The Connection Between Menopause and Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Menopause occurs after 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, marking the end of your reproductive years. In addition to common symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, many women also experience changes in their pelvic floor health.

At Pasadena Urological Medical Group, our team provides specialized female urology services for urinary and pelvic floor conditions that commonly affect women, including pelvic organ prolapse. 

Read on to learn how menopause can contribute to prolapse and what you can do about it.

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that stretches from your pubic bone to your tailbone, holding your pelvic organs in place. It also helps with bowel and bladder control and plays an important role in sexual function.

When the pelvic floor weakens, one or more organs may shift out of position and bulge into the vaginal canal. This is known as pelvic organ prolapse.

Depending on the location and severity of the prolapse, you may notice: 

• Pressure, fullness, or aching in the pelvis or vagina
• A visible or palpable bulge of tissue in the vagina
• Urine leakage or difficulty urinating
• Constipation or difficulty having a bowel movement
• Discomfort during sex

Research shows an estimated 3% to 11% of women experience symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, although the actual number may be higher because many hesitate to seek treatment. In fact, a mild prolapse may not cause any noticeable symptoms.

How menopause raises the risk of prolapse

Estrogen supports collagen production, which helps maintain the strength and elasticity of your pelvic floor. When estrogen levels drop during menopause, these tissues often become thinner, weaker, and less flexible.

However, low estrogen is typically just a contributing factor. Prior pelvic strain can create underlying weakness, and symptoms may appear or worsen as estrogen declines.

Managing pelvic organ prolapse

If you have a mild prolapse that isn’t causing any discomfort, you may not need immediate treatment. In these cases, we may recommend certain lifestyle adjustments to help strengthen the pelvic floor and reduce daily strain. These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Performing Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises
• Staying hydrated and eating a fiber-rich diet to prevent constipation
• Avoiding heavy lifting or straining
• Quitting smoking or vaping

For more bothersome symptoms, a removable device placed in the vagina can help hold the prolapsed organs in place without surgery. Vaginal estrogen therapy may improve tissue health after menopause.

When prolapse is severe or conservative treatments fall short, surgery may be necessary. Our team uses minimally invasive surgical techniques when possible, which help reduce pain and shorten recovery time compared with traditional open surgery.

Don’t let embarrassment keep you from seeking help for uncomfortable pelvic or urinary symptoms. Contact Pasadena Urological Medical Group in Pasadena, California, to schedule a consultation and learn which treatment options might be right for you.