Pelvic Organ Prolapse Specialists

Associated Urologists of North Carolina

Urologists located in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

Did you know that approximately half of all women will develop pelvic organ prolapse (POP) in their lifetimes? That’s why the professional, experienced team at the Associated Urologists of North Carolina specializes in offering individualized POP treatment plans. With locations in Apex, Cary, Clayton, Dunn, Raleigh, and Wake Forest, North Carolina, the team can help provide relief with lifestyle modification counseling, minimally invasive therapies, or surgical techniques. To learn more about POP and treatment options, call your nearest office to set up an appointment today.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Q & A

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Your pelvic muscles and tissues support the organs in that region, which includes your bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and rectum. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the pelvic muscles and tissues can no longer support these organs due to damage. This leads to one or more pelvic organs dropping or pressing into or out of the vagina.

What are the Most Common Signs and Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:

Sensing something coming of your vagina
Pressure, discomfort, or aching in your pelvis
Pelvic pressure that intensifies when you stand or cough
Leaking urine (incontinence)
Problems having a bowel movement
Difficulty inserting tampons

In some cases, your symptoms may worsen at certain times of the day, during physical activity, or after standing for prolonged periods of time.

What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

There isn’t an exact cause for POP. The condition occurs when the muscles or connective tissues of the pelvis don’t function properly. Here are the most common risk factors to be aware of:

Childbirth: During childbirth, the pelvic floor can stretch and strain abnormally. Giving birth to multiple children raises your risk for POP later in life. Giving birth to a baby weighing greater than 8.5 pounds is also a significant risk factor.
Persistent Pressure on Your Abdomen: This includes pressure from obesity, chronic coughing, or frequent straining during bowel movements.
Aging: As women age, their risk for POP increases. Approximately 37% of women with pelvic floor disorders are 60-79 years of age, and about half are over the age of 80.
Menopause: The hormonal changes women experience during menopause can also lead to POP. The loss of estrogen after menopause can increase your risk.
Family History: It’s believed that genetics also plays a role in POP risk.

How Do You Treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

No two POP cases are exactly the same. Therefore, the team at the Associated Urologists of North Carolina always provides personalized treatment plans to deliver relief and restore your quality of life. Treatment may involve a combination of medication management, minimally invasive therapies, and surgical techniques.

In many cases, the team will recommend pelvic reconstructive surgery. The goal of this procedure is to restore normal vaginal anatomy and organ function and correct or prevent bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction.

To learn more about POP and treatment options, call the Associated Urologists of North Carolina today.