When a pelvic prolapse occurs, it means that your pelvic organ drops from its normal position and pushes against the walls of your vagina. This can be an effect of childbirth, obesity, radiation treatment, surgery, or aging. Symptoms include frequent urination, difficulty starting a urine stream, urinary tract infections, or feeling pressure against the vaginal wall. If you have any of these symptoms, we will first perform a physical pelvic examination and then administer the following tests. (Related: urology doctor New York, urologist New York, urologist Manhattan)
Cotton Swab Test
During this test, a sterile cotton swab is put inside the urethra until the cotton portion is completely inside the bladder. The swab is then pulled back until resistance is met, meaning that it has entered the urethra. Depending on the angle of the cotton swab, we will know if the patient has normal pelvic anatomy.
Cystoscopy
This procedure is used to allow the doctor to examine the lining of your bladder and your urethra. During this procedure, a cystoscope is inserted into your urethra and goes into your bladder.
Bladder Function Test
These tests are used to measure nerve and muscle function, pressure around and in the bladder, flow rates, and more.
Ultrasound
During ultrasounds, sound waves are used to create images so that the pelvis can be seen. This also helps us to see the degree of the prolapse.
MRI
During an MRI, images of your pelvis can be created through magnetic waves. These images give us a more detailed image, which helps them determine if the patient needs surgery.
After these tests are done, we will be able to determine the severity of the pelvic prolapse. If the prolapse is mild, there are certain exercises you can do to strengthen pelvic muscles. If the condition is more severe, there are other treatments that you can choose from.