Living with a bulge or pressure sensation down there can be unsettling, and if you’ve been diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), you’re probably wondering what lies ahead.
As per the U.S. Office on Women’s Health, about 3 percent of American women have POP. Furthermore, almost half of all women over the age of fifty have some form of pelvic organ prolapse. While it’s not always a medical emergency, it does have a massive impact on the quality of your life.
But before you jump to surgery, let’s take a deep breath and think of the alternatives. POP happens when your pelvic floor muscles weaken, allowing organs like your bladder, uterus, or rectum to bulge into your vagina.
The good news? You have alternatives to surgery!
In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of POP surgery, including non-surgical and surgical treatments, and the post-surgery recovery factors to consider when deciding on surgery.
Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Imagine your pelvic floor muscles as a trampoline holding your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) snugly in place. When these muscles weaken, the trampoline dips, and those organs can start pushing down into your vagina, causing your unique POP experience.
The degree of dip or bulge determines the prolapse “stage”:
Stage 1: A slight bulge, you might only feel a little pressure or a dragging sensation.
Stage 2: The bulge might peek out of your vagina during activities like heavy lifting or straining.
Stage 3: The bulge protrudes further, potentially affecting daily activities and causing urinary or bowel issues.
Stage 4: The organ completely emerges from the vagina, impacting your quality of life significantly.
Remember, these are just general descriptions, and your experience might be unique. That’s why consulting your doctor for a personalized assessment is crucial. They’ll use multiple tests to pinpoint your stage and curate the optimal treatment plan for you.
Understanding your prolapse is the first step in regaining control and finding solutions. Don’t shy away from asking your doctor all the questions you have, and remember, you’re not alone in this journey!
Non-Surgical Treatments for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Before considering surgery, there are non-surgical treatments you should explore. These include:
- Lifestyle changes: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting can help reduce the symptoms of POP, as they reduce the pressure on your pelvic muscles.
- Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT): This involves “Kegel” exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the pelvic organs. Your physiotherapist will provide you with an individualized kegel program.
- Consume a high-fiber diet: Fibers help reduce constipation and strain whenever you have a bowel movement.
- Vaginal pessaries: These are removable silicone devices that are inserted into the vagina to support your organs.
Remember, the doctor will only recommend surgery if they think it will help or if the prolapse is making your daily life miserable.
Surgical Treatments for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
For moderate to severe prolapse, or if non-surgical options haven’t been effective, surgery can be a game-changer. Surgical treatments for pelvic organ prolapse include various options, each with its pros and cons.
During the surgery, the surgeon will fix the area that is prolonged and also perform additional procedures to strengthen and secure the pelvic floor. Some commonly used surgical procedures to address pelvic organ prolapse are:
- Hysterectomy: This procedure removes the uterus, often combined with other techniques like vaginal wall repair for additional support. This means you can’t get pregnant in the future if you plan to. Have a long chat with your doctor regarding your family planning and only then make the decision.
- Restorative surgery: This surgery is used to mend and restore the tissues of the prolapsed area.
- Vaginal closure surgery: As the name suggests, this procedure is used to close the vagina. This surgery is the only alternative if you decide not to have vaginal intercourse.
- Vaginal mesh surgery: This procedure involves using a synthetic mesh to support the pelvic organs. The mesh is attached to the walls of the vagina and then to the tailbone, pushing the vagina back into place.
It’s important to mention that while surgery can be an effective solution, it’s not always a smooth ride. Some women experience complications like infection, bleeding, or even mesh-related complications, leading to legal issues like the vaginal mesh lawsuit.
Over 100,000 women have filed lawsuits alleging injuries due to vaginal mesh and pelvic mesh products. The lawsuit had such a significant impact that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) halted sales of all transvaginal mesh products in April 2019.
According to TorHoerman Law, about 95% of the lawsuits have already been settled, and the total settlement amount is estimated to be around $8 billion.
Despite this extreme scenario, prolapse surgeries on average have a success rate of 70-90%. This is further proven by the re-treatment rate, which happens to be around 5%.
So have a thorough discussion with your doctor, as they’ll guide you toward the best option for your specific needs and health situation.
Prolapse Surgery Recovery
Recovering from prolapse surgery can take several weeks, and the recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. It may take anywhere from a week to 6 weeks to fully recover.
Post-surgery, patients might experience cramping, and discomfort in their pelvic area. Usually, this goes away in about a few weeks. During the recovery period, it’s important to avoid heavy lifting, vigorous exercise, and sex for a while until your doctor says so.
It’s essential to understand that each person recovers at a different pace. Following the steps provided by the healthcare provider can help patients get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
In conclusion, living with pelvic organ prolapse can be challenging, but there are various treatment options available to help improve your quality of life.
Explore non-surgical options first, and if surgery becomes a possibility, weigh the benefits and risks carefully with your doctor. Surgery can be an effective solution, but it’s not always a smooth ride, and potential complications should be handled with care.
No matter your decision, prioritize your well-being, advocate for informed consent, and listen to your body. Remember, reclaiming your comfort and confidence is possible, one step at a time.