When To Call a Doctor
Call your health professional to schedule an appointment if:
- You notice a bulge of tissue inside your vagina
or bulging out of your vagina.
- You have a sensation of pulling or
increased pelvic pressure that is made worse when you strain or lift but is
relieved when you lie down.
- Pain in your low back or pelvic area is
interfering with your daily activities.
- Sexual intercourse has
become difficult or painful.
- Irregular spotting or bleeding from
the vagina has developed.
- Urinary symptoms, such as involuntary
release of urine (incontinence), urinating frequently, having an urgent
need to urinate, or urinating frequently at night, have developed and are
interfering with your daily activities.
- You have difficulty having
a bowel movement.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your
health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical
treatment. This period may vary from a few days to weeks, months, or years. If
you have been diagnosed with
pelvic organ prolapse and you do not have symptoms, or
if you have mild symptoms that are not interfering with your daily activities,
you may wish to try watchful waiting. Many women who have pelvic organ prolapse
do not have symptoms and therefore do not require treatment.
If you have symptoms, such as a feeling of pressure in your
vagina, schedule an appointment with your health professional.
Who To See
Your health professional can evaluate symptoms caused by pelvic
organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse can be diagnosed and treated by the
following health professionals:
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment