Vaginal prolapse is a pelvic floor disorder that occurs when the muscles and connective tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken, causing these organs to descend into the vaginal canal.
This condition can be triggered by numerous risk factors such as childbirth, menopause, aging, heavy lifting, or chronic constipation.
Causes of Vaginal Prolapse
Vaginal prolapse can occur due to various reasons such as childbirth, menopause, aging, and obesity.
Women who have given birth vaginally are at a higher chance of developing this condition because the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvis get weakened during delivery.
Menopause also contributes to vaginal prolapse because estrogen, which maintains strength in your pelvic muscles declines during menopause.
These symptoms often include a feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area, as though something is falling out of the vagina.
Other indications can range from urinary problems such as frequent urination or an urge to urinate, pelvic pain or pressure, difficulty with bowel movements, and uncomfortable sexual intercourse due to dyspareunia.
The severity of these symptoms often relates directly to the extent of the prolapse and could impact women’s everyday lives if left untreated.
Impact on Daily Life
Experiencing a vaginal prolapse disrupts a woman’s everyday routine.
It triggers discomfort and fosters embarrassment, limiting social engagement and daily activities.
Physical discomfort may include pain during bowel movements or sexual activity.
This can lead to stress which affects the overall quality of life and well-being.
Many women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse face urinary incontinence, requiring constant access to washroom facilities, thus constraining freedom of movement and activity participation.