Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Prolapsed Bladder Or Rectum

Childbirth and aging are two stressful forces on the female body. During birth, the muscles and skin of the birth canal, or vagina, are stretched and torn. They repair over time but are never exactly the same. As we age, all the muscles of our body thin and weaken. As a result of these effects, the walls of the vagina can sag. The front wall of the vagina holds up the bladder. The back wall holds part of the lower intestine, or rectum. The womb takes up a spot in the middle. All these organs are involved when the vagina relaxes too much.

Many women have the feeling of pelvic pressure or trouble holding their urine immediately after childbirth. For some, this feeling goes away only to return as they get older. These are the main signs of pelvic relaxation. When severe, it can be difficult to hold any urine at all. Extra force may be needed to move your bowels, also.

A prolapsed or drooping bladder, uterus, or rectum can occur. This means that part of these organs may slide from its normal position to partial exposure outside the body. A fallen organ cannot repair itself. Women should contact their healthcare provider as soon as symptoms are noticed.

Signs of prolapse or related problems include:

• urine leakage

• feeling of a ball shaped formation or pressure in the vagina or its opening and

• pain or soreness of exposed tissue

The physical exam may involve having the patient cough or push to help show the problem. Tests of the nerves, muscles, and urine will help tell if exercises or surgery is needed. In mild cases, muscle tightening exercises may be all that is needed.

Hormones, such as estrogen, are helpful in older women. In serious cases, surgery may be needed to put the organs back into their proper location. The womb is often removed with this surgery because of the pressure it puts on the bladder. Other treatments may be recommended for older women who may not be able to have surgery.

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