082318 WPMD DIGITAL EDITION

4 x August 23, 2018 x Winter Park Medical Directory
MATTER OF HEALTH
An Inconvenient Pressure
submitted by Orlando Health
winniepalmerhospital.com/pelvicfloor
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If getting through your day includes
bouts with pressure on your
lower regions, you may be experiencing
pelvic organ prolapse,
a type of pelvic floor disorder.
Pelvic floor disorders or similar
conditions affect about one-third
of all women throughout their
lifetimes.
The pelvic floor is a group of
muscles and tissues that form a
kind of hammock, keeping the pelvic
organs in place. These organs
include the bladder, uterus, vagina,
small bowel and rectum. “Prolapse”
refers to a descending or drooping
of any of these pelvic floor
organs.
How Do I Know if I
Have Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
According to Dr. Eileen Farwick,
board-certified urogynecologist
with Winnie Palmer Hospital
for Women & Babies, the most
common symptom of pelvic organ
prolapse is the pressing of the uterus
or other organs against the vaginal
wall. This pressure may cause
minor discomfort or problems in
how your pelvic organs function.
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse
include:
• A feeling of pelvic pressure.
• A feeling as if something
is actually falling out of the
vagina.
• A pulling or stretching in the
groin area or a low backache.
• Painful intercourse.
• Spotting or bleeding from the
vagina.
• Urinary problems, such as involuntary
release of urine, or a frequent
or urgent need to urinate.
• Problems with bowel movements,
such as constipation.
Standing, jumping and lifting can
make these symptoms worse, while
discomfort is usually relieved by lying
down.
What Causes
Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
The pelvic organs are kept in place
by a group of muscles and connective
support tissue lining the pelvic
floor. The most common conditions
that contribute to prolapse are listed
below:
• Hysterectomy before menopause.
Studies have shown that the
removal of the uterus before menopause
may have a negative effect on
the support of the bladder, rectum or
vaginal connective tissue.
• Pregnancy can stretch and damage
tissue and nerves of the pelvic
floor, causing an increased risk of
prolapse. Delivery method, as well
as the size of babies delivered, can
all contribute to an increased risk of
prolapse.
• Lower estrogen levels that occur
at menopause contribute to the
increased risk of prolapse as women
age. Estrogen supports the production
of collagen, a protein that enables
tissue to stretch and return to
normal position. As estrogen levels
decline, pelvic tissue becomes less
elastic and can tear.
• Other factors that influence the
risk of prolapse are obesity, chronic
constipation, chronic cough due to
lung disease, chronic heavy lifting
and genetic predisposition.
Wait ... That’s Happening to Me
If you are experiencing any of the
symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse,
it would be wise to talk with your
doctor. Pelvic organ prolapse can
be a progressive condition, gradually
worsening over time. According
to Dr. Farwick, “Many cases of pelvic
organ prolapse may actually improve
with early intervention, such
as pelvic floor therapy and other
treatments.”
It’s worth checking out, because
really, who needs all that added
pressure?
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