For many women, the problems and complications of suffering from Pelvic Organ Prolapse can be debilitating and depressing. Also known as Pelvic Floor Disorder or POP, it can cause pain, incontinence and bleeding.
However, there are options available to help those suffering from this distressing condition. Here are some of the ways you can improve your symptoms and even fix POP.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic floor disorder affects nearly one-third of women at some point in their lives. The primary cause is childbirth or heavy lifting, and can happen at any time.
The condition is a result of the group of muscles called the pelvic floor. They act as a hammock to support the pelvic organs and keep them in place. After childbirth or as women get older, these muscles can become weakened, and then the organs they support start to protrude.
This can cause problems such as urinary or anal incontinence, as well as significant discomfort. You can also feel pressure in the pelvic area, painful intercourse, lower backache or constipation.
How can it be treated?
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you should seek the advice of your doctor who will send you for tests to determine the extent of the prolapse.
Once the damage is assessed, the doctor will discuss the severity of your condition to you and outline which options you have and the benefits and risks with each of them.
Treatments can include:
- Kegel exercises to help strengthen the muscles and regain the support of your pelvic organs.
- Insertion of a small rubber device called a pessary to help support the organs that are protruding.
- Transvaginal mesh to cover the injured tissue and support the organs.
- Repair to the damaged tissue or removal of the affected organs such as the uterus.
All of these procedures have pros and cons, and it is important that you speak to your doctor in detail and go through all the options available (and most suitable) to you.
Complications
As with any procedure, there can be complications, although the majority are completed with total success.
Some women who have had the pessary have reported pain and discomfort afterward. This sometimes settles, but you should see your doctor for assessment if you experience any problems.
There have been some issues with the transvaginal mesh that has led to many women seeking the advice of a transvaginal mesh attorney. The problems include pain, bleeding and in some cases, erosion of the tissue causing the mesh to protrude through the vagina.
Lawsuits against doctors and hospitals have been going to court, and some women have been awarded damages as a result. In many cases, the use of transvaginal mesh for this type of surgery has been stopped although it is still valid for some other prolapse injuries.
If you are suffering from any of these issues, it is important that you seek medical advice as soon as possible. The earlier you see your doctor, the easier it might be for them to treat and the less invasive for you.
