Have you ever felt like there is an unusual “fullness” in your vagina or pelvis, or felt a fleshy mass where you have never seen one before? Some women describe this feeling as “sitting on a ball”! You may have a pelvic prolapse. This is nothing to be alarmed about as you can overcome pelvic prolapse.
It is difficult to talk about intimate health problems but this condition affects millions of women. Many women delay or never ask their PCP or Urologist what treatments are available to help!
As we age, our pelvic muscles, and ligaments, are weakened (not necessarily by childbirth), making us unable to hold the pelvic organs in place. When this happens, the organs may fall or shift down creating the heaviness or bulge that you will feel.
Pelvic prolapse occurs when the vaginal wall, or the uterus descends (prolapses) below its natural position. In severe cases, it may cause the vaginal wall or the cervix to push beyond the vaginal opening, leading to bladder and bowel problems, painful intercourse, and other complications. Don’t lose hope, however, because help is available.
“Pelvic prolapse is more than a cosmetic problem. It has a functional impact that can be overwhelming,” says Carl G. Klutke, MD, board-certified Urologist on staff at Venice Regional Bayfront Hospital. “It’s also very common, affecting 50 percent of all women over age 50 to some degree. One in ten women will have at least one surgery for the prolapse sometime in their lives. By offering the right treatment, we can make a difference in many women’s lives.”
Treatment Options
Over the years, a number of treatments have emerged and proven to be effective ways to manage or overcome pelvic prolapse. Here are the options available at RTR Urology.
Watchful waiting—Women who don’t experience symptoms may prefer to leave pelvic prolapse untreated until it begins to interfere with their lives.
Pessary—A silicone device (pessary) is inserted into the vagina to support the vaginal walls. It requires no surgical intervention, but must be changed, and cleaned, frequently. The pessary can usually be easily inserted and removed by the patient themselves.
Surgery—A variety of surgical interventions are available to treat pelvic prolapse. Starting with securing the vagina within the pelvis, to repositioning the urethra, bladder and rectum. These surgical options can meet a variety of needs, often through minimally invasive techniques.
“Following the successful treatment of pelvic prolapse, patients are thrilled with their improved quality of life and their ability to return to their everyday activities,” Dr. Klutke says. “As treatment methods continue to evolve, RTR Urology will be on the cutting edge of these advancements.”
Dr. Carl Klutke is a Board Certified Urologist who is Fellowship trained in Female Urology, Voiding Dysfunction and Urodynamics for males and females. RTR Urology is proud to add his decades of experience to their leading edge treatments with a caring touch.
RTR Urology
842 Sunset Lake Boulevard, Suite 403
Venice, FL 34292
941-485-3351
www.RTRurology.com
If you would like a brochure on pelvic prolapse, please call (941) 684-3216 and we will be happy to mail you one!