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Pelvic Organ Prolapse Specialist

Manish Gopal, MD, MSCE -  - Urogynecologist

Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Manish Gopal, MD, MSCE

Urogynecologist located in Somerset, NJ & Freehold, NJ

Pelvic organ prolapse means your pelvic floor muscles fail to support your uterus, bladder, or rectum, so they drop—causing urinary and bowel complications and discomfort that can interrupt your normal daily activities. Leading, board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Manish Gopal offers surgical and non-surgical solutions to pelvic organ prolapse at the Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, with locations in Somerset and Freehold, New Jersey. Either call or book an appointment online.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Q & A

What exactly is pelvic organ prolapse?

Weakness of the connective tissues and muscles of the vagina caused by vaginal childbirth, injury, or aging means it no longer adequately supports the organs of the pelvis. These include the uterus, bladder, or rectum. One or more of these organs can then drop into the vaginal canal and even into the vaginal opening.

What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?

Prolapse can result in problems affecting the organ which has prolapsed. For example, you might experience urinary incontinence if the bladder has prolapsed or problems with bowel movements if the rectum has prolapsed. Some signs that you might have a prolapsed pelvic organ include:

  • A bulge or lump in your vagina
  • The feeling that something is falling out of your vagina
  • Pain and discomfort during intercourse
  • Vaginal pain, pressure, bleeding, and irritation
  • Urinary incontinence, especially when coughing or sneezing, or a slow urinary stream
  • Bowel movement problems, including constipation or incomplete elimination
  • Slow, delayed urinary stream

Frequent lower back discomfort can accompany any of these symptoms indicating you might have an organ that’s prolapsed.

What is the treatment for pelvic organ prolapse?

Dr. Gopal recommends treatment specifically designed for your case. Non-surgical options include pelvic floor exercises, intra-vaginal medications, and devices to help elevate prolapse.

Pelvic floor exercises emphasize “Kegels,” which help strengthen the pelvic floor so it can provide enhanced support for the bladder neck and urethra. A physical therapist can instruct you on how to properly do the movement with the most effective technique.

Vaginal pessaries are removable devices placed into the vagina. These devices are made of rubber, plastic, or a silicone-based material and are similar to a diaphragm. The pessary supports areas of pelvic organ prolapse.

Is surgery a permanent fix for pelvic organ prolapse?

Dr. Gopal hopes that a surgical correction lasts a lifetime. He uses state-of-the-art, progressive treatments to offer the best possible fix, but can’t guarantee you’ll have no future prolapses. The surgery provided at the Center for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery is minimally invasive, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing operative risks. A hysterectomy is not necessary for prolapse correction.

Prolapse is a hernia that occurs in the vagina due to a variety of causes. The reality is that many women who have surgery to repair prolapse do have to repeat it.