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Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is 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.

Different types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse can happen to various pelvic organs:

Cystocele (Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse)

The condition when the bladder drops into the vagina.

Rectocele (Posterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse)

Bulging of the rectum into the back wall of the vagina.

Urethrocele (Uterine Prolapse)

Descent or sagging of the uterus into the vaginal canal.

Enterocele

Prolapse of the small intestine into the upper vaginal wall.

Vaginal Vault Prolapse

Descent of the top of the vagina after a hysterectomy.

What are the causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Causes of pelvic organ prolapse might include:

Childbirth

Trauma during vaginal delivery can weaken pelvic floor muscles.

Aging

Natural aging processes can lead to muscle and tissue weakness.

Genetic Factors

Some individuals might have a genetic predisposition to developing Pelvic Organ Prolapse because they inherited a weaker pelvic floor. 

Chronic Conditions

Conditions leading to chronic coughing or obesity might increase the risk.

Pressure in the Abdomen

Overworking your pelvic muscles can cause them to weaken. This might happen because of chronic coughing and heavy lifting. 

What are the symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse may include:

A feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvis

Sensation of something bulging into the vagina.

Discomfort or pain

Especially during sexual intercourse or prolonged standing.

Urinary Issues

Incontinence or frequent urinary tract infections.

Bowel Problems

Difficulty having bowel movements or feeling like the rectum isn’t empty after a bowel movement.

Sexual Issues

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.

Who is at risk of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Risk factors contributing to pelvic organ prolapse include:

Age and Childbirth History

More common in older women and those who have had multiple vaginal births.

Hormonal Changes

Reduced estrogen levels after menopause.

Obesity and Chronic Conditions

Conditions that strain the pelvic floor, like chronic coughing due to smoking or obesity.

How do you prevent Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Preventive measures might include:

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Kegel exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles.

Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding heavy lifting or straining.

Proper Lifting Techniques

Avoid heavy lifting and use proper techniques to reduce strain.

How is Pelvic Organ Prolapse diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves various methods:

Pelvic Exams

Physical examinations to assess pelvic organ positioning.

Voiding Diary

Recording urinary habits to evaluate bladder function.

Ultrasound or MRI

Imaging tests to visualize pelvic organ positions and extent of prolapse.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse treatment?

Treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse include:

Pelvic Floor Therapy

Physical therapy to strengthen pelvic muscles.

Pessaries

Devices inserted into the vagina to support prolapsed organs.

Surgical Interventions

Surgery to repair or lift prolapsed organs, especially in severe cases. Surgeries include hysterectomy, sacrocolpopexy, anterior & posterior repair.

IntimaV Treatments for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Insertion of Pessaries

Pessaries are devices that provide support and alleviate the symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse. These supportive devices help lift and hold pelvic organs in place, reducing discomfort, urinary leakage, or pressure in the pelvic region.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is an advanced minimally invasive technique used to address pelvic organ prolapse. This aims to effectively restore pelvic anatomy, alleviate symptoms, and shorten recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.

Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, diagnoses and treats pelvic organ prolapse by using small incisions and specialized tools to repair pelvic support. It offers precise treatment with quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

Open Surgery

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

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

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 & Posterior Repair

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.

Hysterectomy

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.

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