What is prolapse?

If you’re reading this article, chances are that you or someone you know has heard the term “prolapse” and have been left scratching your head in confusion. Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

Prolapse can be a tricky concept to wrap your head around, but fear not! With my comical explanations and analogies (hopefully), you’ll leave with a clear understanding of what prolapse is, how it happens and what can be done about it.

So, What Exactly is Prolapse?

First things first – let’s break down the term “prolapse.” To put it simply (which we won’t do often) a prolapse refers to when an organ or tissue falls out of its usual position.

In some cases (cue serious music) this may cause discomfort or pain…but don’t panic just yet. Although prolapses vary in severity, there are ways to manage them – from lifestyle changes all the way up to surgical procedures depending on individual circumstances.

Some organs within our bodies which might experience prolapses include:

• Bladder
• Rectum
• Uterus
• Vagina

Keep in mind I’m using medical terms here folks so if we ever refer back for clarity sake like now:

• Bladder= Urine bag
• Rectum = Poop chute
• Uterus= Baby Hotel
• Vagina = Love tunnel

Get ready for fun times ahead!

How Does Prolapse Happen?

To help explain how these organs get misplaced let us again create mock characters such as our good friend Nancy:

Meet Nancy; she has just had her second baby after pushing continuously at labor for hours trying hard enough that everyone thought she was trying lift weight as well before delivery taking place ultimately leading her going through the surgery that took forever while she tried to peek at her intimate parts.

Fast forward a few months, and she’s been dealing with bladder issues after given birth. She has trouble holding urine in sneezing and laughing. After closer look, the doctor discovers Nancy’s problem isn’t an overactive bladder; instead, her pelvic floor muscles have weakened leading to urinary leakage due to a prolapsed uterus through the vagina – causing it to feel like eviscerating spaghetti!

Essentially all that pushing cause some damage!

Types of Prolapse

Unfortunately, there is more than one type of prolapse. Below are some different types depending on what/where organs might be misplaced:

1. Cystocele– when urinary leakage or inability of urinating frequently happens due organ problems from its place which pushes against front vaginal wall as common cause
2. Rectoceles-when poop fails its job which may also push/bulge tissue towards back vaginal way.
3. Uterine prolapse – When baby hotel falls outta position into (ma’am please excuse me but…) damn love tunnel
4. Vaginal vault prolapse – We guess things can get pretty sloppy down there folks and it seems our buddy who we shall call Steve was having rather too much fun during intercourse using his own type of Love Tunnel without permits resulting in vaginal lining coming down so low because gravity had fun with pressure causing other effects listed before.

Wait you thought we were done? Nooooooope here comes Stress induced Urinary Incontinence aka pee pads gang!

1. ● And finally: If your anxiety causes you to wait too long before going peepee this can strain muscles causing SUI! What else could ruin peoples lives right?

Who’s At Risk for Prolapse?

Well…mostly everyone.

Women (especially those who’ve gone through labor ), older individuals , and anyone who performs repetitive heavy lifting exercises that increase abdominal pressure are more susceptible to prolapses. Remember good old Nancy’s story again made this point very clear.

A family history of prolapse can also play into the risk, along with things such as smoking and poor diet choices.

Symptoms

Symptoms will vary from person to person depending on which organ has sagged down but some common ones might include :

• Feeling like there is a lump in their vagina or rectum
• Difficulty urinating
• Incontinence (1) (AKA accidentally peeing) when coughing sneezing lifting objects even giggling too much could contribute.
• Red flag Alert: consists of loss of sensation/being able to feel surroundings
• Pain during intercourse
• Having trouble defecating

Remember folks! These symptoms don’t always present themselves so if you ever have any concerns it’s better to talk your doctor immediately!

Diagnosis

Typically doctors obtain information via physical examination using testing methods such as MRI scans, CT Scans or X-Rays although the results may vary based on organs involved etc. So just let our good friends Joe and Tim chop tomatoes while we wait for them call us back shall we?

Treatment Options

Now, for what many people really want to know about…treatment options! Fortunately, there are various treatment avenues such as:

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes like pelvic floor muscle exercises and losing weight (if necessary ) can help strengthen weak muscles that lead these problems hence putting an end towards leaking urine or feces unexpectedly (accidently popping a squat) leading drastic effect taking place involving mutual agreement between pants and Sadness because sometimes they were brand new jeans…RIP dear companionship.

Note: This isn’t exclusive since every case/person differs due health factors

Medications

There aren’t medication treatments specifically targeting prolapse, but there are medicines that can be used to help alleviate and minimize symptoms (like incontinence for example)

Surgery

Finally, if conservative measures fail or the prolapse is particularly severe then surgery could be recommended helping lift misplaced organs back to their usual positions.

Afraid of surgery? Don’t worry! The process has evolved quite a bit over the years so it’s usually done via small incisions leading shorter healing time these days.(Disclaimer: Any surgical decisions should always come after consulting with physician etc.)

Prevention

Here comes our list – take note people!(cue drumroll)

• Perform pelvic floor exercises daily, either during your routine exercise sessions or while simply completing activities such as watching tv.
• Maintain good posture while lifting heavy objects
• Avoid constipation– Increase water/fiber so you can poop like a normal person would
• Stop smoking because let’s face it effects beyond cardiovascular areas
• On occasion have intercourse although doing so routinely/ excessively might lead towards weaker muscles at unexpected times due gravities impact plus dry skin!
• Let us reiterate friends don’t ignore your urges!
• I mean when nature calls right…

Well folks we did together successfully talking about not-so-lighthearted topic seeking clarity into funny explanations (nudge nudge). But joking aside Prolapse may bring uncomfortable sensations accompanied by red flags hence asking medical professional advice is necessary step forward.

Still People shouldn’t regard it as something taboo; from lifestyle changes all way up surgical approaches many ways being attempted toward addressing prolapses. So remember:

If issues persist concerning any parts of Mama Nature please consult those qualified especially if we’re discussing involuntary pooping situations.

You got this!