The prolapse of the small intestine i.e. descending of the small intestine into the lower pelvic cavity causing a vaginal bulge is called an Enterocele. On average 4% of women suffer this pelvic organ prolapse at some point in time, this risk increases in post-menopausal women.
What causes Enterocele in women?
The pelvic floor acts as a sac to support the pelvic organs – bowels, uterus and vagina with the help of the ligaments and muscles. When these ligaments and muscles weaken, the chances of organ prolapse increases significantly and over time the organs slip into the pelvic area.
Enterocele is the condition where the small intestine due to lack of support begins to descend, presses against the upper vagina causing a vaginal bulge.
Who are at risk of Enterocele?
As the strength of pelvic muscles is strongly linked with estrogen levels in women, the risk of organ prolapse increases in women as their estrogen levels decline. So post–menopausal women above age 60 suffer a greater risk of Enterocele.
But that is not all – the risk of Enterocele is high among women with certain medical conditions like bronchitis, asthma, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or even for women who have undergone radiation therapy. In rare cases lifting heavy items, obesity, constipation or hysterectomy may also lead to this condition, says Dr Neelima Mantri a top gynaecologist in Mumbai.
How to identify the Enterocele in women?
A vaginal bulge is the most common symptom of Enterocele. But not every woman experience symptoms when it comes to Enterocele but when they do, they can be any one of the following:
- Urinary incontinence, pooping difficulties.
- Feeling pain during sex or during prolonged physical activity.
- Pressure in the pelvic area for no apparent reason.
- Pain in the lower back that subsides in sleeping posture.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Enterocele in Mumbai:
Enterocele is diagnosed by a gynaecologist in Mumbai using a pelvic exam. The bulge can be felt by hand during a press or cough. Cystoscopy, urodynamic tests and other imaging tests are performed to identify the severity of the condition.
Enterocele is usually treated by a gynaecologist in Mumbai using non-surgical treatment procedures like pessary where silicone or rubber device is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic floor for the time being. Pelvic floor exercises are also suggested to strengthen the pelvic floor in women. Surgery as always is the last resort in treatment for Enterocele where the small intestine is out back into its place by repairing the tissues.
Fortunately the risk of Enterocele can be reduced by strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and adopting a healthy lifestyle with a high fibre diet. If you are looking for more information on Enterocele treatment in Mumbai, Dr Neelima Mantri is the best gynaecologist in Mumbai who helped hundreds of women get rid of this condition using both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. You can contact her here: +91 7045115577