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Prolapse
Sometimes, does it feel like you have a mass bulging out of your vagina? Is walking or standing difficult? Is sexual intercourse painful? Do you have difficulty emptying your bladder or bowel?
You may be experiencing pelvic organ prolapse. Prolapse occurs when pelvic structures, like the bladder or rectum, bulge or protrude into the vaginal wall.
Depending on the type of pelvic prolapse you are experiencing and its severity, there are a number of treatments available. Talk to your doctor about the treatment that is right for you.
Non-surgical treatments
Depending on the severity of the prolapse, your doctor will prescribe different therapies. They might include the following.
Kegel exercises
help strengthen pelvic floor muscles and may help relieve some symptoms of minor prolapse. These exercises involve identifying the pelvic floor muscles that purposely interrupt the flow of urine in midstream, and then tightening these muscles for three seconds and relaxing them for three seconds. Kegel exercises are commonly repeated 10 to 15 times per session, at least three times per day.
A vaginal pessary
is a device that is placed into the vagina to support surrounding structures and is similar to the outer ring of a diaphragm. Like a diaphragm, a pessary usually is made of silicone and is fitted by your doctor.
Surgical treatments
Sometimes, surgery is needed to repair prolapse. These usually are performed under regional or general anesthesia. Your doctor will determine the approach that is right for you.