10 Early Signs of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (Some May Surprise You!)

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects millions of women, but fortunately, we can treat it. The problem: Many women don’t know the symptoms, which means treatment can be delayed.

POP happens when one or more pelvic organs (like the bladder, uterus, or rectum) descend from their normal positions, typically because the muscles that support these organs become weak or damaged. 

POP is more common among women who’ve had children, are obese, or are in menopause.

In this post, Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, offers a rundown of some of the most common early signs of pelvic organ prolapse, helping patients at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery get the care and treatment they need as early as possible.

1. Vaginal discomfort or pressure

When your pelvic organs shift, they tend to press against the vaginal walls, causing vaginal discomfort or a sensation of fullness, pressure, or pulling in or around your vagina. These sensations may become worse when lifting heavy objects, exercising, or after standing for long periods.

2. Bulge around your vagina

When pelvic organs press against the vaginal walls, it creates a lump or bulge that you’re able to feel. This bulge can become more noticeable when you’re having a bowel movement and pressure increases in your pelvic region.

3. Change in bladder habits

POP often affects the bladder, leading to urinary leakage or increased urges to urinate. Depending on the type and extent of prolapse, you might have difficulties emptying your bladder completely, too.

4. Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs)

If POP prevents you from fully emptying your bladder, some urine is left behind, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. The result: Chronic or recurrent urinary tract infections that can be difficult to treat.

5. Change in bowel habits

Sometimes, prolapse involves the rectum, making it difficult to move your bowels. This type of POP is called rectocele, and it can cause symptoms like chronic constipation or an inability to completely empty your bowels. 

Some women find they need to press on their vaginal area, providing additional support necessary to have a complete bowel movement.

6. Pain during sex

As your pelvic organs descend and press against your vaginal wall, the vaginal canal becomes blocked or narrowed, causing discomfort during sexual intercourse. Intercourse might cause spotting, as well.

7. Lower back pain

Lower back pain is a lesser-known POP symptom, occurring when shifting pelvic organs put added pressure and strain on surrounding tissues. The discomfort may be more of a dull ache than a sharp pain, which some women often chalk up to natural aches and pains of aging.

8. Discomfort when sitting or walking

Discomfort and pressure in the lower belly and vaginal area may feel worse when sitting for long periods. You might have a strange sensation that something is caught in your vaginal area when walking or exercising. 

9. Problems keeping a tampon in place

Pressure against the vaginal wall can make it difficult to wear a tampon. You might feel like your tampon is being pushed out, or you may have increased difficulty or discomfort when inserting a tampon.

10. Unexpected vaginal bleeding

In addition to spotting after intercourse, POP may cause bleeding or spotting at other times, when the vaginal walls rub together, causing irritation. Any type of abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge should be evaluated right away to rule out cancer or infections.

Don’t ignore your symptoms

It might be tempting to write off POP symptoms as side effects of aging, but aging itself shouldn’t hurt. If you’re having discomfort or other unusual symptoms, that’s a sign of an underlying issue — like POP — that needs to be evaluated.

To find out what’s causing your symptoms or how we can help you relieve your POP symptoms, request an appointment with Dr. Perez and our team at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida, today.