Do I have a Prolapse?
Taryn Gaudin Women’s Health Physio
Prolapse
All the myths and truths uncovered
If you have recently moved through a life-cycle transition – such as giving birth, or menopause, you may have developed some signs and symptoms of prolapse. Perhaps you have been told by your doctor that you have a prolapse, but you are wondering what that means, and if you really do have a prolapse. Read on to learn more about what prolapse is, and how you know if you have prolapse.
How do I know if I have prolapse?
Often it’s not until women experience the prolapse symptoms, that they begin to learn what prolapse is. Unfortunately, in our society, pelvic health concerns like pelvic organ prolapse are not openly talked about. This leaves women feeling scared and alone. As an integrated pelvic floor physiotherapist, I am here to help share information about pelvic health and provide women with the answers they are looking for. In this article I’ll talk about what prolapse is, prolapse symptoms, and how it is diagnosed.
What is a prolapse?
OPelvic organ prolapse is the symptomatic descent of one or more of the anterior vaginal wall (that supports the bladder), the posterior vaginal wall (that supports the bowel), and the apex of the vagina (cervix/uterus) or vault after a hysterectomy. The way we talk about prolapse has changed over time. In the past, anterior wall prolapse was referred to as a cystocele, posterior wall prolapse was named a rectocele, and an apical prolapse was termed a uterine prolapse. New medical terminology requires a woman to have symptoms as well as increased movement of the vaginal walls for prolapse to be diagnosed.