"
There is a constant stretching feeling in my vagina. Bowel movements and sex are painful. What could this be?"
--Rita
For as much as we women know about our bodies, it's surprising how many of us are unaware of a condition called prolapse. Why is it so hush-hush? Probably because talking about prolapse is outside the boundaries of comfortable conversation for many women, and so it isn't discussed openly.
Prolapse is a condition in which pelvic structures, like the bladder or rectum, bulge or protrude into the vaginal wall. Other times, prolapse involves the vagina descending outside the body. If you have prolapse, you may have detected a lump or bulge in your vagina, sexual intercourse might be painful, or you may experience incontinence.
WomenShare is blowing the cover on a secret: As many as 14 million women in the U.S. alone suffer from prolapse! If you are one of them, you are certainly not alone.
Causes
Your prolapse may have been caused by weakened or damaged pelvic muscles and ligaments. How might your muscles and ligaments have been compromised? By any of the following:
- Pregnancy
- Childbirth
- Menopause
- Previous surgery
- Obesity
- Chronic heavy lifting
- Coughing
Sometimes, prolapse can simply be caused by aging or genetics.
Symptoms
The following symptoms are common with prolapse:
- A bulge or lump in the vagina
- The vagina protruding from the body
- A pulling or stretching feeling in the groin area
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Vaginal pain, pressure, irritation, bleeding or spotting
- Urinary and fecal incontinence
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Delayed or slow urinary stream
Effects
If you have prolapse, you know its effect on your life. Constant discomfort affects lifestyles, activities and relationships. You may be refraining from sexual intercourse, limiting physical activity or coping with the unpredictability of urinary or fecal incontinence.
There is great relief in learning that it doesn't have to be this way.
Treatments are available that can put you back in control of your body.
Solutions
Seeing a Doctor
Take the time to schedule an appointment with a urologist, gynecologist or urogynecologist. These medical professionals commonly treat prolapse and can help you determine its cause and the best approach for treating it.
