Prolapse
Prolapse refers to the descent (falling down) of an organ, or part thereof.
This is usually due to insufficient support by the body in response to pressure being exerted on it. Common forces on the body include straining, lifting, and gravity - periods of standing, and jarring with running or jumping.
e.g. if there is too much load on the lumbar spine (heavy lifting or twisting movement, without appropriate abdominal contraction) the disc may prolapse, causing compression of the spinal cord and subsequent pain and movement dysfunction.
Pelvic organs can also prolapse, causing pain and discomfort. They mall also interfere with sexual function, and can disrupt bladder and bowel habits.
In general, due to relative pelvic anatomies women suffer from prolapse, men don’t.
| The vagina is a space, or an area of ‘non-support’. |
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Combine the extended pressure and stretching of carrying a pregnancy, and possible vaginal childbirth… |
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…add up all the dancing, and standing in queues… |
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…and heaving lifting (children, shopping, books…) |
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…and pulling on drawers and other stuck things!… |
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…and straining when constipated… |
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…and jiggling up and down in aerobics, or running… |
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…and that’s a lifetime of downwards pressure over a ‘hole’
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The bladder and/or the urethra can move downwards and backwards bulging into the front (anterior) vaginal wall. |
| Called: |
anterior vaginal wall defect
cystocoele (bladder) and urethrocoele (urethra)
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Symptoms: |
feeling a heaviness in the vagina
aching across the lower abdominals
increased urinary frequency (number of toilet visits)
increased urinary urgency (need for the toilet)
may have difficulty with urine stream, starting and/or finishing
may not empty bladder completely
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The uterus can start to descend into the vagina |
| Called: |
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Symptoms: |
feeling a heaviness in the vagina
feeling a fullness in the rectum
the feeling of ‘something falling out’
something actually falling out
aching across the lower abdominals
aching across the lower back (like period pains)
increased urinary frequency (number of toilet visits)
increased urinary urgency (need for the toilet)
may have difficulty with urine stream, starting and/or finishing
may not empty bladder completely
difficulty evacuating the bowels (obstructed defaecation)
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The rectum and large intestine can move downwards and forwards bulging into the back (posterior) vaginal wall. |
| Called: |
posterior vaginal wall defect
rectocoele (rectum) and enterocoele (intestine)
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Symptoms: |
feeling a heaviness in the vagina
feeling a fullness in the rectum
aching across the lower back (like period pains)
difficulty evacuating the bowels (obstructed defaecation)
may have increased urinary frequency/urgency
may have difficulty with urine stream, starting and/or finishing
may not empty bladder completely
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