Common symptoms to watch for.
Symptoms of prolapse can include difficulty emptying the bladder, bowels, or vagina fully. Some women experience trouble urinating, constipation, lower back pain, soreness, fatigue, and lower belly pain, and these symptoms can interfere with normal daily activities. It is worth seeing your doctor if symptoms do not improve on their own.
Women with more severe prolapse may need surgery, which can include removal of the uterus or pessary surgery to support the vagina. If surgery is not necessary, pelvic floor exercises are often recommended instead. A pessary is a silicone device that fits into the vagina to provide internal support for the uterus and bowels, often used alongside pelvic floor exercises; in mild cases, a pessary alone may be enough, while moderate to severe cases may require surgery.
Non-surgical care often comes first.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a serious condition, but there are many treatment options available, and pelvic floor specialists can help you choose the best approach for your situation. Non-surgical options include vaginal pessaries, biofeedback, pelvic floor physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, with surgery generally reserved for cases where these options do not provide enough relief.
Pelvic floor physical therapy trains the muscles to stay strong, with a specialist therapist teaching the most effective techniques for strengthening, and, depending on severity, exercises to stretch and relax the muscles as well. This kind of therapy is designed to relieve symptoms and restore normal pelvic floor function, and may be recommended before other treatments are considered. Pelvic floor problems are common after childbirth, pregnancy, menopause, or neurological conditions, all of which can weaken the muscles of the pelvic floor and allow them to shift out of place.
What to expect in the weeks after surgery.
During recovery from pelvic floor repair, you will need time to return to your regular routine. Most surgeons recommend at least six weeks off from work and other activities to let the body heal properly, and avoiding activities that put pressure on the repair, including heavy lifting and high-impact exercise, matters during this window.
Staying well hydrated helps, and a stool softener along with high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation and keep stools soft. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication, most commonly ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage discomfort; these are typically most helpful in the first few days, though some pain can persist for up to two weeks. You may need to wait a few days before showering, and it is best to avoid lifting anything over 15 pounds for a few weeks.
What to discuss with your surgeon.
Surgical repair for pelvic floor disorders is common, but complications can occur and can affect quality of life over the long term. Pelvic floor disorder affects millions of women worldwide and can cause urinary incontinence, pain, and urinary retention, often related to factors like heavy lifting, childbirth, or prior surgeries.
Surgical procedures for pelvic floor disorders include abdominal, laparoscopic, and vaginal approaches, and the choice depends on the severity of the prolapse and the surgeon's experience. Recurrence after pelvic floor surgery can run as high as 29 percent, and the risk of complications may be higher when mesh is used. The pelvic floor is made up of muscles that support the internal organs and are controlled by the brain; when these muscles weaken, the organs can droop out of position, and pelvic floor muscle weakness can also cause urinary incontinence. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to our team of specialists.