What Can I Do to Alleviate Discomfort from Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
I’m a 19-year-old, standing 5'5" and weighing 188 lbs, identifying as multiracial, and I've been experiencing discomfort that resembles the sensation of having a tampon lodged inside since Friday. I can assure you, it isn’t a tampon or any foreign object—I haven’t introduced anything into my body in over a year. After discussing my symptoms with my pediatrician, she suggested it might be pelvic organ prolapse. However, she hasn't conducted an examination, so she cannot pinpoint the specific organ affected. This issue appears to have a familial link, particularly on my father's side, but since I'm estranged from them, reaching out for advice is not an option. As the pain has intensified, I'm finding it increasingly unbearable. Unfortunately, all the gynecologists in my vicinity are unavailable until Monday, leaving me without a chance to schedule an appointment. I’ve discovered that lying flat with my legs elevated offers some temporary relief, but the pain returns immediately upon standing. Additionally, I experience discomfort while using the restroom or even in simple movements like squatting.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 4:01:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your discomfort and symptoms, especially with pelvic organ prolapse potentially at play. While reaching a definitive diagnosis may require a healthcare professional's examination, there are steps you can take right now to alleviate your symptoms.
Key Points:
- Symptom Management: Short-term relief can be found through specific positioning and care.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Be aware of any changes in your condition, but focus on alleviating pain.
- Consultation: Keep in mind the importance of seeing a specialist when possible.
Explanation:
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic organs (like the bladder, uterus, or rectum) slip down from their normal position and press against the vaginal walls. This can result in sensations of heaviness, pressure, or discomfort, similar to what you're feeling. Since your discomfort is severe and is affecting your daily activities, it's wise to take proactive steps.
Next Steps:
- Positioning: Continue to lie flat with your legs elevated as it seems to provide some relief. You might also try side-lying positions, as they may lessen strain on pelvic organs.
- Gentle Movement: Avoid heavy lifting and straining activities. When moving or using the restroom, try to do so slowly to avoid exacerbating the pain.
- Pelvic Floor Exercises: Consider practicing pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegel exercises) if it's comfortable for you. These can strengthen the pelvic muscles and might help reduce some discomfort. Contract the muscles you would use to stop urinating, hold for a few seconds, and then relax. Start with a few repetitions and increase gradually as tolerated.
- Hydration and Diet: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a diet that promotes regular bowel movements to avoid straining during defecation. Increase fiber by incorporating fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Pain Management: If necessary, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain in the interim. Always follow dosage instructions and check for any contraindications.
Keep track of your symptoms and note any activities that might worsen or improve your condition. If your pain escalates, or if you experience significant changes such as bleeding, fever, or inability to pass urine, seek immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, stay proactive about scheduling an appointment with a gynecologist once they are available to ensure you get the care you need.
Your well-being is important, and I hope you find relief soon. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further assistance!
Related Questions
Navigating MALS Challenges: Seeking Guidance
Hello everyone! I’m a 36-year-old female dealing with multiple health conditions, including EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome), MALS (Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome), and ulcerative colitis, among several other unrelated issues. I wanted to share my experience with MALS, which has been confirmed for me. Back in May 2024, I underwent revision surgery. Unfortunately, the recovery did not go as hoped. Due to my EDS, the celiac artery lacks the ability to function independently, which my surgeon described as it being "too floppy." At that time, I accepted this outcome because the excruciating pain had subsided, and I was able to eat and gain weight again. However, now I find myself facing a resurgence of pain that is quite intense. A CT scan I had last week revealed severe stenosis in my celiac artery, coupled with a soft tissue prominence at the diaphragmatic crus and the beginning of the celiac axis. Currently, I’m taking Norco 10-325 three times a day and Lyrica 75 mg three times daily. While these medications provide some relief, the pain is overwhelming, and I can’t help but feel as if I’ve returned to my previous struggles from two years ago. Doctors are suggesting that the only option is to go in and "clean out the adhesions". I come to you all for your insights: Do you think pursuing a clean out procedure is advisable, or could it pose too much risk considering my EDS? I appreciate your thoughts and thanks for reading my story.
Sore Throat and Tonsil Discomfort for Three Weeks
For the past two weeks, I have been experiencing significant pain in my tonsils. After consulting with urgent care, I underwent tests for both strep throat and mononucleosis, but the results were negative. The doctor advised me to be patient as the discomfort was expected to subside on its own. Unfortunately, my condition worsened, prompting me to return to urgent care three days later. During this visit, I was prescribed dexamethasone, a type of steroid, along with a ten-day course of amoxicillin. Remarkably, my symptoms began to diminish within hours. However, just three days later, I am starting to feel the throat and tonsil pain return. I am still on the amoxicillin regimen. What could be causing this resurgence of pain, and what steps should I take next?
Hernia Diagnosis Without Follow-Up: A Conflicting Situation
A 22-year-old male recently visited the emergency room due to discomfort in his lower abdomen. Upon examination, the medical team was indecisive about whether he was experiencing an oblique muscle problem or a hernia. Surprisingly, they opted against performing a CT scan or ultrasound and did not schedule any follow-up appointments. To the best of my knowledge, hernias typically do not resolve themselves with merely the use of ace bandages or over-the-counter pain medication; surgical intervention is usually necessary for proper treatment. Is there a specific rationale behind their reluctance to pursue further diagnostic testing or surgery?
Unexplained Episodes of Abdominal Discomfort
Age: 28 Gender: Female Weight: 194 lbs Height: 5’7" Current Medications: Vitamin D, Fish Oil, B Complex Vitamins, Birth Control Pills, Vyvanse 30 mg Health Background: Asthma, Eczema, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Since August 2025, I've experienced three occurrences of intense abdominal discomfort that necessitated visits to the emergency room for pain management. These episodes usually strike at night, escalating to unbearable levels within around 30 minutes. None of the sitting positions seem to provide relief, and gastrointestinal medications have proven largely ineffective. Only strong pain relievers seem to alleviate the suffering. After the peak of the pain subsides, my abdomen remains sensitive for more than three days. I can accurately identify the location of the discomfort, which appears to be between the midepigastric area and near the gallbladder. The pain is difficult to articulate, yet it presents as a severe burning and aching sensation. Interestingly, there does not seem to be any specific food intake related to these pain episodes. I underwent an H. Pylori breath test that returned negative results. Additionally, I had an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Although the biopsies were also negative for H. Pylori, they did reveal residual liquid in my stomach and a small section of intestinal metaplasia. My complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) results were normal, except for elevated LDL levels, which I’m already aware of. My gastroenterologist has recommended a gastric emptying study (GES) to evaluate the functionality of my stomach. If results indicate no issues, we will then investigate the gallbladder. Are there alternative explanations for my symptoms? Should I be worried about autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG)? While I have been diagnosed with GERD, this pain feels distinctly different from the GERD-related discomfort. I am not entirely sure it is gastroparesis, even though I occasionally regurgitate if I eat too quickly; I do not experience nausea or malnutrition. I have researched extensively, and my symptoms align with biliary colic. However, I am anxious about the possibility of gallstones not appearing in the ultrasound. My gastroenterologist is not particularly concerned about the intestinal metaplasia, but being only 28 years old, I find this worrying. As a medical student, these painful episodes significantly hinder my studies and academic progress.
Understanding My Symptoms: A Personal Account
I’m sharing my experiences here, as I haven’t received much feedback elsewhere. I am a 15-year-old female, measuring about 5 feet tall (152 cm) and weighing between 105 and 110 pounds (47-50 kg). I identify as Hispanic and Cuban, and legally fall under the white classification. I reside in Palm Beach County, Florida, and I am a U.S. citizen. I have a diagnosis of Autism and previously had ADD, although that diagnosis has been dropped, which leaves me unsure about my current condition—whether ADHD applies or not. Additionally, I have a past history of anemia, although it is currently not diagnosed. For the past year, I've experienced a range of symptoms that appear intermittently and are often present almost daily. While these symptoms vary, they haven’t subsided. I’ve noticed that both physical activity and caffeine can either trigger or exacerbate these issues. Now, I’d like to detail the symptoms I've been facing. One of my major concerns is my balance; when I stand, I often feel unsteady, and sometimes I even limp. This particular symptom is quite troubling as it occurs frequently. I also experience occasional dizziness and fatigue, which leaves me feeling too weak to move, causing me to remain still for prolonged periods. During episodes of significant fatigue or balance issues, I find myself starting to stutter and I suspect my speech may slur at times. Additionally, my hands sometimes shake, especially when I struggle to walk. There could be other symptoms I haven’t recalled yet, but this is what I remember for now. I will provide updates if I think of anything else, and I welcome any engagement. Furthermore, I’ve noticed irregularities with my heart rate. Initially, when these symptoms began, my resting heart rate dropped from the 80s and 90s to the 50s and 60s; this lower rate has persisted. Lately, however, even simple tasks such as standing, walking short distances, or rocking back and forth (which I do as a self-soothing mechanism) have caused my heart rate to spike to the 100s. These changes are new, while the other symptoms have been consistent for about a year. I genuinely seek guidance or support, as I feel uneasy relying on AI for self-assessment. Unfortunately, I can't afford doctor visits at this time, and my caretaker has shown little concern for my well-being. Therefore, please refrain from suggesting medical consultations. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I’m open to any questions.