Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor 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 doctor 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 doctor.

Who To See

Your doctor can evaluate symptoms caused by pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse can be diagnosed and treated by the following health professionals:

• Family medicine doctors
• General practitioners
• Nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Internists
• Gynecologists
• Urologists

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	October 20, 2008
Author:	Sandy Jocoy, RN
Reviewed By:	Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine, R. Hugh Gorwill, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC