Prolapse Specialist
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Andrey Petrikovets, MD, FACOG
Urogynecologist located in Los Angeles, CA
As many as 3% of women in the United States suffer from prolapse, which occurs when your pelvic muscles are no longer able to support your pelvic organs, allowing them to fall into your vagina. Fellowship-trained urogynecologist, Andrey Petrikovets, MD, FACOG, with an office in Downtown Los Angeles, California, utilizes cutting-edge tools and techniques to diagnose and treat prolapse in women. Call the office or book an appointment online today.
Prolapse Q & A
What is prolapse?
Prolapse refers to a weakening of the pelvic floor muscles that allows your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and rectum) to fall and press into or out of your vagina. Pregnancy, childbirth, and aging affect the strength of these pelvic floor muscles, placing you at risk for prolapse.
With a prolapse, you may feel an uncomfortable pressure in your vagina or even see a bulging of the dropped organ. You may also experience urinary or fecal incontinence.
What are the types of prolapse?
Prolapse is divided into types based on the organs affected by the herniation. The types of prolapse include:
Cystocele
A cystocele occurs when your bladder falls into your vagina. This is the most common type of prolapse.
Rectocele
If your rectum bulges into your vagina, it’s referred to as a rectocele.
Uterine prolapse
If your uterus falls into your vagina, it’s referred to as uterine prolapse. This type of prolapse may also lead to a prolapse of your small bowel into your vagina, which is referred to as your enterocele.
Some women also experience vaginal prolapse after having a hysterectomy. However, this is rare.
What can I expect during an evaluation for prolapse?
Dr. Petrikovets is an experienced urogynecologist and conducts a comprehensive examination when you come in with symptoms of prolapse. During your evaluation, he reviews your symptoms and medical and gynecological history. He also performs a physical and pelvic exam to determine the severity and grade of your prolapse, which he uses to design your treatment plan.
What are the treatments for prolapse?
Dr. Petrikovets develops individualized plans for the treatment of prolapse based on the severity and grade of your condition. If your prolapse isn’t severe or affecting your quality of life, Dr. Petrikovets may take a wait-and-see approach and suggest you make modifications to your lifestyle to prevent the worsening of your condition. These might include no heavy lifting and a diet high in fiber to prevent constipation. Dr. Petrikovets may also suggest pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which may improve your prolapse.
He may also suggest the placement of a pessary, which is a device that supports your pelvic organs. If your prolapse is severe or has worsened, you may need surgery to restore your organs to their usual position.
For an evaluation and treatment plan for your prolapse, call Andrey Petrikovets, MD, FACOG, or book an appointment online today.
