Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is caused by weakened or torn pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue. This, like a hernia, causes the pelvic organs to descend into the vagina. As this continues, women may feel or see tissue flowing out of the vaginal entrance.

POP is a highly prevalent issue. Many women with POP do not exhibit any symptoms.

Other typical concerns among women include:

* Pressure from the protrusion around the vaginal entrance.

* Inability to wear a tampon.

* Vaginal dryness or irritation caused by clothes rubbing.

* Difficulty urinating or passing stools unless the prolapse is physically forced upward.

* Urinary incontinence, or the unintentional leakage of pee, is a frequent problem, but it is not the result of prolapse.

Possible causes of pelvic floor injury include:

*During pregnancy and delivery, one in three women gets prolapse. Pregnancy and vaginal birth can cause injury to the pelvic muscles and nerves, resulting in organ sagging. This is especially true for women who had a big baby, required forceps, or had many children.

*Aging and menopause: In addition to other aging-related changes, the loss of estrogen after menopause can damage the pelvic floor. The prevalence of POP increases with age. Health disorders that necessitate frequent straining, such as obesity, chronic cough, and constipation, can harm the pelvic floor over time.

*Heavy lifting: Extreme weight lifting or repeatedly picking up heavy objects might raise POP risk.

*Genetics: Genes help influence connective tissue strength, so if your mother had POP, you are more likely to get POP.

Diagnosis

Dr. Shabana will analyse your medical history and do a pelvic exam to diagnose prolapse. In addition, they will implement a consistent grading system.

Treatments

You can attempt to prevent the prolapse from worsening by modifying your lifestyle and habits. To prevent the prolapse from worsening, reduce constipation and avoid straining during bowel movements, for instance. In addition, avoid excessive weight lifting and repeated heavy lifting. If you are overweight, maintain a healthy weight and reduce your weight. Finally, stop smoking; tobacco use increases the incidence of pelvic floor problems such as POP by double.

PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLE EXERCISES

Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and can alleviate minor symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Request a referral to an expert physical therapist (PT).

WATCH AND SEE

The good news is that POP does not pose a health risk! If you do not experience discomfort, you can monitor the POP over time. It may remain the same size or get larger over time.

PELVIC FLOOR PHYSICAL THERAPY

A specialist physical therapist will employ a number of innovative approaches to help with bladder and bowel control issues.

VAGINAL DEVICE (PESSARY)

A pessary is a silicone device put into the vagina, comparable to a diaphragm. Pessaries elevate the bladder or vaginal walls, preventing the bulge from descending.

PROLAPSE SURGERY

Several distinct POP surgical procedures can enhance pelvic floor anatomy:

Apical suspensions reestablish the vaginal support at its apex. If you have a uterus, this procedure can be performed concurrently with a hysterectomy. If you have already undergone a hysterectomy, this procedure supports the top of the vagina. Sexual function is achievable with this procedure. There are two variations:

Through an abdominal incision, laparoscopically, or robotically, the sacral colpopexy is done. The surgeon links a mesh strip from the vagina to a strong ligament on the coccyx (the bone near the tailbone).

Uterosacral or Sacrospinous Ligament: These suspension operations are performed vaginally, without abdominal incisions or mesh. Your surgeon will sew the top of the vagina to a pelvic ligament.

To repair a cystocele, the anterior vaginal prolapse repair (anterior repair) involves making an incision in the vaginal wall beneath the bladder. For the repair, sutures and, occasionally, a graft or mesh material are utilised.

To repair a rectocele, posterior vaginal prolapse repair (posterior repair) involves making an incision in the vaginal wall above the rectum. It reconstructs the separating wall between the vagina and rectum. Occasionally, a graft or mesh material will also be used.

By stitching the inner vaginal walls together, Obliterative Procedure (Lefort colpocleisis, total colpocleisis) reduces the length of the vagina. It has a low-risk and high-success rate, but the patient cannot engage in sexual activity in the future.