Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment in Denver, CO

Also Serving Aurora and Surrounding Areas

It’s more common than many women realize, but pelvic organ prolapse is an uncomfortable, progressive condition that isn’t painful, which means women often live with their mild symptoms for many years. Most consider these vaginal changes to be “normal” following childbirth, which is why so many don’t seek out care until their condition is at an advanced state.

Pelvic organ prolapse affects the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum. Normally, these organs are held in place by groups of muscles and endopelvic fascia. When these become damaged from childbirth trauma or aging, the pelvic floor weakens, resulting in pelvic organs dropping down and bulging out of the vagina.

Symptoms of pelvic prolapse include:

• Pressure in the pelvis or lower back (or both)
• Uncomfortable sex or loss of sensation
• Urinary issues (bladder leakage, feeling the constant urge to urinate, and incomplete bladder emptying)
• Bowel issues (constipation, difficulties with rectal evacuation, and stool leakage)

Fortunately, pelvic prolapse can be effectively treated! Fellowship-trained urogynecologist Dr. Oscar A. Aguirre has decades of expertise and the highest level of training to correct pelvic prolapse and countless other women’s health issues.

FAQs: Pelvic Prolapse in Denver at Aguirre Specialty Care

How do I know if I have pelvic prolapse?

If you suspect you may be suffering from pelvic organ prolapse, schedule a personal consultation with us. Dr. Aguirre will carefully examine you to determine if pelvic prolapse is an issue. He will also be able to determine if you are suffering from a combination of issues or something different entirely.

Are there different kinds of pelvic prolapse?

It’s important to note that there are different types of POP, depending on where the weakness in the pelvic floor occurs. POP may affect one or multiple organs of the pelvis.

• Cystocele affects the bladder and is the most common form of prolapse. Cystocele occurs on the front side of the vaginal wall, near the bladder. It’s also referred to as a dropped bladder. If you are experiencing cystocele prolapse, your bladder protrudes into your vagina, resulting in a bulge. Common causes include vaginal childbirth, age, heavy lifting, chronic cough, chronic constipation or repeated straining during bowel movements.
• Rectocele involves the rectum and occurs when the backside of the vaginal wall weakens, allowing the rectum to bulge into the vagina. Rectocele can occur by itself or in conjunction with another pelvic disorder, such as cystocele. Common causes include vaginal childbirth, hysterectomy, chronic constipation or pelvic surgery.
• Enterocele refers to a weak spot in the vaginal ceiling, causing the small bowel to prolapse into the vagina. Common causes include obesity, pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, repeated heavy lifting, constipation or straining with bowel movements, chronic cough or bronchitis.
• Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus drops into the vagina. Also called apical prolapse, uterine prolapse is due to ligament detachments or stretching.

Which types of treatments are available for pelvic prolapse?

Depending on the location and severity of your condition, a variety of treatments are available:

• Kegels involve squeezing and releasing the muscles of your pelvic floor (think of the muscles you tighten to hold in gas). Kegels can help strengthen the pelvic floor and improve your symptoms.
• Biofeedback is a training technique that helps patients gain control over targeted muscle groups. Depending on your needs, biofeedback can include a variety of tools, including weighted vaginal cones or surface electromyography (sEMG), a device that measures the electrical activity of the pelvic floor and graphs the output so you can clearly see your progress.
• Surgery is highly effective and will be tailored to meet your exact needs, depending on which type of prolapse you are experiencing. Dr. Aguirre performs nearly all of his surgeries via a transvaginal route, the least invasive approach, in an outpatient setting at fully accredited Ambulatory Surgical Centers.

Rest assured, Dr. Aguirre and his team have devoted their entire careers to helping women achieve optimal urogynecologic health! He offers the most advanced technologies and techniques to help you regain your intimate vitality.

Will I find relief?

Yes! The most important thing to remember is that help is a phone call away! Take the first step by calling us for a consultation at 303.322.0500 today! You can also fill out our online form.