1. Pelvic Support Problems Many women’s pelvic organs change as they age. They may have a feeling of pelvic pressure or heaviness. It may feel like “something is falling out of the vagina.” These symptoms may be caused by pelvic support problems. Although these problems may begin with childbirth, women may notice them even more as they age.
The Pelvic Organs The parts of the body affected by pelvic support problems include the urethra and bladder, the small intestine, the rectum, the uterus, and the vagina. The urethra and bladder lie in front of the vagina. The bladder receives and stores urine from the kidneys and expels it through the urethra (a short, narrow tube). The uterus is at the top of the vagina. Behind the uterus is a space within the pelvic cavity called the cul-de-sac. This space contains some of the small intestine. Along the back of this space is the rectum, which continues down the back of the vagina and ends at the anus. The perineum is the tissue between the opening of the vagina and the anus. The pelvic organs are held in place by 3 types of support: 1. Layers of connecting tissue called endopelvic fascia 2. Thickened parts of the fascia called ligaments 3. A paired group of muscles that lies on either side and around the openings of the urethra, vagina, and rectum
When the tissues that support the pelvic organs are stretched and damaged, the organ that they support may drop down and press against the wall of the vagina. This causes a bulge. Sometimes the organ will drop down so much that the bulge sticks out through the vaginal opening.
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