Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition in women when the organs in the abdomen no longer stay where they belong and prolapse (fall) lower, placing stress on the vaginal walls. One or more organs may prolapse at a time, and the most common include the bladder, bowels, vaginal canal, and uterus. It occurs most frequently in older women during or after menopause. However, it can also occur after childbirth or when any heavy strain is placed on the vaginal tissues.
While some cases of POP are severe and require surgical treatment, there are also nonsurgical alternatives. Speak with a doctor to figure out which of the many alternatives is right for you.
Nonsurgical
In some cases, nonsurgical treatments can effectively treat POP. When considering them, it’s important to follow a doctor’s advice regarding diet and exercise for them to be completely effective. According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s very important to prevent constipation by getting plenty of fiber, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding strenuous pelvic activities.
Physical Therapy
Some women may find successful relief simply through physical therapy specific to the pelvic floor. Certain exercises strengthen the pelvis and improve blood flow in the area. Most commonly physical therapy includes kegel exercises, which work the muscles of the vagina itself. Although women who go to a trained physical therapist are more likely to experience improvement, those who just try at home exercises, like kegels may see success as well.
Pessary
The pessary is a small implant that is inserted vaginally and supports the prolapsed organ. The two most popular kinds include the Ring with Support and the Gellhorn. While the Ring with Support is a button shaped plastic device with small holes to allow additional airflow, the Gellhorn is a more dome-shaped product with a flat top for the organ to rest on. After the initial consultation and insertion, the pessary is mostly dealt with at home and through occasional doctor visits.
Surgical
Women who are still sexually active generally may surgical alternatives to be necessary. For more advanced or severe cases, surgery may be the only option. Regardless, diet and exercise are still going to be an important part of recovery.
Transvaginal Mesh
The transvaginal mesh implant was created as an alternative to dangerous abdominal surgery. A small, polypropylene mesh sling is inserted vaginally or abdominally and provides extra support for weakened walls and prolapsed organs. The mesh gradually gets absorbed into surrounding tissue, hypothetically creating a permanent solution. Unfortunately, the mesh implants have come with a lot of side effects, and often wind up requiring costly additional surgeries.
Laparoscopic Colposuspension
With the invention of the laparoscope, what used to be a very invasive surgery requiring several days in the hospital and several months of recovery is now an outpatient procedure with a two week recovery. Tiny incisions are made for surgical instruments and the laparoscope (a tiny camera on top of a length of tubing) to be inserted, making it less intrusive and less dangerous. Doctors then pull the the organs back up where they belong and use a woman’s preexisting tissue to hold them back in place.
