{"id":1679,"date":"2019-07-25T15:15:42","date_gmt":"2019-07-25T19:15:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/atlanticurologyclinics.com\/?p=1679"},"modified":"2023-06-21T11:58:58","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T15:58:58","slug":"pelvic-organ-prolapse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/atlanticurologyclinics.com\/conditions\/pelvic-organ-prolapse\/","title":{"rendered":"Pelvic Organ Prolapse"},"content":{"rendered":"
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when one or more of the pelvic organs moves into or beyond the vaginal canal or anus. This is usually due to the weakening or stretching of the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvis’s organs. These pelvic organs include:<\/p>\n
The symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse vary widely, with some individuals experiencing no symptoms at all while others have severe pain and discomfort. Some common symptoms include:<\/p>\n
The main cause of POP is pelvic muscle and tissue injury. These injuries can result from childbirth, particularly after a difficult delivery, or anything that applies pressure on the belly, such as heavy lifting or being overweight. Other contributing factors include:<\/p>\n
A detailed medical history and physical examination are typically the starting point for diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse. Further diagnostic tools might include:<\/p>\n
The treatment for pelvic prolapse varies based on the condition’s severity, the individual’s overall health, and the patient\u2019s personal preferences. If a woman doesn\u2019t notice any symptoms of POP and it\u2019s not negatively impacting urination or defecation, treatment may not be necessary. For mild cases, lifestyle changes like those listed below can be beneficial:<\/p>\n
Sometimes, a fitted device called a pessary, inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs, may be recommended. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for menopausal women experiencing POP.<\/p>\n
Surgical intervention may be considered for moderate to severe cases where symptoms significantly interfere with daily life. This type of surgery could involve repairing the tissue that supports the pelvic organs, implanting a mesh sling, or in some cases, performing a hysterectomy.<\/p>\n
While it might not be possible to prevent all cases of POP, certain strategies can reduce the risk of developing POP:<\/p>\n