Pelvic Floor - Vaginal Prolapse - Cystocele - Rectocele - Bladder

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Pelvic Floor - Vaginal Prolapse - Cystocele - Rectocele - Bladder

Pelvic Floor - Vaginal Prolapse - Cystocele - Rectocele - Bladder

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Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Removing the uterus, going through childbirth and going through menopause can weaken your pelvic floor and the network of muscles and ligaments holding your pelvic floor organs in place. Learn about the symptoms of pelvic floor prolapse and take action.

Contents:
What is Pelvic Floor Prolapse?
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Steps to Action

What is Pelvic Floor Prolapse?

The network of muscles and ligaments surrounding the vagina may weaken and cause the pelvic floor to collapse. There are different types of pelvic floor prolapse.

Vaginal Vault Prolapse

The top of the vagina may fall towards the vaginal opening. A herniated small bowel is often involved as the front and back walls of the vagina separate and the intestines can push against the vaginal skin. Many women develop vaginal prolapse, usually following menopause, childbirth or a hysterectomy. The uterus provides support to the pelvic floor and as it is removed, can result in the weakened state of the network of support.

Prolapse of the Bladder - Cystocele

If the front of the vaginal wall collapses, the result is a bladder prolapse. Often it is accompanied by a prolapse of the urethra. A common symptom of bladder or urethra prolapse is urinary stress incontinence which is a leaking of urine involuntarily.

Prolapse of the Rectum - Rectocele

When the back wall of the vagina weakens, it pushes against the vaginal wall, causing a bulge which may be noticeable during bowel movements.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a pelvic organ prolapse, it is important to visit your doctor for a complete assessment.

Treatment will depend on your particular circumstances but may include medications, physical therapy or surgery. Check with your personal physician.

When to Talk to Your Doctor

Most women are hesitant to talk to their doctor about a leaking bladder or a bulge in their vagina during bowel movements, and yet these are the exact symptoms that should encourage you to seek a medical opinion.

Suffering with embarassment or delaying a consult with your doctor will only delay your comfort and repair.

Call and make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

Pressure in the vagina or pelvis

Pelvic discomfort

Urinary or bowel dysfunction

A decrease in pain or pressure when lying down

A lump at the opening of the vagina

Recurrent urinary tract infections

Sexual dysfunction

Painful intercourse

Back pain

Urinary Incontinence

Steps to Action

If you are concerned about any symptoms noted above, schedule a doctor appointment right away.

Take a list of symptoms you are experiencing including specific examples of your concerns. (Example: Every time I sneeze, I leak urine and need to change my clothes. Or: Whenever I am having a bowel movement, I feel a lump at the opening of my vagina.)

Your doctor may take images using MRI, ultrasound or cystourethroscopy to diagnose your condition. Other tests such as a bladder function test or a pelvic floor strength test may also be given to you to thoroughly understand your complaints and create a plan of action.

Some pelvic floor conditions may be treated with physical therapy or medications. Other pelvic floor prolapses must be treated with surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is one option that is minimally invasive and can correct the condition in most cases.

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Bladder Matters

There are a host of issues for women surrounding the bladder and a hysterectomy: Spasms. Fistula. Urinary Incontinence. Urinary Tract Infections....and more.

Contents:
Bladder Spasms
Fistula
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder Spasms

Often, following pelvic surgery and the use of a catheter, you may experience bladder spasms.

In most cases, the spasms are mild and will disappear given time for the bladder to adjust to the removal of the catheter.

If you find your bladder spasms are keeping you awake or adding additional pain to your discomfort, make sure to mention the spasms to your doctor with specific details on when you experience them, how often and length of the pain.

Fistulas

The sudden onset of urine leaking following a surgery in the pelvic area can signal a fistula. A bladder fistula is leakage from the bladder to the vagina. Although rare, this is a complication seen in some pelvic surgeries including a hysterectomy. An initial exam usually includes a visual exam with a speculum. Diagnostic tools include dye tests, cystoscopy, retrograde pyelograms, fistulagrams and other imaging studies. Your doctor can determine if surgery is necessary.

Some simple fistulas may respond to constant bladder drainage for at least 4 weeks to give the bladder a chance to heal. Or, for simple rectovaginal fistulas, the patient may be asked to modify their diet and use fiber supplements.

Most fistulas require surgery to repair the damage but often is not scheduled until the body is allowed to try to heal on its own.

Urinary Incontinence

Many women experience urinary incontinence which is an involuntary loss of urine. Some women lose a few drops while running or coughing. Others may feel a sudden urge to void followed by a large loss of urine. Women experience urinary incontinence twice as often as men usually following childbirth, menopause or after a hysterectomy.

Incontinence occurs because of problems with muscles and nerves that help to hold or release urine.

If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, talk to your doctor. There are treatment options!

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that may affect any part of the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Bladder and urethra infections are the most common.

A burning sensation when you urinate

Feeling like you need to urinate more often than usual

Feeling the urge to urinate but not being able to void

Leaking a little urine

Cloudy, dark, smelly or bloody urine

If you have urinary tract infections that do not seem to clear up with the prescribed treatment, you may be experiencing Interstitial Cystitis.

Interstitial cystitis is chronic inflammation of the bladder. Women who have interstitial cystitis have a bladder wall that is inflamed and irritated . This inflammation can scar the bladder or make it stiff. A stiff bladder can't expand as urine fills it. In some cases, the walls of the bladder may bleed slightly and some women get sores in the bladder walls.

If you have been struggling with a presumed UTI that will not go away, ask your doctor about Interstitial cystitis which has many of the same symptoms.

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Pelvic Floor Forum for HysterSisters

The HysterSisters community is a great place to get support from other womn who have had a hysterectomy and are experiencing pelvic floor prolapse. Join to participate in in our forums! Click to browse the Pelvic Floor Forum.

Contents:
From Our Pelvic Floor Forum

From Our Pelvic Floor Forums - Join to participate:

The HysterSisters Pelvic Floor forum is a wonderful place to hear from other women who are experiencing pelvic floor prolapse concerns. Visit our forum - gain support and friends! Click to browse the Pelvic Floor Forum.

left sided pain 5 months post-op

Has anyone had left-sided pain after their surgery? I had a TVH 5 months ago. The pain comes and goes. It is more like a side ache. I have IBS and have been stressed lately, so I don't know if this is it. I had a CT scan 2 months ago and all was ok except for diverticulosis. That doesn't usually cause pain.. Thanks ..... [Read more of this discussion]

Mesh removal surgery?!?!?!?!?

Hi, I hope someone can answer this! I had a VH in Oct 09 with bladder repair. I want to my dr today due to having problems with my moods, sleeping, hairloss, etc., this is my 2nd visit for this, apparently my ovaries haven't kicked back in yet. During my visit, I told him that I'm still having a discharge, he examined me and said that my body is rejecting the mesh they used for the bladder repair. Basically, its coming out! He scheduled me for surgery on the 24th of this month to have this removed. My question is this: I had such a painful reco ..... [Read more of this discussion]

Is this okay ("normal") and not really anything to concern GYN about?

Hello ladies. I am wondering if this is something that I really need to look at, or if it's pretty "normal". When my bladder is really full, I have to be careful when standing to make sure that my body has time to adjust to the change in pressure (from sitting) and I don't accidentally "leak" a few drops. (I just slowing get up.) I don't leak normally. Only, I have this feeling, that I am afraid that I could. I did once stand up at church, and if I remember right, I think I sneezed and a tiny bit escaped. It surprised me! We wer ..... [Read more of this discussion]

painful Scar tissue??

Hello ladies, I had A&P repair removal of left ovary and tube and monarch repair on Nov 20th 2009 TVH April 2008. My doc let me know after surgery that " It looked like a bomb went off in there. A good portion of the surgery was spent removing scar tissue. Anyway since then I have being having pain issues. A lot of pain issues. I was not released for sex for the first 12 weeks which I was very happy about because at my 12 week appt that exam was the most painful experience I have had during this whole surgery thing. It was horrible, so I was ..... [Read more of this discussion]

bladder pain

I had a TAH in 2008 and have been up and down with how I feel. I am generally exhausted. I am prone to UTI since my surgery and am being treated with antibiotics for one right now. My pain is not going away (I've been on antibiotics for 5 days) and I still feel like I have to pee constantly. I am also having aching in my lower back/kidney area. Anyone else experience this so far after surgery?? I am on ERT and I am wondering if my endo is back. It has made me think lately about stopping ERT and trying to deal with it naturally. Could it ..... [Read more of this discussion]

Bladder tests???

I am scheduled to me with a urologist on Wednesday to "see" what type of "bladder" issues i have. AND OF COURSE, i can not find my little paperwork that states what "test" is going to be performed. I know it wasn't something to do with "seeing how fast/how much you can urinate". Followed by being cathed to see how much urine is left..(wonderful). Has anyone had this "test"?? What can i expect? I read a little on it, and it mentioned about placing "electrodes in the rectum"!!!!!! WHAT!?? Before you all ask...my GYN wants me to see the urolog ..... [Read more of this discussion]

Incomplete voiding after TOT

Hi anyone Can anyone shed any light on what happens if you cannot void completely after TOT? I am nearly 3 weeks post TOT and have been treated for UTI. I am still left with the feeling that I have not emptied my bladder properly. How do I get this checked out, and what can the dr's do about it? will I have to be catheterised? How will the bladder ever empty again? Nat37:confused: ..... [Read more of this discussion]

Bleeding

Hi ladies, I am having an interesting problem, bleeding with voiding. It has happened several times over the last several months. Blood and blood clots. I am mostly sure it must be coming from my bladder. However, no infection, no stones, nothing.... Not sure what to do. My gyn. has referred me to a urologyist. I do not want to go! Can I say that again? I really do not want to go. This is not a huge problem, just a little blood once in awhile. I guess it is in some mucus like looking stuff. Anybody else have this? Lemon ..... [Read more of this discussion]

What does a bladder spasm feel like?

Hi, :wave: My LAVH was on Dec. 8, 2009. I am 3 months post op and feeling good!! :jump: I do have a question about my bladder. Sometimes it feels like the urine suddenly drops into my bladdar. Is this a bladder spasm? If not, what is it? :confused: Thanks! :friend: ..... [Read more of this discussion]

cystocele, recocele, and perineal tightening repairs done last Mon

HI sisters... I finally had my surgery on Monday and am miserable... especially from the repairs done to my perineum... dr basically said I had absoluyely no muscle left there so he had to go 3 laywrs deep into my fascia to tighten it up... there is a huge bulge from all the sutures he had to use... plus I have extensive bruising from the pubovaginal sling... i had one excrusiating BM yesterday and I did have to strain to get it out since i was constipated... ugh! This pain jhs been far worse than with my TVH last October... Im still bleeding ..... [Read more of this discussion]

Browse the entire Pelvic Floor Forum - [Click Here]

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Resources

Read on for articles and links to help you gather more information about pelvic floor prolapse.

Contents:
Resource Links
Articles

Resources

Pelvic Floor Discussions

Prolapse Resources Links

Bladder Resources Links

Pelvic Floor Articles

Articles

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Hints from the HysterSisters

The HysterSisters members are the best at providing support and encouragement for your health challenges. Read on for some great tips for Pelvic Floor health.

Contents:
Fitness and Pelvic Floor
Products We Recommend

Fitness and Pelvic Floor

Having a hysterectomy can weaken pelvic muscles. There are great benefits in working to strengthen them.

Women with bladder control problems may find reduced leakage with the strengthening of pelvic muscles. HysterSisters also report heightened sexual enjoyment with the toning of these muscles.

Check with your doctor or nurse to teach you the correct technique. You can also check yourself by placing a finger in your vagina and squeezing around it (After your doctor releases you at your surgical post-op appointment. Until then, nothing in the vagina.). When you feel pressure around your finger, you are using the correct muscles.

Try to keep everything relaxed except the muscles right around the vagina. At the same time, do not bear down or squeeze your thigh, back or abdominal muscles. Breathe slowly and deeply. At first you can do the exercises with your knees together (lying or sitting).

We recommend doing the exercises for five minutes twice a day. You should squeeze the muscles for a count of four and relax for a count of four. With practice it will become easier as the muscles get stronger.

The great thing about Kegel exercises is that they are easy to do anywhere. Many women create a routine of doing Kegel exercises for 5 minutes before they get up in the morning and for 5 minutes before going to sleep.

Products We Recommend

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