The primary consequence of leaving a prolapsed bladder untreated is that the bladder can become increasingly displaced and weakened until it is unable to store urine in the body. This can lead to urine leakage, pain, difficulty with urination and, in some cases, the complete inability to pass urine.
Other potential serious complications of a prolapsed bladder left untreated include urinary tract infections, pain during intercourse, recurrent bladder infections, and prolapse of other pelvic organs.
Over time, the weakened and displaced bladder may cause psychological distress and potentially lead to an inability to have sexual intercourse or control the bladder when coughing, laughing or sneezing.
Treatment for a prolapsed bladder is therefore essential to mitigate these potentially embarrassing and serious complications.
What happens if bladder prolapse is left untreated?
If bladder prolapse is left untreated, the condition can worsen over time. If the bladder prolapse is caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, those muscles may continue to weaken, leading the bladder to move even further from its normal position.
This can cause a range of urinary symptoms such as increased frequency of urination, a greater need to urinate during the night, incontinence, urge incontinence (not being able to control the urge to urinate), leaking urine when you cough or sneeze, and/or difficulty completely empty the bladder of urine.
In addition, if bladder prolapse is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), bladder stones, and damage to the walls of the bladder caused by the prolapse, which can lead to the formation of fistulas (abnormal connections between different organs).
Long-term untreated prolapse can even result in a rupture of the organ (in this case, the bladder) and necrosis (tissue death). Ultimately, prompt medical attention is necessary to properly diagnose and treat prolapsed bladder and prevent the condition from worsening and potentially leading to serious complications.
Can you live with a prolapsed bladder?
Yes, you can live with a prolapsed bladder. However, it’s important to seek treatment for a prolapsed bladder to help manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
Lifestyle changes may include Kegel exercises, weight loss, or avoiding heavy lifting. Medications may include muscle relaxants or estrogen therapy. Surgery may be recommended for advanced cases. It’s important for someone with a prolapsed bladder to follow-up regularly with their doctor in order to monitor their condition.
How do I know if my bladder prolapse is severe?
If you think you may have bladder prolapse, it is important to consult your doctor. Your doctor can assess the severity of any bladder prolapse by performing a physical examination and asking questions about your symptoms and medical history.
Depending on the degree of the prolapse, your doctor may refer you for a range of tests such as cystourethroscopy, or may suggest treatment such as pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes.
Signs of a severe prolapse may include extreme bladder discomfort or high levels of leakage. If the prolapse is causing pain or making day-to-day activities difficult, it is likely to be severe. In some cases, the bladder may protrude into the vagina, which can also indicate a severe prolapse.
You may also experience urinary retention and difficulties in passing urine or stool.
In severe cases, the bladder could become so prolapsed that you may experience some tissue death or bladder perforation. In these cases, surgery may be required to correct the prolapse. Additionally, in severe cases of prolapse, the bladder can put pressure on the vagina and other organs.
This can cause urinary tract infections, constipation, pain during sex, and other symptoms.
It is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor to ensure the most appropriate course of treatment. If your bladder prolapse is severe, you may need more specialised care and treatment.
At what stage of prolapse require surgery?
The decision to proceed with surgery is dependent upon the stage of prolapse. Generally, surgery is recommended when there is a stage 3 cystocele, rectocele, or uterine prolapse, as these stages are more difficult to manage with non-surgical interventions such as lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, or pessary use.
Sagittal prolapse, however, may need to be addressed surgically at an earlier stage depending on the severity, size, and symptoms. Additionally, patients may opt for surgical correction even if the prolapse is at an earlier stage, as there may be an urgency for relief.
If a patient chooses to proceed with surgery, he or she should also explore different surgical options to choose the best one for their individual case. Options for surgical repair of prolapse include abdominal, laparoscopic, and robotic procedures.
Abdominal repairs can be done with the aid of a mesh, which can be a beneficial option for those whose severe prolapse cannot be corrected by just repositioning. If a patient needs only a vaginal repair, they may opt for a laparoscopic or robotic procedure.
Ultimately, the choice of surgical repair should be left up to the patient and the surgeon.
Does insurance cover prolapse surgery?
The answer to this question depends on both the type of insurance that you have, and the specific type of surgery being performed. Most health insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover some forms of prolapse surgery, including laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy, sacrospinous fixation, and hysterectomy.
However, each individual plan can vary in terms of coverage. Additionally, procedures such as transvaginal mesh, bladder sling surgery, and surgical repair of the vaginal wall will typically not be covered by health insurance, as they are considered to be elective.
It is best to contact your insurance provider to get a comprehensive answer, as they will be able to tell you the specific type and extent of coverage that is offered. In some cases, even if the insurance plan does not cover a certain procedure, they may be able to provide a discount or suggest alternative treatments that could be covered.
Is surgery the only option for prolapse?
No, surgery is not the only option for prolapse. Treatment options for uterine prolapse depend on the severity of the prolapse and the patient’s overall health and preferences. A variety of nonsurgical treatments can be used to provide relief from the symptoms of uterine prolapse, including lifestyle changes, pelvic floor physical therapy, and the use of a pessary.
These nonsurgical options may decrease discomfort, help the pelvic organs return to their normal positions, and even prevent the prolapse from worsening.
However, women with advanced uterine prolapse may require surgical intervention to return the prolapsed pelvic organs to their correct place and prevent future complications such as urinary/fecal incontinence and recurrent infection.
The type of surgery that is performed for prolapse depends on the patient’s symptoms and the extent of the prolapse. It may involve the use of mesh or an artificial support system, as well as suturing and repairing the pelvic organs and ligaments that were stretched as part of the prolapse.
Additionally, a hysterectomy may be performed if the patient wishes to stop having menstrual periods.
In summary, surgery is not the only option for prolapse, but it may be recommended for more advanced stages. It is important for women to discuss their individual needs and preferences with their healthcare provider so that a treatment option tailored to their specific needs can be chosen.
Can you naturally fix a prolapse?
No, you cannot naturally fix a prolapse. Prolapse is a common disorder that may require medical treatment to resolve. Depending on the severity of the prolapse, treatments such as pelvic floor physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, medications, and surgery may be necessary.
For mild prolapse, lifestyle modifications such as pelvic floor physical therapy, improving your posture, and avoiding heavy lifting or straining may offer some relief. However, if the prolapse has progressed to a more severe stage, then more advanced treatments such as hormone therapy, pelvic floor repair surgery, or even a hysterectomy may needed to restore the organs back to their correct position.
Consulting with a healthcare professional can help to determine the best course of action.
Can my bladder fall out?
No, your bladder cannot fall out. Your bladder is held in place by the surrounding muscles and ligaments of your pelvic floor, which act like an internal hammock to keep it in its correct position. This system of muscles and ligaments can weaken over time, due to pregnancy, menopause, age, or health conditions, which can lead to issues such as bladder leakage or prolapse.
However, under normal circumstances, your bladder is held in place and cannot fall out. That being said, it’s important to be mindful of pelvic floor issues and to seek help if you have any symptoms of pelvic floor weakness.
Working with a physical therapist or medical professional to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles is the best way to support your bladder and prevent any issues from occurring.
How do I stop my bladder from falling out?
The first step to preventing your bladder from falling out is to get a pelvic floor muscle evaluation with a pelvic physical therapist. The pelvic floor musculature plays an important role in supporting the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder.
During the evaluation, the therapist can determine the strength and function of the pelvic floor and how it is affecting your bladder. The next step is to engage in an individualized exercise program to address any weakness or dysfunction in the pelvic floor.
This will help to restore proper support to the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder. Additionally, regular physical activity helps to strengthen the core muscles, which can also help to support the organs in the pelvis.
Lastly, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress can help to reduce your risk of bladder-related issues.
How do you determine the severity of a prolapse?
In determining the severity of a prolapse, a doctor or health care provider will conduct a physical exam to assess the severity of the prolapse. He/she will be looking for how far the pelvic organ has dropped down and if any neighboring organs have been affected.
The doctor may also ask about symptoms such as pain or pressure in the area. The severity of the prolapse can also be measured with a pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system, which assigns points to different levels of prolapse.
A score of 0 means that the organ is not prolapsing, while a higher score indicates a greater degree of prolapse. The severity of the prolapse can be used to determine the best course of treatment and whether surgery is necessary.
When does a prolapse become an emergency?
A prolapse becomes an emergency if it is causing significant pain or signifcant disruption of bodily functions. If a prolapse is interfering with things like elimination, urination, or sexual function, then medical attention should be sought immediately.
If a person experiences symptoms like intense pain in their pelvis, heavy vaginal bleeding, fever, or severe dizziness, then these could be signs of an emergency and emergency medical care should be sought as soon as possible.
What is considered a severe prolapse?
Severe prolapse is when a pelvic organ, most commonly the uterus, is pushed down from its normal position in the pelvic cavity and is felt pushing against the walls of the vagina. It may also cause the woman to experience the feeling of a bulge or the organs to actually prolapse through the vaginal opening.
Severe prolapse is considered when the organs are beyond their normal anatomical position and have collapsed to a point that causes loss of bladder and/or bowel control, and/or constriction of the urethra.
Severe prolapse can also be accompanied by pain or severe discomfort, labial pressure, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the vagina. In severe cases, the uterus may protrude beyond the hymenal ring.
Additionally, some cases of severe prolapse can cause difficulty in sexual intercourse, issues with personal hygiene, and may even require surgical intervention. If a woman is experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice to assess the severity of the prolapse and to discuss treatment options.
Can a prolapsed bladder be serious?
Yes, a prolapsed bladder can be a very serious condition that requires medical attention and possible treatment. Prolaposed bladder (also known as cystocele) is a condition where the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, and the bladder begins to drop down.
As the bladder drops, it can form a bulge in the vagina or protrude outside of the vagina. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including: difficulty or inability to urinate, decreased sensation when urinating, pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, pain during intercourse, bladder infections, incontinence, and difficulty maintaining an erection.
Symptoms of a prolapsed bladder can worsen if left untreated, resulting in potential complications including kidney damage, urinary tract infections, and even an increased risk of pelvic organ prolapse.
Seeking medical assistance from an OB/GYN is the best way to address a prolapsed bladder and determine the most appropriate treatment. In some cases, lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises are recommended.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tissue.
Is it OK to live with a prolapse?
Living with a prolapse is possible and can be managed with lifestyle changes or medications. However, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as you suspect you have a prolapse. Depending on the severity of the condition, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery.
Making lifestyle changes can help to reduce pressure on the muscles and organs that are part of the prolapsed area. These can include avoiding activities that put pressure on the area, such as lifting heavy objects, carrying a child on one’s hip, or performing activities that strain the back.
Additionally, making changes to diet and exercise can help as can using a special support device that redistributes weight away from the prolapsed area.
Depending on the severity of the prolapse, medications can be prescribed to help ease discomfort, improve circulation, and provide relief from pain or inflammation. Surgery may be required for a prolapse that is a serious health issue that is causing regular discomfort, difficulty with everyday tasks, or recurrent urinary tract infections.
Your doctor will be the best person to recommend a particular course of treatment for your prolapse.
The best way to manage a prolapse is to stay in contact with a doctor and make sure you seek appropriate advice and treatment. If lifestyle changes are not effective, then medications and/or surgery may need to be considered to ensure the condition does not worsen over time.