Post-Pregnancy Prolapse
What are my Options?
Supporting the dynamic journey to fertility, conception, pregnancy and birth is one of the foundational goals of Toowoomba Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and it brings our team joy seeing clients become parents. However, care cannot stop here. Post-pregnancy, women undergo numerous physical, emotional, hormonal, lifestyle and sleep changes – truly, women and their bodies are incredible. Many of these changes are normal, but some post-pregnancy conditions, including post-pregnancy prolapse, may require treatment or targeted intervention, and there are professionals here to support you.
Your motherhood journey is one-of-a-kind, and it’s important that you contact medical professionals, such as your GP or TOAG, if you have any concerns after giving birth.
It's normal and okay to feel overwhelmed as your body
and world changes post-pregnancy.
Prolapse: What is it?
Post-pregnancy prolapses, or pelvic organ prolapse (POP), occurs when the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus and rectum) drop towards the vagina. Approximately 50% of individuals who give birth vaginally experience a form of prolapse, as carrying a child weakens and sometimes damages the pelvic floor muscles.
Other than – of course – pregnancy itself, causes of post-pregnancy prolapse include: family history, regular heavy lifting, obesity, regular constipation, chronic cough, a labour over 12 hours, and carrying a child over 8 ½ pounds.
Do I have Prolapse?
Navigating early motherhood can be overwhelming and full of questions. It can be difficult to understand what your body is doing, and your healthcare team is here to provide information.
Some symptoms of prolapse to look out for include:
- Urinating difficulties: such include urinary incontinence, having a slow flow, struggling to start urinating, and facing problems emptying the bladder or bowel
- Vaginal discomfort: you may feel heaviness, pressure, or a lump inside your vagina
- Difficulties during sex: pain or sensation loss may be experienced
I have these Symptoms: Now What?
Although many cases of prolapse can self-correct with rest and time, we recommend that you see your GP if you feel like you might be suffering from pelvic organ prolapse. Generally, your GP will conduct a physical examination to assess your symptoms. This may be enough to diagnose prolapse; however, further tests (such as an ultrasound, an MRI, or strength tests for the bladder and pelvic floor) may be organised by your doctor.
You may be prescribed treatment from your GP or referred to a specialist. Ask for a referral to Dr Lanziz Homar at Toowoomba Obstetrics and Gynaecology if you wish to be looked after by our TOAG team.
Treatment Options at TOAG
Dr Homar is experienced in relieving the symptoms of women who are suffering from pelvic organ prolapse, and offers numerous treatments depending on your individual condition. Such include:
- Lifestyle changes: Your prolapse condition may be managed through losing weight, making evidence-based changes to your diet or quitting smoking.
- Exercises: Dr Homar may recommend exercises designed to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
- Pessary: To support your pelvic organs, a ring-like, small device may be inserted into your vagina at our TOAG clinic.
- Surgery: If the above measures have been ineffective, or you have a severe case of pelvic organ prolapse, you may require surgery. This can be conducted by Dr Lanziz Homar and aims to repair your pelvic floor and return your organs to their anatomical position.
As you embark on the exciting journey of motherhood, you will likely face many physical changes post-pregnancy. This is a normal part of healing and it’s natural to be confused about what your body is doing. If you are experiencing prolapse symptoms, it’s a good idea to see your GP or other health professional to receive support.
We share more information about post-pregnancy prolapse on our website.