Pelvic Organ Prolapse Care in Grand Rapids, MI

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common women’s health condition that many people in Grand Rapids, Michigan experience, especially after childbirth or menopause. Understanding your symptoms and knowing where to get help—from Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health, or local pelvic floor specialists—can make a big difference in your quality of life.

What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor become stretched or weakened. This allows one or more pelvic organs to drop down (prolapse) and press into or out of the vagina.

The pelvic organs include:

  • Uterus (womb) and cervix
  • Vagina
  • Bladder
  • Urethra (tube that carries urine)
  • Rectum (lower bowel)

Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

In Grand Rapids gynecology and urogynecology clinics, the most commonly diagnosed types of prolapse are:

Uterine Prolapse

  • The uterus and cervix drop down toward the vaginal opening.
  • In more severe cases, the cervix or uterus may protrude outside the vagina.

Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele)

  • The bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina.
  • Often causes urinary symptoms like leakage or difficulty emptying the bladder.

Bowel Prolapse (Rectocele)

  • The rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina.
  • Can cause difficulty having bowel movements or feeling like the bowel doesn’t empty completely.

Because the vaginal walls are overstretched and bulge downward, these conditions are often grouped under the term vaginal prolapse. Bladder and bowel prolapse may occur together or separately.

Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Symptoms vary from mild to severe and can depend on your overall health, age, and activity level. In West Michigan, many women notice symptoms more when they are on their feet for long hours at work or caring for family.

Common symptoms include:

  • A feeling of vaginal “dragging,” “heaviness,” or pressure
  • A feeling of fullness or a lump inside the vagina
  • A visible bulge at the vaginal opening (especially when wiping or showering)
  • Lower back ache, especially after standing or walking
  • Difficulty or discomfort with sexual intercourse

Bladder and bowel symptoms can include:

  • Needing to strain to pee or have a bowel movement
  • A slow or stop–start urine stream
  • Feeling like you cannot completely empty your bladder or bowel
  • Needing to go to the toilet urgently or frequently
  • Urinary or bowel incontinence (leakage of urine or stool)

In more severe cases, the vaginal wall, cervix, or uterus may protrude outside the vaginal entrance, especially after standing a long time or lifting heavy objects.

What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Anything that repeatedly increases pressure on the pelvic floor can contribute to prolapse. In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, common risk factors include:

  • Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth, especially:
    • Large babies
    • Forceps or vacuum deliveries
    • Long or difficult labor
  • Menopause:
    • Lower estrogen levels reduce elasticity and strength in pelvic tissues.
  • Chronic constipation and regularly straining to have a bowel movement
  • Being overweight or obese, which puts extra pressure on the pelvic floor
  • Chronic coughing:
    • Smoking-related cough
    • Asthma or chronic lung disease (more common in colder Michigan winters)
  • Repetitive heavy lifting at work, home, or the gym
  • Previous pelvic or gynecologic surgery, such as hysterectomy
  • Genetic tendency to weaker connective tissue

Important to know:

  • Being sexually active does NOT cause or worsen prolapse.

Long Michigan winters can also indirectly affect pelvic health—less physical activity, winter weight gain, and seasonal respiratory illnesses with chronic coughing can all increase pelvic floor strain over time.

How Prolapse Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Prolapse is usually diagnosed by a healthcare provider after a detailed discussion and exam. In Grand Rapids, you can start with:

  • Your primary care provider
  • An OB/GYN at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • A urogynecologist (pelvic floor specialist)
  • A pelvic floor physical therapist

What to Expect at the Appointment

Your provider will:

  1. Discuss your symptoms and medical history, including:

    • Pregnancies and deliveries
    • Bowel and bladder habits
    • Menopause status
    • Previous surgeries

  2. Perform a pelvic examination to check:

    • Which organs are involved (uterus, bladder, bowel)
    • How far the prolapse comes down into the vagina
    • How well your pelvic floor muscles are working

  3. Order additional tests if needed, such as:

    • Midstream urine test (to check for infection)
    • Pelvic ultrasound
    • Bladder function tests (urodynamics)
    • Bladder scan to see if you’re emptying fully

Stages of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP-Q System)

The severity of prolapse is often graded using the POP-Q system:

  • Stage 1 – Mild prolapse, organs have dropped slightly but are still mostly inside the vagina.
  • Stage 2 – Moderate prolapse, organs have dropped close to the vaginal opening.
  • Stage 3 – More advanced prolapse, organs protrude to or beyond the vaginal opening.
  • Stage 4 – Severe prolapse, organs are significantly outside the vaginal opening.

Without treatment, symptoms of prolapse often worsen over time, especially with ongoing strain such as heavy lifting, chronic coughing, or unmanaged constipation.

Treatment and Management Options in Grand Rapids

Your treatment plan will depend on:

  • The stage of your prolapse
  • Your symptoms and lifestyle
  • Your age and menopause status
  • Whether you plan to have more children
  • Your general health

Mild to Moderate Prolapse (Stages 1–2)

For many women in Grand Rapids, conservative (non-surgical) treatments are very effective:

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Working with a pelvic floor physiotherapist—available through major systems like Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and many independent clinics—can:

  • Teach you how to correctly contract and relax your pelvic floor muscles
  • Provide a personalized pelvic floor exercise program
  • Help with bladder and bowel training
  • Advise on posture, lifting techniques, and daily activity modifications

Daily Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)

A pelvic floor physical therapist can show you exactly how to:

  • Squeeze and lift your pelvic floor muscles (as if stopping urine or gas)
  • Hold the contraction for a few seconds, then relax
  • Repeat several times a day

You can also:

  • Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles before lifting, coughing, laughing, or sneezing to protect the pelvic organs from downward pressure.

Lifestyle Changes

These practical steps can support your recovery and help prevent worsening prolapse:

  • Quit smoking to reduce chronic coughing and improve tissue health.
  • Manage constipation:
    • Eat a balanced, high-fiber diet (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans).
    • Drink enough water throughout the day (especially important in dry, heated indoor winter air).
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on the pelvic floor.
  • Do regular, low-impact physical activity:
    • Walking on Grand Rapids trails
    • Swimming
    • Gentle strengthening exercises
  • Avoid heavy lifting or learn proper lifting techniques:
    • Bend at the knees, not the waist
    • Engage your pelvic floor before lifting

More Severe Prolapse (Stages 3–4)

If symptoms are more severe or conservative treatment isn’t enough, your provider may discuss:

Pessary Devices

A pessary is a silicone device placed inside the vagina to support the pelvic organs.

  • Fitted by a doctor or nurse (commonly in OB/GYN or urogynecology clinics in Grand Rapids).
  • Can be a good choice if you:
    • Want to avoid or delay surgery
    • Are not a good candidate for surgery
    • Are still planning future pregnancies
  • Needs regular cleaning and follow-up visits.

Surgery

Surgical options are tailored to your specific type of prolapse and future plans for pregnancy. These procedures are typically performed by gynecologic surgeons or urogynecologists at major Grand Rapids hospitals.

Your surgeon will discuss:

  • The type of repair recommended
  • Recovery time and activity restrictions
  • Possible risks and benefits

Pelvic floor exercises and lifestyle changes are still important before and after surgery to support healing and prevent recurrence.

What You Can Do Right Now

Whether you’re in Eastown, Wyoming, Kentwood, or downtown Grand Rapids, you can start protecting your pelvic health today:

  • Schedule an appointment with your:
    • Primary care provider
    • OB/GYN
    • Urogynecologist
  • Ask for a referral to a pelvic floor physical therapist.
  • Start gentle pelvic floor exercises (after getting instructions from a professional).
  • Manage constipation with diet, fluids, and regular movement.
  • Avoid heavy lifting when possible.
  • Stop smoking and seek help if needed.

Local Resources for Pelvic Health in Grand Rapids, MI

If you think you might have pelvic organ prolapse, support is available close to home:

  • Spectrum Health – Women’s health, urogynecology, and pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids – OB/GYN and pelvic floor services
  • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health – Women’s health and rehabilitation
  • Mercy Health – Gynecology and pelvic health care
  • Kent County Health Department – General women’s health resources and community programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – Access to primary care and referrals

You can also find information and support from national organizations such as the Continence Foundation of the United States and reputable women’s health sites.

Key Points to Remember

  • Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse depend on the severity of the prolapse and your overall health.
  • Common symptoms include a sensation of vaginal dragging or heaviness, pressure, and sometimes a visible bulge.
  • The risk of prolapse increases after menopause when estrogen levels drop and pelvic tissues lose elasticity.
  • Being sexually active does not cause or worsen prolapse.
  • Early evaluation and treatment—from pelvic floor therapy to lifestyle changes—can significantly improve comfort and quality of life for women in Grand Rapids, Michigan.