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Conditions Treated by the UCSD Women's Pelvic Medicine Center |
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 Pelvic floor conditions are problems that affect women's pelvic organs -- the uterus, vagina, bladder, rectum and the muscles that surround and support them.
The three most common problems are:
- Difficulties with bladder control
- Difficulties with bowel control
- Pelvic organ prolapse
Difficulties with Bladder Control (Urinary Incontinence)
Bladder control problems are very common, especially among older adults. Incontinence can be a short-term problem caused by a urinary tract infection, a medicine, or constipation. But when bladder control becomes an ongoing problem, it is considered a chronic condition that may require medical or surgical treatment.
There are two main kinds of chronic incontinence. Some women have both.
- Stress incontinence occurs when you sneeze, cough, laugh, jog, or do other things that put pressure on your bladder . It is the most common type of bladder control problem in women.
- Urge incontinence, also called overactive bladder, happens when you have a strong need to urinate but can't reach the toilet in time. This can happen even when your bladder is holding only a small amount of urine. Some women may have no warning before they accidentally leak urine. Other women may leak urine when they drink water or when they hear or touch running water.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when a pelvic organ drops (prolapses) from its normal spot in the lower belly and pushes against the walls of the vagina. This can happen when the muscles that hold the pelvic organs in place are stretched or weakened, often as a result of surgery or childbirth.
More than one pelvic organ can prolapse at the same time. learn more about the organs that may be involved in prolapse:
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Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)
A bladder prolapse (cystocele) occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the bladder in place are stretched or weakened. This causes the bladder to move from its natural position and press against the wall of the vagina, forming a bulge. |
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Urethral Prolapse (Urethrocele)
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When the urethra is not well supported by the muscles and tissues around it, it can curve and widen. This is called a urethral prolapse (urethrocele).
It is common for a bladder prolapse (cystocele) to develop along with a urethral prolapse. Both kinds of prolapse can press against the wall of the vagina.
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Uterine Prolapse
A uterine prolapse occurs when a woman's pelvic muscles and ligaments become weak, causing the uterus to drop from its usual position. This allows the neck of the uterus (cervix) to bulge down into the vagina. |
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Vaginal Vault Prolapse
Vaginal vault prolapse can occur following the surgical removal of the uterus, or hysterectomy. When the top of the vagina loses the support of the uterus, it often sags or drops into the vaginal canal. |
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Small Bowel Prolapse (Enterocele)
A small bowel prolapse (enterocele) occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the small bowel in place are stretched or weakened. This can cause the small bowel to move from its natural position and press against the wall of the vagina. |
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Rectocele
A rectocele occurs when the tissues and muscles that hold the end of the large intestine (rectum) in place are stretched or weakened. This can allow the rectum to move from its natural position and press against the back wall of the vagina. Sometimes the tissues separating the two are so weak that the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina. |
This page adapted from Healthwise Incorporated.
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Womens Pelvic Medicine Center
Perlman Ambulatory Care Center
9350 Campus Point Drive
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 657-8737 |