Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Symptoms

Symptoms of Prolapse:
Symptoms may be divided into mechanical and functional. Mechanical symptoms include a feeling of pressure or pulling in the vagina or pelvis, the sensation of something being inside the vagina, and irritation or bleeding from rubbing of the prolapse on the inner thighs or clothing. Prolapse can also affect normal system function.

Bladder Function:
Patients with anterior compartment failure may develop stress urinary incontinence, detrusor overactivity, and urinary retention. Some patients will need to push the prolapse in to urinate.

Bowel Function:
Patients with posterior compartment failure may develop new or worsening constipation. Some patients will need to push in the prolapse or push on the skin between the vagina and anus in order to make a bowel movement.

Sexual Function:
Although pelvic organ prolapse can cause some problems with intercourse, these problems are usually multifactorial (caused by factors in addition to prolapse). Pelvic organ prolapse does not typically cause problems with penetration unless there is an associated male problem (erectile dysfunction).