A woman's organs can shift position as she ages. Pregnancy, childbirth or being too heavy can stretch and weaken muscles that support your pelvic organs. A sheet of muscles and ligaments called the pelvic floor supports the uterus, small intestine, colon and bladder. If pelvic floor muscles are weak, your organs may drop. When they do, they bulge into the vagina. When that happens, you may feel like something is falling out of your vagina or you may have a sensation of fullness or pain. It can also become difficult to hold urine or have a bowel movement.
Some women with urine leakage can regain control by losing weight, cutting caffeine or doing special pelvic muscle exercises called Kegel exercises. A mechanical support device called a pessary helps some women. Surgery and medicines are other treatments.
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Date last updated: 17 September 2008 Topic last reviewed: 21 April 2008 |