What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is defined as prolapse or protrusion of uterus , bladder (cystocele), vaginal apex (post-hysterectomy patients) or rectum (rectocele) into the vaginal canal due to the weakening of pelvic muscles. Pelvic muscles can become weakened over time as a result of childbirth, surgery, and aging. The symptoms usually include the feeling of “bulge or pressure in the vagina” especially with sitting or standing. Other symptoms include incomplete emptying of bladder, slow stream, or incomplete evacuation of stool during bowel movements. Many patients often complain of significant discomfort during sexual relations. The symptoms of prolapse will vary based on the degree and the type of prolapse; patients may suffer from one or more symptoms with varying severity. Patients with a large bladder prolapse (cystocele) but mild rectum prolapse can have significant problems with voiding but will have no difficulty during bowel movement.
What is urinary incontinence?
Urinary incontinence is defined as an involuntary leakage of urine. Although it is more common in older patients, leakage of urine is not normal at any age. There are various types of urinary incontinence which are based on different underlying physiologic causes. The two most common types of urinary incontinence are urge urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
What is urge urinary incontinence?
Urge incontinence also known as overactive bladder occurs when bladder contracts suddenly leading to loss of urine. Patients will complain of sudden “urge” to urinate and being unable to make it to the bathroom in time. Factors that can lead to urge incontinence include common age-related changes, nervous system problems or irritation caused by inflammation.
What is stress urinary incontinence (SUI)?
SUI is loss of urine during sneezing, coughing, laughing, and exercise. SUI is caused by the weakening in the muscles of the urinary sphincter which leads to leakage of urine during increase in pressure in the abdomen. SUI is the most common cause of incontinence in younger women, especially in those who have had children.
How are pelvic organ prolapse or incontinence treated?
Please refer to Treatment Options for Prolapse and Urogynecology for more information.