After women enter menopause, as they age, ovarian function gradually declines, and the functions of pelvic floor support also weaken. Pelvic floor dysfunction is one of the common clinical symptoms in postmenopausal women.
1. The appearance of these symptoms suggests you may have “pelvic organ prolapse.”
In mild cases, there are usually no uncomfortable symptoms;
In severe cases, the following symptoms may occur:
1. Difficulty urinating or defecating;
2. A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower body;
3. Pain in the lower back;
4. Often a feeling of abdominal pain similar to menstrual cramps;
5. Discomfort or pain during intercourse;
6. Sometimes there may be visible or palpable protrusions from the **;
7. Varying degrees of pain or sensation of pressure in the lumbosacral region, with symptoms easing after resting in bed;
8. Symptoms become more apparent after standing for long periods or after exertion;
9. Those with anterior wall prolapse may have difficulty urinating, urinary incontinence after activity, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying;
10. Those with posterior wall prolapse may experience constipation and difficulty with bowel movements;
11. In severe cases, prolapsed organs cannot be reduced, accompanied by increased secretions, ulcers, bleeding, etc.
2. How does pelvic organ prolapse occur?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor support structures are overstretched or when the pelvic floor muscles cannot effectively close and support, causing the pelvic organs to herniate or prolapse, leading to pelvic organ prolapse.
The pelvic floor muscles and bony structures function like a “hammock,” maintaining the normal positions of pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, urethra, **, and rectum. Once the pelvic floor support structures such as muscles, fascia, and ligaments are weakened or damaged, they cannot support the pelvic organs well, ultimately leading to their descent and a series of related symptoms.
3. What factors contribute to pelvic organ prolapse?
1. Pregnancy
Increased weight during pregnancy, elevated levels of progesterone, and childbirth, especially ** delivery, are high-risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse.
2. Age
During and after menopause, the decline of estrogen in women increases the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. Studies have found that postmenopausal women have a higher degree of POP-Q staging than premenopausal women. The incidence of POP-Q among women over 60 is nearly 25%.
3. Increased intra-abdominal pressure
Obesity, chronic cough, or long-term constipation can lead to increased intra-abdominal pressure, contributing to or exacerbating prolapse.
4. Family history
The risk of first-degree relatives of patients with pelvic organ prolapse developing pelvic organ prolapse is increased 2-3 times, and patients with a family history of prolapse tend to develop the condition earlier, with rapid progression.
4. What to do if you have pelvic organ prolapse
1. Change dietary and behavioral habits
Improve bowel habits to prevent long-term constipation, such as regular bowel movements; encourage weight loss for those who are overweight, ensure adequate fluid intake, and fully empty the bladder at regular intervals; adopt proper posture when lifting, bending the knees and keeping the back straight.
2. Pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy
Magnetic stimulation activates the motor nerve fibers and motor endplates repeatedly, stimulating pelvic floor muscle contraction, promoting pelvic blood circulation, and increasing the recruitment of muscle fibers; electrical stimulation strengthens fast-twitch muscle fibers in the pelvic floor, enhancing contraction strength.
Clinical practice has proven that using magnetic stimulation, electrical stimulation, and biofeedback in combination with home pelvic floor exercises can help patients more effectively improve pelvic organ prolapse and related symptoms.
3. Pessary
Suitable for patients unwilling to undergo surgical treatment or who cannot tolerate surgery due to their overall health, during pregnancy or those who have not completed childbearing, following recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse surgery, or for those unsatisfied with symptom relief, trial treatment before surgery.
4. Surgical treatment
For women who fail non-surgical treatment or have severe prolapse, surgery can help repair the prolapse and establish the supporting structures of the pelvic floor.
[Important Reminder: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a basis for diagnosis or treatment. Please seek medical advice and follow your doctor’s instructions.]
[Source: Zhangjiajie City Yongding]
