What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
As many as 5.3 million women in the United States have some form of Pelvic Organ Prolapse. POP is cause by a weakening of pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue which can be a result of age and/or childbirth. There are several types of POP’s and they are as follows:
- Cystocele – When the bladders descends into the vagina. This type of POP is prevalent in females who have had a hysterectomy. The removal of the uterus allows the bladder to descend more easily into the vaginal space. If the cystocele is severe enough, the bladder may protrude or bulge out of the vagina. Another common diagnosis caused by bladder descension is Urethrocele which can cause vaginal irritation, pressure, frequent urination, stress incontinence and painful sex.
- Uterine Prolapse- As described by the name, is when the uterus descends into the vaginal space. If you have this types of prolapse, you might feel pressure around your pelvis and you may also see a protrusion of your cervix outside of your vagina.
- Enterocele & Rectocele – Enterocele is when your intestines slide into the vaginal space and a Rectocele is when your rectum slides into your vaginal space. With either of these diagnosis, it may be hard to make a poop. Often patients with these conditions feel constipated or bloated.
How do people poop normally with a Rectocele?
Rectocele is the weakening of the posterior vaginal canal which enables the rectum to move into the vaginal canal space. This can cause a vaginal bulge downward toward the Perineum. Most people with a rectocele commonly complain of pressure both in the perineum and vagina and issues such as obstructive defecation and constipation. A common technique used and taught by Pelvic Floor Therapists is “vaginal splinting”.
Genetics, pregnancy, delivery, heavy lifting, poor breathing and or chronic straining can lead to structural and anatomical changes in a woman’s pelvic structures. These changes can lead to weakened and compromised support for the pelvic organs (vagina, uterus, rectum and/or bladder). These conditions are often referred to as pelvic organ prolapse.
Difficulty emptying the bowels without constipation is usually due to these anatomical or mechanical changes. Women with these problems experience prolonged and/or ineffective pushing, and often have to manually support the perineum (tissue between vagina and anus) and/or back wall of the vagina to have a bowel movement.
What is Vaginal Splinting?
Vaginal Splinting is the technique of using one’s fingers against the perineum to push the bulge of a rectocele back up into place. The procedure also involves inserting your fingers inside the vaginal canal to push the rectum back into the appropriate position to properly eliminate waste.
Are there any drawbacks to Vaginal Splinting?
There are at least three drawbacks as expressed by patients when vaginal splinting at home:
- “It’s Gross”- Many patients have expressed some form of anxiety over having to insert their fingers into their vagina and feel themselves move their stool back into place.
- “Difficult to Maneuver”- Some people lack the dexterity to get their fingers into the right place to perform the technique.
- “Can’t Reach”- Larger or Pregnant People cannot reach the perineum or vaginal cavity.
How Does the Release Help with Rectocele?
The Release tool helps the user by eliminating all of the drawbacks associated with vaginal splinting plus some added comfort measures as well. First off, the product itself consists of three parts, each part required detailed thought in order to make sure the device was easy for anyone to use, comfortable and works!
Genetics, pregnancy, delivery, heavy lifting, poor breathing and or chronic straining can lead to structural and anatomical changes in a woman’s pelvic struc- tures. These changes can lead to weakened and compromised support for the pelvic organs (vagina, uterus, rectum and/or bladder). These conditions are often referred to as pelvic organ prolapse.
Difficulty emptying the bowels without constipation is usually due to these anatomical or mechanical changes. Women with these problems experience prolonged and/or ineffective pushing, and often have to manually support the perineum (tissue between vagina and anus) and/or back wall of the vagina to have a bowel movement.