Can you prolapse from constipation?

Yes, you read that right. We’re about to delve into the ins and outs of prolapse caused by constipation. Get ready for a wild ride!

What is Prolapse?

First things first: let’s define what we mean by “prolapse”. According to Mayo Clinic, prolapse occurs when an organ in your body shifts downward or outside of its usual surroundings. This can happen with various organs, including the uterus, bladder, and rectum.

How Does Constipation Come Into Play?

Now that we know what prolapse is, let’s address how it can be related to constipation. The short answer? Straining too hard on the toilet can cause damage to your pelvic structures over time.

The Scoop on Constipation

Constipation happens when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. While it may seem like just an annoyance at first glance, if left untreated it could progress into serious medical complications such as fecal impaction or anal fissures.

Straining 101

When you strain while attempting bowel movements due to constipation, pressure builds up inside your pelvis which can damage pelvic structure integrity leading eventually lead to pesky problems like hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

Pelvic Organ Prolapsing

So how does straining lead to prolapsed organs exactly? Your pelvic floor muscles (which provide support for your bladder,, rectum,, and other surrounding organs) aren’t designed for prolonged periods of tension! Just like anything else sustaining undue force for long periods gets weaker until BOOM something gives out resulting in problems such as cystocele , enterocele , obstetric fistula amongst others

Who Is At Risk For Prolapsed Organs ?

Prolapsed organs can affect anyone regardless of age but it’s more common among women who have gone through childbirth than in men . Age, obesity and a history of chronic coughing are also risk factors.

It’s More Common Than You Think

All jokes aside, the prevalence of prolapse is no laughing matter. National Institutes of Health report that nearly 50% of women over age 50 experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse. The figures among older women is even higher: approximately one out of ten require surgery for bothersome symptoms.

Symptoms Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

How can you tell if you’re experiencing prolapsed organs? Here are some common symptoms to keep on your radar:

• Discomfort or pain during sex
• Difficulty urinating and bowel movements
• Pressure or bulging sensations in the pelvic area.

If you notice any combination of these happening it’s best to consult with your doctor immediately

How Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Diagnosed?

Your Doctor may perform simple tests such as abdominal ultrasounds and/or MRI scans to determine which type/degree/probability there might be when it comes to organ prolapsing!

Types And Degrees Of Pelvic organ Prolapses

Pelvic proceeds down different paths so does its diagnosis

Here is a rundown on what types exist:

1) Cystocele (anterior compartment). This happens when the bladder extends into the vaginal canal
2) Rectocele(posterior/canal compartment)- rectum bulges into posterior wall
3 ) Enteroceles(upper canal comprising uterovaginal space)- small intestine bulges against upper part vaginal walls
4 ) Uterine(prolapse at uterus itself)

Doctors will grade these based on severity from mild(grade I), moderate (II&III) & severe(IV).

One thing though never self diagnose make sure that checks turn up anything because apart from all just described ,organ prolapses could reveal more potentially serious underlying conditions that may not be immediately obvious but will surface through comprehensive tests.

Treatment Options

If you’re detected with pelvic organ prolapse, don’t worry there are treatment options. The optimal one varies based on your individual situation and severity level of prolapse!

Basic Recommendations

First things first! Implement these simple lifestyle changes for starters:

• Pelvic strengthening exercises: Start doing kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
• Abdominal exercising .Since hypotonic abdominal muscles contribute significantly to internal organs shift try holding both legs upwards while lying down or doing planks strengthens abs movements thus aiding in the prevention of the problem
• Lower BMI : Obesity leads more pressure being exerted by body weight so losing those extra pounds can help take some pressure off your pelvis
• Correcting constipation: focus on dietary fiber, lots of water intake & consistently empty bowels frequently

Medical Treatment Options For Prolapsed Organs

Here are some medical interventions doctors might recommend :

1) Surgery:Surgical intervention ranges from a hysterectomy , rectocele/cystocele repair amongst various other types & degrees
2) Pessary- A removable rigid or flexible device inserted into vagina which helps support vaginal tissues with control over urinary incontinence
3) Hormone Replacement therapy( HRT)- Estrogens used therapeutically for vaginal wall repair/alleviation of symptoms

Remember each individual case is different hence approach varies widely.

Conclusion

So there you have it “Can You Prolapse from Constipation?“From this we see how if left unchecked chronic incapacity to free oneself normally& strain could lead over time to something much stronger like prolapses.So always remember having consistency when pushing bowel movements coupled up with taking conscious care measures goes a long way in preventing whats normally an uncomfortable experience!!