Specializations | Gynecology | Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when pelvic floor muscles and tissues weaken, causing pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum to bulge or descend into the vagina. This condition is common among women, especially after childbirth, menopause, or as they age. Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatment is important for restoring normal function and alleviating symptoms associated with this condition.
Pelvic organ prolapse can happen to various pelvic organs:
The condition when the bladder drops into the vagina.
Bulging of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina.
Descent or sagging of the uterus into the vaginal canal.
Prolapse of the small intestine into the upper vaginal wall.
Descent of the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy.
Causes of pelvic organ prolapse might include:
Trauma during vaginal delivery can weaken pelvic floor muscles.
Natural aging processes can lead to muscle and tissue weakness.
Some individuals might have a genetic predisposition to developing Pelvic Organ Prolapse because they inherited a weaker pelvic floor.
Conditions leading to chronic coughing or obesity might increase the risk.
Overworking your pelvic muscles can cause them to weaken. This might happen because of chronic coughing and heavy lifting.
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse may include:
Sensation of something bulging into the vagina.
Especially during sexual intercourse or prolonged standing.
Incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections.
Difficulty having bowel movements or feeling like the rectum isn’t empty after a bowel movement.
Discomfort or pain during intercourse, decreased sensation, and difficulty achieving orgasm. These symptoms can affect intimacy and sexual pleasure, often leading to decreased sexual desire and impacting quality of life.
Risk factors contributing to pelvic organ prolapse include:
More common in older women and those who have had multiple vaginal births.
Reduced estrogen levels after menopause.
Conditions that strain the pelvic floor, like chronic coughing due to smoking or obesity.
Preventive measures might include:
Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.
Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting or straining.
Avoid heavy lifting and use proper techniques to reduce strain.
Diagnosis involves various methods:
Physical examinations to assess pelvic organ positioning.
Recording urinary habits to evaluate bladder function.
Imaging tests to visualize pelvic organ positions and extent of prolapse.
Treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse include:
Physical therapy to strengthen pelvic muscles.
Devices inserted into the vagina to support prolapsed organs.
Surgery to repair or lift prolapsed organs, especially in severe cases. Surgeries include hysterectomy, sacrocolpopexy, anterior & posterior repair.
Pessaries are medical devices designed to provide support and relieve the symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). These flexible, removable devices help lift and hold the pelvic organs in place, reducing discomfort, pressure, and urinary leakage associated with prolapse. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for customized fitting to ensure maximum comfort and effectiveness. They are a non-surgical treatment option that can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing pelvic floor disorders.
Dr. Jennifer Jose, a leading expert in women’s health at IntimaV Clinic, specializes in the diagnosis and management of Pelvic Organ Prolapse. She offers personalized pessary fittings to help patients find the most suitable option for their needs. At IntimaV Clinic, patients receive compassionate, expert care in managing pelvic health concerns with the latest advancements in treatment.
Robotic surgery is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive technique used to treat pelvic organ prolapse with precision and efficiency. This advanced approach allows for enhanced visualization, greater dexterity, and improved control, leading to more precise surgical outcomes. By utilizing robotic-assisted technology, surgeons can restore pelvic anatomy, alleviate symptoms such as discomfort and urinary issues, and significantly reduce recovery time compared to traditional surgical methods.
Dr. Jennifer Jose, a highly skilled physician at IntimaV Clinic, specializes in robotic-assisted procedures for pelvic organ prolapse. With her expertise and commitment to patient-centered care, she ensures that individuals receive the most effective and least invasive treatment options available. At IntimaV Clinic, patients benefit from state-of-the-art technology and personalized treatment plans designed to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life.
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat pelvic organ prolapse. This advanced technique involves making small incisions in the abdomen, allowing specialized instruments and a tiny camera to access and repair weakened pelvic support structures. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopy offers several advantages, including reduced postoperative pain, minimal scarring, a lower risk of complications, and a faster recovery time.
Dr. Jennifer Jose, a renowned expert in women’s health, specializes in laparoscopic procedures for pelvic organ prolapse at IntimaV Clinic. With state-of-the-art technology and a patient-centered approach, IntimaV Clinic provides cutting-edge treatments designed to restore pelvic function and improve overall quality of life for women experiencing prolapse and related conditions.
Open surgery for pelvic organ prolapse involves a traditional approach, using larger incisions to repair and reinforce pelvic support structures. While effective, it generally entails longer recovery times compared to minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopic or robotic surgery.
Vaginal surgery for pelvic organ prolapse involves repairing and strengthening pelvic structures through incisions made in the vaginal wall. This procedure aims to restore pelvic support, alleviate symptoms, and often leads to a quicker recovery compared to abdominal surgeries.
Sacrocolpopexy is a surgical procedure that involves attaching a mesh graft to the top of the vagina and connecting it to a stable structure in the pelvis, such as the sacrum. This aims to provide durable support for the vaginal vault, effectively treating vault prolapse and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Anterior repair addresses prolapse of the front vaginal wall, while posterior repair targets prolapse of the back vaginal wall. These procedures involve tightening and reinforcing weakened tissues in their respective areas, restoring vaginal support and alleviating related symptoms such as discomfort or bulging.
In cases of severe pelvic organ prolapse, hysterectomy involves the surgical removal of the uterus to address the prolapse and associated symptoms. This procedure aims to alleviate pressure on the pelvic floor and may be considered when other treatments have not provided relief.
