Table of Contents
hello. I’m Dr. Sangchul Hwang, an autonomic nerve research and treatment center. Feeling Pelvic Pressure Do you know pelvic organ prolapse? In my practice, there are many patients who express, “I feel like my bottom is falling out” or “I feel heavy and down.” At first, they often dismiss it as simple fatigue or temporary symptoms, but if these symptoms are repeated, it is necessary to suspect pelvic organ prolapse. In this article, we’ll focus on the differences between bladder, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse, which are often confusing, and explain how to differentiate between them.
Stagnation with a sinking feeling
It’s not just a sensation, it’s a condition that occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support the organs inside the pelvis weaken, causing them to slide downward. It’s especially common if you’ve given birth, live a life where abdominal pressure is often elevated, or have weakened muscles and tissues, and it often starts as a simple discomfort that gradually progresses to a heaviness, foreign body sensation, or pressure.
What is cystocele?
Cystocele is a condition in which the bladder is pushed down toward the vagina. The most characteristic symptom is discomfort with urination, which may be accompanied by a lingering sensation after urinating, a feeling that the urine doesn’t run cool, frequent urination, and in severe cases, urinary incontinence. In other words, if you have a sensation of falling down and urination symptoms, cystocele is the first thing to look for.
What is uterine prolapse?
Uterine prolapse is a condition in which the uterus descends and shifts its position toward the vaginal opening. In this case, patients often complain of a sensation of something actually moving down or a lump being palpable, rather than just discomfort. It is characterized by symptoms that are worse with prolonged standing or activity and are relatively relieved when lying down, and if it has progressed, it may be visible to the naked eye.
What is rectocele?
Rectocele is a condition where the rectum pushes into the vagina. This condition is characterized by symptoms related to bowel movements, such as feeling uncomfortable after passing a bowel movement, having to strain to pass a bowel movement, or in severe cases, having to press down on the back of the vagina with your hand to pass a bowel movement. In other words, if you have a sensation of being pushed down, coupled with bowel discomfort, you may have prolapse.
Key criteria that distinguish the three
Bladder, uterine, and rectal prolapse all fall under the umbrella of pelvic organ prolapse, but the direction of the symptoms depends on which organ is affected. To summarize, the most realistic way to categorize the condition is as follows: bladder prolapse if urination problems are the focus, uterine prolapse if you feel a lump falling down, and rectocele if bowel problems are the focus. Of course, in practice, it’s often a combination of the two, so it’s important to get a medical examination to determine the exact diagnosis.
How does an acupuncturist approach it?
Chinese medicine doesn’t look at these symptoms as simply a matter of organ positioning, but rather as a combination of weakness in the muscles and tissues that support the pelvis, poor circulation, and the overall balance of the body that regulates abdominal pressure. It’s important to approach these symptoms with the goal of building the body’s support and resilience, not just reducing them, especially since an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system can lead to less muscle tone and resilience, making it easier for these symptoms to manifest.
Finalize
Feeling like you’re losing your bottom isn’t just a symptom you can live with, it can be an important signal from your body. Bladder, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse each have different symptoms, so it’s important to understand where your symptoms fall, and managing them in the early stages will help prevent them from getting worse. If you’re experiencing recurring discomfort, we recommend getting an accurate diagnosis to determine what’s going on, rather than trying to figure it out on your own.
