To schedule an appointment or learn more about the Urogynecology Program, please call 734-763-6295.

People with pelvic organ prolapse can experience all, some or none of these symptoms:

• Bulging or pressure from the vagina
• A sense that something is falling out of the vagina or rectum
• Pelvic pressure
• Urine leakage, urination frequency, chronic urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating
• Difficult bowel movements or trapping of stool

In addition, it’s not uncommon for people with pelvic organ prolapse to feel alone, isolated and depressed. You are not alone! Nearly one in nine women will have surgery for prolapse or incontinence, and many others are using non-surgical treatments. Even more people are suffering in silence. Don’t be one of those people – the physicians in the Urogynecology Program are here to help you feel better.

A pelvic exam is necessary to diagnose pelvic organ prolapse. If you do have prolapse, the urogynecologist will determine which organs are involved and how severe the prolapse is. Other tests might be ordered, based on your individual examination.

Our treatment approach is focused on the underlying causes of pelvic organ dysfunction. Our decades of leading renowned research into pelvic organ disorders translates into our being uniquely well qualified to treat the causes of prolapse and not just the symptoms. Treatment options for each person will also vary based on the severity and discomfort of the prolapse.

In some cases, the treatment options offered to people with prolapse depend on the training and experience of the surgeon. Our group of board-certified Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) subspecialists have deep, broad experience with the full range of treatment options for those with pelvic floor disorders and will work with you to find the right option.

Four main choices exist for the treatment of prolapse:

• Conservative monitoring: If your prolapse is not bothersome, no treatment is necessary and your gynecologist can monitor progression during your annual exam.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy can be helpful to alleviate or minimize symptoms of prolapse. It also provides patients with tools to prevent progression of symptoms. U-M Health has a team of physical therapists that specializes in pelvic floor therapy. They provide sensitive and individualized care for patients with pelvic floor disorders.
• A pessary can be fit during an office exam to help hold up the organs. A pessary is a flexible silicone device that fits into your vagina to provide support for your vaginal wall. Pessaries come in several different shapes and sizes. Pessaries are usually barely noticeable and do not cause infections or pain.
• Surgery can restore the pelvic anatomy and correct the bulge. Surgery can be done vaginally or abdominally and we offer special expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques. This means we almost never have to make a big incision on your abdomen and patients report a high degree of satisfaction with their results.

Additionally, it is safe to have sex if you have prolapse. If you choose to monitor your prolapse or decide to wear a pessary, your sex life shouldn't change apart from removing the pessary prior to intercourse. If you choose to have surgery, you will be asked to wait for a period of time after surgery before having intercourse. After taking time to heal, many patients report an improved sex life.