A bulge is created when the small intestine (small bowel) descends into the lower pelvic cavity and presses against the upper part of the vagina, a condition known as small bowel prolapse or enterocele. The definition of "prolapse" is to trip or fall. At KD Blossom, the training and experience the doctors have are arguably the best of any gynecology hospital in Ahmedabad.
Small bowel prolapse is more likely to happen when the muscles and ligaments supporting your pelvic organs weaken due to childbirth, aging, and other activities that put pressure on your pelvic floor.
Self-care practices and other nonsurgical treatments are often beneficial in managing minor bowel prolapse. In extreme circumstances, the prolapse may require surgery to correct.
What Are The Symptoms?
Small bowel prolapse that is mild may not show any symptoms at all. On the other hand, if your prolapse is severe, you may:
- A pelvic tugging sensation that goes away as you lie down.
- A sensation of pressure, fullness, or pain in the pelvis.
- Pain in the lower back that goes away as you lie down.
- A little tissue protrusion in your vagina.
- Dyspareunia, or uncomfortable sex, is painful.
Many women who have prolapse of the small bowel also have prolapse of the bladder, uterus, or rectum.
The Causes
The primary cause of any type of pelvic organ prolapse is increased pressure on the pelvic floor. Small bowel prolapse and other types of prolapse can be brought on by or made worse by the following situations and activities:
- Pregnancy as well as delivery.
- Persistent constipation or difficult bowel motions.
- Bronchitis or persistent cough.
- Hefty lifting repeatedly.
- Being too heavy or fat.
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Pelvic organ prolapse is most commonly caused by pregnancy and childbirth. During pregnancy, labor, and delivery, the muscles, ligaments, and tissue that support and hold your vagina lengthen and lose strength.
Pelvic organ prolapse does not occur in every woman who has given birth. Some women never experience any issues because they have incredibly strong ligaments, muscles, and tissue in their pelvis. Additionally, pelvic organ prolapse can occur in a woman who has never given birth.
The Risk Factors
Your chance of experiencing a small bowel prolapse is increased by the following factors:
- Pregnancy & Childbirth: Your pelvic floor support structures will deteriorate as a result of one or more vaginal births, which will raise your risk of prolapse. Your chance of experiencing any kind of pelvic organ prolapse increases with the number of pregnancies you have. Women who have solely had cesarean sections have a lower risk of prolapse.
- Age: Prolapse of the small bowel and other pelvic organs happens more frequently as people age. Muscle mass and strength tend to decline with age, both in the pelvic muscles and other muscles.
- Pelvic Surgery: A hysterectomy or other surgical procedures used to treat incontinence may raise your risk of small bowel prolapse.
- Increased Abdominal Pressure: Being overweight raises abdominal pressure, which raises the possibility of small bowel prolapse. Straining during bowel movements and a persistent (chronic) cough are two other reasons that raise blood pressure.
- Smoking: Prolapse is linked to smoking because smokers often cough, which raises the pressure in the abdomen.
- Race: White and Hispanic women are more likely to get pelvic organ prolapse for unidentified reasons.
- Connective Tissue Disorders: Because of weaker connective tissues in your pelvic area, you may be genetically predisposed to prolapse, which increases your risk of developing small bowel prolapse and other types of pelvic organ prolapse.
Prevention
By employing these tactics, you might be able to reduce your risk of small bowel prolapse:
- Maintaining A Healthy Weight: Losing a little weight will help relieve the discomfort in your abdomen if you're overweight.
- Preventing Constipation: Consume a diet rich in fiber, stay hydrated, and get regular exercise to assist in avoiding straining when passing gas during bowel movements.
- Treat A Chronic Cough: Constant coughing raises the pressure in the abdomen. If your cough is persistent or chronic, consult your physician about treatment options.
Conclusion
Consult your lady gynecologist in Ahmedabad, someone who is a part of the team of experts at KD Blossom, if you experience any bothersome prolapse signs or symptoms. Attempt to give up smoking and refrain from doing heavy lifting as the latter increases abdominal pressure.