SEARCH RESULTS FOR: Genital-Prolapse

Genital Prolapse

Instrument-assisted vaginal deliveries (especially forceps) ↑ risk of levator muscle avulsion Pelvis widens during Valsalva maneuver (straining downwards to ↑ intra-abdominal pressure) ↑ Support needed to hold pelvic organs, which may eventually fail Genital Prolapse: Pathogenesis, clinical findings, & complications Pregnancy Levator ani muscle is injured or denervated due to overstretching & or compression during labour Levator ani muscle loses tone Genital hiatus opening enlarges Pelvic diaphragm descends & forms a funnel shape Ligamentous & connective tissue (e.g., arcus tendineus fascia pelvis, arcus tendineus levator ani, uterosacral ligaments) bear the ↑ abdominal pressure load Ligamentous & connective tissue stretch & may eventually fail with time ↑ Internal pressure from pelvic organ tissues pushes against pelvic muscles Hysterectomy Disruption to pelvic structural supports (particularly uterosacral ligament), pelvic blood supply, & or innervation during operation ↓ Pelvic organ support, which may fail with time Authors: Sara Cho Reviewers: Michelle J. Chen Jessica Revington Rachel Wang* * MD at time of publication Unclear mechanism Pelvic & or low back pain Dyspareunia (pain during intercourse) Legend: Pathophysiology Mechanism Conditions with impaired collagen quality (e.g. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome) Alterations in collagen & elastin synthesis Dysfunction of pelvic connective tissue Aging/menopause ↓ Systemic estrogen concentrations ↓ Smooth muscle cell proliferation & collagen synthesis in tissues with estrogen receptors (e.g., endopelvic fascia, arcus tendineus, levator ani, uterosacral ligament) Chronic cough Frequent contraction of abdominal & pelvic muscles Chronic constipation Patient constantly bears down, contracting abdominal & pelvic muscles Genetic factors (e.g., family history of prolapse, urinary incontinence, abdominal or inguinal hernia) Obesity Surrounding adipose tissue ↑ intra-abdominal pressure ↑ Stress on pelvic supporting structures Repeated ↑ in intra- abdominal pressure Combination of risk factors that contribute to, predispose, promote, or worsen prolapse Sign/Symptom/Lab Finding ↓ Pelvic organ support, which may fail with time Genital Prolapse Vaginal or uterine descent through the introitus (genital opening) Rectum pushes against the vaginal wall & widens the anorectal angle (angle between anal canal & rectum) Fecal incontinence Published Aug 25, 2025 on www.thecalgaryguide.com Weakened pelvic floor muscles provide ↓ structural support & ↑ hypermobility of the urethra & bladder neck Urinary incontinence Complications