What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, is when the pelvic organs (generally the bladder, urethra, uterus or rectum) fall out of place and into the vaginal canal. This can happen from a weakening, loosening or laxity of the pelvic muscles, ligaments and connective tissue.

Types

There are different types of prolapse depending on which organ is falling.

• A cystocele is a falling of the bladder into the vaginal canal. 
• A urethrocele is a falling down of the urethra. 
• A rectocele is when the rectum bulges into the vaginal canal. 
• A uterine prolapse is when the uterus falls down into the vaginal canal. 

Why does this happen?

There can be ...

A new application for the iphone and ipad helps patients find bladder friendly foods.  Check out the article below for more information.

 http://www.newswise.com/articles/new-app-helps-urology-patients-find-bladder-friendly-foods2 

I would like to take the time this month to answer a question that has been sent in by a reader.

“Since having my son, every time I have sex with my husband I feel the need to pee while I am having intercourse. Is that normal?”

Experiencing the “sensation to pee” is not normal during intercourse. It is also not normal to leak urine during or after intercourse. I will explain a few possibilities why you may be experiencing this sensation.

1. “Tight” pelvic floor muscles
If your pelvic floor muscles are “tight” this may cause an increase tension in the vaginal canal during penetration. When there is less space, the penetrating object (i.e. penis, dilator) can be ...

I treat many women who come to my office who tell me, “I didn’t know there was anything that could be done for my pain associated with intercourse”.  Many women will experience some type of pain or discomfort with intercourse in their life time.  Researchers suggest 1 in 5 women may experience this type of pain.  However, there is help available.

Dyspareunia is defined as “persistent or recurrent genital pain that occurs just before, during or after intercourse and that causes you personal distress”1.  Painful intercourse can be difficult to talk about, but it is important to know that there are normal reasons this may occur and treatment options are available to reduce or eliminate ...

What should I know about taking care of my cesarean section scar?

It is important to follow your doctor’s (or midwife’s) orders and recommendations for care and healing of the area as well as exercise.  Immediately after delivery, it may be recommended to get up and walk around (slowly and gently) to assist in circulation and bowel movements.

Some of the following may also be beneficial:

• Wearing loose fitting clothing.
• Keeping the area clean and dry.
• Avoiding constipation.  Constipation can increase pressure and stress to the area causing potential pain and irritation.
• Splinting with bowel movements.  It may be beneficial to support your lower abdominals (over your incision) ...
...

Childbirth is wonderful, but can also be painful.  Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your new bundle of joy.  Some women may experience either an episiotomy or tearing of the perineum during delivery.  The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus.  This area may tear during delivery or your doctor may make an incision to allow the baby to be delivered more easily.  When an incision is made it is called an episiotomy.

It is important to follow your doctor’s (or midwife’s) orders and recommendations for care and healing of the area.  It is generally recommended that intercourse should be avoided for the first six weeks following delivery.  ...

How many times have you heard, “I have a tiny bladder!”?  Or, you feel you have to use the restroom every chance you get, i.e. you scope out the bathroom at each new location you visit.  Have you ever wondered:

• What is “normal” when it comes to my bladder?
• Are there healthy bladder habits I should know about?
• How much fluid should I drink?
• Can food or drinks irritate my bladder?

What is normal for your bladder?

• Bladder capacity volume: 400-600 mL, or 16 oz, or 2 cups
• First desire to void: 150-200 mL, or 5-7 oz
• Feel the urge to void every 2-4 hours (6-8 voids in 24 hours)
• Normal daily voiding amounts: 200-300+ mL or 10+ oz
• Normal nocturnal (...
...

What is a Diastasis Recti?

A diastasis recti or diastasis recti abdominis is a separation of the outermost abdominal muscles specifically a separation of the linea alba, the connective tissue attaching both bellies of the abdominal muscles.  The greater the stretching of the connective tissue, the greater the opening and space between the abdominal muscles.

Research has suggested that a separation of the abdominal muscles can occur in more than half of all pregnancies.  Multiple births or repeated pregnancies increase the risk for diastasis recti.  Your abdominal muscles provide support for your back and internal organs; therefore, when these muscles become weak and separated this support system becomes compromised...

Pregnancy is a wonderful and exciting time in your life.  You are welcoming a new addition to your family, but what happens when you begin to leak urine during your normal daily activities!  You think: “Can anything be done?…I guess this is just part of life after a baby…I need to buy more pads”.

Studies have reported one third of women will be incontinent after pregnancy with no significant relationship to the mode of delivery.  You should not have to deal with this embarrassing problem.  Incontinence is common; however, something CAN be done and you are not alone!

What is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be separated into two main categories…stress ...

Our therapists are continually attending courses to expand their knowledge and keep abreast of treatment approaches. Sandra Shevlin, DPT and Jerri Miller, DPT offer trigger point dry needling (aka intramuscular stimulation), an intramuscular procedure which targets myofascial trigger points with filament type needles, to release tight muscles, reduce muscle pain and dysfunction.