Women who have experienced childbirth or injuries may have had symptoms of pelvic relaxation. This occurs when muscles in the pelvic region weaken due to damage or stress. The muscles along the pelvic wall generally hold pelvic organs in place such as the bladder, rectum, and uterus. When the pelvic wall weakens, these organs can drop or sag. This can cause conditions which range from slight to serious in severity.
One condition that can occur due to weakened muscles in the pelvic region is called bladder prolapse. Characterized by a sagging of the bladder into the vaginal canal, this condition can result in difficulty emptying the bladder and the feeling that the bladder is always full due to external pressure. Occasionally this sagging causes discomfort and even embarrassment for women. In some cases, a protrusion of the bladder into the vaginal wall is visible near the vaginal opening. In other cases, urine leakage can result even due to minor pressure on pelvic muscles when a woman laughs, coughs, or sneezes.
Fortunately, physicians recommend several corrective measures that can bolster support of the bladder to hold it in place despite the weakened muscles. Depending on the stage of the prolapse, physicians may recommend pelvic floor physical therapy, medication such as Vesicare to relieve frequent urination, or behavioral therapy. An example of a surgical procedure that can be performed involves inserting a mesh sling under the bladder to provide support. Once a physician diagnoses the condition, he or she can discuss the options a patient has, as well as recommendations as to why one solution may be preferable based on the patient’s specific medical needs.