Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatments

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a relatively common occurrence for women older than 50. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 50 percent of women in this age group have some degree of POP. Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse can be as simple as dietary changes or daily exercises, or it can include surgical procedures.

One of the most recent developments of surgical treatment of POP has included the use of transvaginal mesh. Even though transvaginal mesh has been declared "high risk" by the FDA, it continues to be used in routine gynecological practices around the nation. It is important that women educate themselves on their treatment options to avoid unnecessary health risks.

What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

The organs in a woman's pelvic region — the uterus, bladder and rectum — are connected by muscles and ligaments that hold them in place. These tissues become compromised, usually by pregnancy and childbirth. By the time a woman reaches menopausal age and beyond, the connective tissues can become so weakened that certain organs can shift, or drop.

In some cases, this shifting is so mild that the woman is unaware of it and it is diagnosed by her gynecologist in a routine pelvic exam. For other women, these organs can shift and drop so much that they begin to collapse into the vaginal canal. This can be uncomfortable and/or painful. In worst-case scenarios, a woman's ability to urinate or defecate can become severely compromised.

Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

There are a variety of treatments available for POP. It is important that women realize that treatment is often unnecessary. If a doctor diagnoses POP in an asymptomatic woman, the condition can continue to be monitored without any treatment as long as there are no negative side effects.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Dietary and Lifestyle Changes - Decreasing caffeinated beverages can reduce the need to urinate. Increasing fiber intake can prevent constipation. As obesity is linked to POP, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can also help. A healthy lifestyle can reduce mild symptoms of POP.

Physical Therapy - Kegel exercises should be done regularly to strengthen the pelvic floor. Sometimes doctors will use electrical stimulation to contract the muscles in the vagina and pelvic floor to strengthen the connective tissue and reverse the condition.

Vaginal Pessary - A pessary is used like a diaphragm. It is carefully fitted into the vagina and provides the support necessary to keep organs from dropping further.

Surgical Treatments

Hysterectomy - If the prolapse is concentrated in the uterus, and a woman is through her childbearing years, a hysterectomy can often remedy the symptoms.

Reconstructing Vaginal and Pelvic Organ Support - There are several surgeries that can be used to rebuild the support of the vagina and connective tissues. Sometimes this surgical support is constructed using grafting tissues. A synthetic transvaginal mesh is an alternative to natural grafting tissues in these types of surgeries. Women need be exceedingly cautious before allowing transvaginal mesh to be used to correct POP. There have been serious complications linked to the use of transvaginal mesh.  There are even patients who have started to file a transvaginal mesh lawsuit against the mesh manufacturers because of such complications.

Women should educate themselves on the various treatments for POP and make sure to talk openly with their doctor regarding whether treatment is even necessary, as well as ensuring the treatment that is used will be the safest choice for their situation.