How do you stage pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Stages
- Stage 1: Very mild prolapse – organs are still fairly well supported by the pelvic floor.
- Stage 2: Pelvic floor organs have begun to fall, but are still contained inside the vagina.
- Stage 3: Pelvic floor organs have fallen to, or beyond the opening of the vagina.
How is a prolapse graded?
It consists of four grades: grade 0 – no prolapse, grade 1–halfway to hymen, grade 2 – to hymen, grade 3 – halfway past hymen, grade 4 –maximum descent. In 1996, an article by Bump et al.
What is a stage 4 prolapse?
The worst case (stage 4) is when organs like the uterus push through the vaginal wall and can be completely outside the body. Your OBGYN at South Florida Women’s Care can determine the stage of a patient’s pelvic organ prolapse by doing a simple pelvic exam.
What are the steps in evaluating someone with prolapse?
Initial evaluation includes a history and systematic pelvic examination including assessment for urinary incontinence, bladder outlet obstruction, and fecal incontinence. Treatment options include observation, vaginal pessaries, and surgery. Most women can be successfully fit with a vaginal pessary.
How is Stage 3 prolapse treated?
Prolapse up to the third degree may spontaneously resolve. More severe cases may require medical treatment. Options include: Vaginal pessary: This is a vaginal device that supports the uterus and keeps it in position.
At what stage of prolapse require surgery?
Consider surgery if the prolapse is causing pain, if you are having problems with your bladder and bowels, or if the prolapse is making it hard for you to do activities you enjoy. An organ can prolapse again after surgery. Surgery in one part of your pelvis can make a prolapse in another part worse.
What is a Grade 3 prolapse?
Grade 3 (severe): The bladder protrudes from the body through the vaginal opening. Grade 4 (complete): The entire bladder protrudes completely outside the vagina; usually associated with other forms of pelvic organ prolapse (uterine prolapse, rectocele, enterocele).
Can Stage 3 prolapse be fixed without surgery?
You might be able to relieve some symptoms on your own without surgery. You can do exercises at home that make your pelvic muscles stronger. If you choose, your doctor can fit you with a device called a pessary. A pessary can help you cope with pelvic organ prolapse.
How do you evaluate a pelvic prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is diagnosed by physical exam. During the pelvic exam, the physician evaluates the anterior vaginal wall, posterior vaginal wall, top of the vagina, and uterus, inspecting for signs of organ prolapse.
What is organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is when 1 or more of the organs in the pelvis slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. It can be the womb (uterus), bowel, bladder or top of the vagina. A prolapse is not life threatening, but it can cause pain and discomfort.