A uterine prolapse occurs when the the tissues that normally support uterus and upper vagina weaken. This allows the uterus to to fall into the vagina and toward the vaginal opening.
This can cause significant discomfort and impact a patient’s quality of life. Commonly seen symptoms of a uterine prolapse include:
The same things that cause weakening of the tissues that support the uterus and upper vagina also cause loss of support to the urethra. This can result in leakage of urine with laugh, cough, and/or sneeze – called stress incontinence.
When uterine prolpase is significant the bladder and the nerves supplying it can be affected leading to urinary urgency, frequency, urge associated incontinence and incomplete bladder emptying.
Up to 60% of women diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse also experience urinary incontinence.
While these two problems can often exist independently, they often present together. Not all cases of urinary incontinence will be caused by a uterine prolapse. If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, talk to your doctor. It’s not something you have to “live with.”
Schedule an appointment or call us today to discuss the many treatment options available for urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and a variety of other bothersome pelvic health symptoms. We aim to provide quality, convenient, low-stress care to women throughout the Midwest.
