Pelvic organ prolapse is a health condition affecting millions of women. It can significantly impact your daily comfort and overall quality of life; that’s why you need to be well informed.
So, what exactly is pelvic organ prolapse? Our guide covers everything you need to know about it, so keep reading to find out!
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)?
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when one or more of the pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, vagina, rectum) slip from their original position and drop into the vaginal canal.
This leads to the forming of a bulge into the vagina, which is called a prolapse. Both women and men can have it, though it’s more common in women.
How Common is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
According to a 2022 study (for the 1990-2019 period), about 40% of women will experience POP.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptoms
The symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse depend on the organ involved and the severity of the condition.
However, common symptoms include:
- Feeling of pressure or heaviness in the pelvis
- Visible bulge or lump coming out of the vagina
- Frequent urination or urinary incontinence
- Trouble with bowel movements
- Trouble emptying your bladder or bowel
- Pressure, pain, numbness, or discomfort during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Lower back or leg pain
- A dragging feeling in the vagina
If you notice any of the symptoms above, visit your doctor.
Types Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
POP types vary depending on the organ affected. The main pelvic organ prolapse types are:
- Anterior vaginal wall prolapse or cystocele (dropped bladder)
- Posterior vaginal wall prolapse or rectocele (rectum drops into the back wall of your vagina)
- Uterine prolapse (prolapse of the uterus)
- Urethrocele (urethral prolapse)
- Vaginal vault prolapse (the top part of the vagina drops into the vaginal canal, usually after hysterectomy)
- Enterocele (small intestine prolapse)
You can have more than one of those types of POP at the same time.
Usually, pelvic organ prolapse will be classified on a scale from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe case.
What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is caused by the weakening and loosening of the muscles, tissues, and ligaments that support your pelvic organs.
Normally, they support the organs in the pelvis just like a hammock. But in POP, they weaken and can no longer hold back the organs, which end up slipping down or bulging.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Risk Factors
But what can weaken the muscles, tissues, and ligaments supporting your pelvic organs?
Let’s see the most common factors that can weaken them and increase the risk of developing POP:
- Vaginal childbirth
- Multiple pregnancies
- Giving birth to a large baby (fetal macrosomia)
- Ageing and menopause (due to the reduced production of oestrogen)
- Obesity
- Heavy weightlifting
- Chronic cough or constipation
- Previous pelvic surgery (such as hysterectomy)
- Family history of POP
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatments
There is no need to worry about pelvic organ prolapse since it’s totally curable.
There are several treatment options available, depending on the severity of your condition, the severity of the symptoms, whether you are planning to have children, your age and overall health.
Let’s explore these options:
1. Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegels)
Pelvic floor exercises help strengthen the muscles supporting your pelvic organs.
They can help you with mild pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.
A physiotherapist can help you find the correct technique.
2. Vaginal Pessaries
Vaginal pessaries are small medical devices inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs and keep them from dropping or bulging.
It is a non-surgical treatment option and is ideal for women who want to delay or avoid surgery.
At Advanced Healthcare you will find reliable vaginal pessaries in various shapes and sizes to ensure proper support for your pelvic organs.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle changes can reduce the strain on your pelvic floor and help with POP symptoms.
Some of the most impactful lifestyle changes include:
- Losing weight
- Avoid lifting weights
- Quit smoking (it can help reduce chronic coughing, which puts pressure on your pelvic floor)
- Managing constipation with a high-fibre diet
4. Hormone Therapy (Oestrogen)
For postmenopausal women, oestrogen levels drop significantly.
This drop can cause thinning and weakening of the vaginal and pelvic tissues.
Oestrogen therapy will help improve tissue strength, elasticity, and moisture, making them stronger and better able to support the pelvic organs.
5. Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
When all conservative methods fail (or if you have severe POP), surgery may be needed to treat the problem effectively.
The two main surgical options are:
Reconstructive surgery
Reconstructive surgery moves the dropped organs back to their original position using your own tissue or mesh.
It can be performed through your vaginal canal, abdomen, or laparoscopically, depending on the case.
Obliterative surgery
Obliterative surgery narrows or closes the opening of your vaginal canal, preventing your pelvic organs from slipping down or bulging.
This type of surgery is mostly performed in older women who are no longer sexually active, since it can deprive them of the ability to have penetrative sex.
How to Prevent Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Do pelvic floor exercises regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat high-fibre foods and lots of fluids to avoid constipation
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid lifting heavy objects (or protect your pelvic floor when lifting by bending your hips and knees and keeping your back straight)
- Get treatment for a chronic cough
- Get regular pelvic exams
Best Vaginal Pessaries for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
If you want to avoid or delay surgery, vaginal pessaries are a safe and effective treatment option.
Looking for a reliable device? We are here for you!
Take a look at our 3 best vaginal pessaries for POP:
1. ProFem Cube Pessary With Drains (33mm)
Designed for the 2nd or 3rd stage of uterine prolapse, cystocele, or rectocele, the 33 mm cube pessary with drains from ProFem is comfortable, hygienic, and safer for long-term use.
Made from soft, medical-grade silicone, it ensures comfortable insertion and removal, while its drainage holes prevent fluid accumulation and reduce the risk of infection or irritation.
It provides effective support for your pelvic organs through suction against the vaginal walls.
2. ProFem Shaatz Vaginal Pessary (64mm)
The ProFem Shaatz vaginal pessary (64mm) is ideal for managing 1st and 2nd stage uterine prolapse and cystocele.
It is disk-shaped and made from soft, pliable, and durable silicone. Its drainage holes make it easier to remove and facilitate fluid passage.
3. ProFem Firm Ring Pessary (45mm)
The Profem Firm Ring Pessary is a medical-grade silicone device designed to provide pelvic support for women with cystocele and mild (1st degree) uterine prolapse.
Its firmer composition offers enhanced stability compared to other, softer pessaries, making it suitable for individuals requiring additional support due to their lifestyle or symptoms.
It is easy to insert and remove, promoting user comfort.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse — FAQs
1. Can I live a normal life with pelvic organ prolapse?
2. What happens if pelvic organ prolapse goes untreated?
3. Can I push my prolapse back up?
4. Is pelvic organ prolapse surgery safe?
5. Is pelvic organ prolapse surgery painful?
6. Is pelvic organ prolapse dangerous?
7. Can a prolapse be a sign of cancer?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse — Final Words
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common yet treatable condition affecting millions of women worldwide.
Seek professional help as soon as you experience any of the symptoms described above to make sure you find the right treatment option for your condition.
If recommended by your doctor, check out our effective vaginal pessaries to provide adequate support to your pelvic organs and improve your symptoms!
