When you give birth, your body goes through enormous strain. After giving birth, it’s easy to focus solely on your new baby. However, your body also needs support as you recover postpartum. At Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin in Odessa and Midland, Texas, board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Mary Grace Bridges and her team pay close attention to both mother and baby during pregnancy and after birth.
Pelvic organ prolapse, or shifting of pelvic organs out of their proper places, occurs due to the stress and strain on your lower body when giving birth. A pelvic organ like your uterus, bladder, or bowel ends up in the wrong position, potentially causing discomfort, pelvic pain, or functional issues. Prolapse is a common complication of giving birth.
Typically, noninvasive treatments and therapies are all that it takes to recover fully. Still, you need the right support to address and heal from postpartum prolapse. This isn’t the moment to take unnecessary risks with your health. Talk to Dr. Bridges and visit either location if you have concerns related to pelvic organ prolapse.
Pelvic organ prolapse typically occurs after giving birth. Sometimes, it can occur years afterward. You’re at less risk of prolapse during your pregnancy.
Prolapse isn’t only caused by pregnancy, although giving birth is a leading risk factor, especially if your child has a high birth weight. Multiple vaginal deliveries increase your risk of prolapse as well. You’re also at heightened risk of prolapse if you’re overweight or obese, suffer from a chronic cough, or have weak pelvic floor muscles. Your risk goes up as you get older.
When an organ prolapses, it falls from its original position due to weak pelvic muscles. The affected organ may slide downward and bulge into your vagina. In severe cases, the organ may protrude out of the vagina.
Depending on the severity of your prolapse, you may feel discomfort or a heavy sensation in your pelvis or vagina. You may only have a vague sense that something doesn’t feel quite right in your pelvic area. Or, you may be able to touch or see a bulge coming out of your vagina.
You may experience issues with going to the bathroom due to prolapse. That includes constipation and bowel movement irregularity as well as urinary incontinence. Your bladder may feel full even after urination, and you may need to pee more urgently or more frequently.
Discuss your concerns and symptoms with Dr. Bridges. Some of these issues may feel embarrassing, but the Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin team provides compassionate and comprehensive postpartum support. The problem likely won’t go away on its own and may worsen over time without treatment.
We typically recommend starting with conservative treatment approaches whenever possible. Pelvic floor therapy and Kegel exercises may be all you need to restore your pelvic area to correct positioning. Lifestyle changes like healthy weight loss and quitting smoking can also help. Some women use a pessary, a removable device that’s vaginally inserted, to support prolapsed organs.
In more severe cases, pelvic organ prolapse may require surgical treatment. The most common surgery for prolapse is reconstructive, and your procedure may be performed with a laparoscope.
If you’re dealing with prolapse after childbirth, you’re not alone. Connect with the team at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin and learn more about how we can support you. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone now.
