs may bulge into the vagina. This bulge may

stick out of the vaginal opening, where it may be seen with a mirror or felt

with the fingers.

In some cases, the uterus may stick out through the vaginal opening.

Types of Pelvic Support Problems

The main types of pelvic support problems and the pelvic organ that can

cause bulging are as follows:

• Cystocele — bladder

• Vaginal vault prolapse with enterocele — vagina and small intestine

• Rectocele — rectum

• Uterine prolapse — uterus

Cystocele

A cystocele, sometimes called anterior wall prolapse, occurs when the bladder

drops from its normal place into the vagina. Some cystoceles cause urine to

leak when you cough, sneeze, lift objects or walk.

Small cystoceles are common. In most cases, they do not cause problems

with urination and do not need surgery. If a cystocele is causing symptoms,

your doctor can suggest ways to relieve them.

Vaginal Vault Prolapse With Enterocele

Sometimes after hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), the top of the vagina

loses its support and drops. This is called vaginal vault prolapse. The degree

of prolapse varies. The top of the vagina may drop part of the way into the

vagina and remain there, or it may extend part or all of the way through the

vaginal opening.

Rectocele

When the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina, it is called a rectocele. It is

sometimes called a posterior wall prolapse. A large rectocele may make it

hard to have a bowel movement, especially if you are constipated.

Uterine Prolapse

When the uterus drops down into the vagina, it is called uterine prolapse. Mild

degrees of prolapse are common. They often do not cause symptoms and do

not need surgery.

Women with more severe forms of this condition often will have a feeling of

pelvic pressure or a pulling feeling in the vagina or lower back. The cervix (the

opening of the uterus) may stick out from the vagina. This may cause

discomfort or problems with sex.

Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis is key to treating pelvic support problems. However,

diagnosis is not always simple because the symptoms of pelvic support

problems often are the same as those of other conditions. The exact cause of

the problem must be found before the best treatment can be given.

Treatment

Many women do not need treatment. Some women find symptoms are

relieved by exercising, making changes in their diet, keeping their weight

under control, not smoking, and avoiding heavy lifting and straining.

Medication or use of a device called a pessary also may be helpful. Pelvic

support problems sometimes may be treated by surgery.

Special Exercises

Exercises called Kegel exercises, or pelvic muscle exercises, are used to

strengthen the muscles that surround the openings of the urethra, vagina and

rectum.

Diet

You should cut down on caffeine, which acts as a diuretic. Caffeine can be

found in coffee, tea and soft drinks. A high-fiber diet may help bowel function

and prevent constipation.

Medicines

There are special medicines that help treat urinary and bowel symptoms.

Vaginal Pessaries

A pessary may be inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs. When

a pessary is used, it must be removed, cleaned and reinserted on a regular

basis.

Surgical Repair

Pelvic support problems may be corrected by surgery. The surgery can be

done through the vagina or abdomen based on your type of support problem.

Finally ...

Many women have pelvic support problems. If you have any symptoms, talk

to your doctor about them. The right diagnosis and treatment can offer relief.

This excerpt from ACOG's Patient Education Pamphlet is provided for your

information. It is not medical advice and should not be relied upon as a

substitute for visiting your doctor. If you need medical care, have any

questions, or wish to receive the full text of this Patient Education Pamphlet,

please contact your obstetrician-gynecologist.

To ensure the information is current and accurate, ACOG titles are reviewed

every 18 months.