Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Houston, TX
The pelvic organs of a woman’s body are held in place by a series of ligaments and muscles. When the ligaments or muscles weaken, a woman may experience pelvic organ prolapse. Women in Houston and surrounding areas of Texas, including Cypress, Sugarland, and Katy, rely on the expertise of board-certified (gynecological) surgeon Dr. Farhina Imtiaz of North Cypress Women’s Center to treat pelvic organ prolapse.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
In a woman’s body, a series of muscles and ligaments hold the pelvic organs in place. When these support structures weaken or fail, the pelvic organs will move toward the vagina. Women with pelvic organ prolapse have a bulge in the vaginal area. The bulge grows larger as the pelvic organs continue to drop out of place. Other women may experience pressure or discomfort in lower abdomen that worsens as the day progresses
Pelvic organ prolapse may involve one or more organs, such as:
- Rectum and small bowel
- Urethra
- Bladder, the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse
- Vagina
- Uterus
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Benefits
Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse:
- Repositions pelvic organ to a proper position in the body
- Minimizes the risk of recurring pelvic organ prolapse
- Alleviates symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse
What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
In general, women experience pelvic organ prolapse because the ligaments and muscles of the pelvic region do not hold the organs in place. Risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse include:
- Straining during childbirth
- Stretching and weakening of muscles during pregnancy
- Hysterectomy surgery
- Obesity
- Tumors
- Chronic cough
- Chronic constipation
- Age
- Family history
How is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treated?
In mild cases of pelvic organ prolapse, extensive treatment is typically not necessary. Dr. Imtiaz may recommend exercises and changes to your lifestyle. A device known as a “pessary” is inserted into the vagina and has proven helpful in these types of cases. Dr. Imtiaz may recommend ThermiVa™ system which is a non-invasive office procedure which can be used to treat mild pelvic organ prolapsed.
Women who have moderate to severe symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse will require surgery to reposition the organs and provide additional support to the muscles and ligaments.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Preparation
Non-surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse require no special preparation. If you are having surgery for your pelvic organ prolapse, we recommend that you make arrangements for a friend or family member to stay with you for the first week after your surgery.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Recovery
Dr. Imtiaz will schedule routine appointments to monitor your progress and watch for signs of the pelvic organs moving out of place.
How Much Does Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Cost in Houston?
Medical insurance covers a portion of the cost for pelvic organ prolapse treatment. You are responsible for any co-payments, deductible amounts, and co-insurance. For your portion, you can pay by cash, major credit card and CareCredit® financing.
Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment Right for Me?
Many women have a minimal amount of pelvic organ shifting over their lifetime, and treatment is not necessary. If you have symptoms of the condition or if your quality of life is affected by pelvic organ prolapse, you may need treatment. Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are:
- A bothersome stretching or pulling sensation in the lower back or groin area
- Unusual sensations, such as feeling like something is coming through the vagina or pressure in the pelvic region
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Problems with urination or bowel movements
- Unusual bleeding or spotting from the vagina
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Consultation
Pelvic organ prolapse can cause embarrassing symptoms that affect a woman’s quality of life. If you suspect that you may have pelvic organ prolapse, contact North Cypress Women’s Center to schedule a consultation with Dr. Imtiaz.
Pregnancy, constipation, age, obesity and other factors may cause a woman’s pelvic organs to shift out of place. Known as “pelvic organ prolapse,” the condition can be properly diagnosed and treated at North Cypress Women’s Center. Our board-certified (gynecological) surgeon, Dr. Farhina Imtiaz, specializes in pelvic organ prolapse experienced by women in Houston and surrounding areas of Texas, including Cypress, Sugarland, and Katy.