Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the pelvic organs drop or prolapse from their normal position. This is due to the weakening of the pelvic floor. In women, a POP is a hernia of the vaginal canal.

What is it?

It’s when a pelvic organ (e.g., bladder, uterus, vaginal wall, small bowel) bulges into the vagina due to a weakened pelvic floor. Usually the pelvic floor—which is made up of muscles, connective tissues, and nerves—works to support the structure and function of the pelvic organs. But when the pelvic floor is weakened or damaged and can no longer provide proper support, a prolapse can occur.

POP occurs in stages. Early stages are when pelvic organs have descended a short distance. More-severe stages are when they have moved farther down. Each stage is measured and categorized based on how far a pelvic organ has descended into the vaginal canal. The opening of the vagina is used as a point of reference.

Stages range from 0 to 4. Zero represents the absence of a prolapse and 4 represents the greatest descent of the prolapse.

 0: No prolapse.

 1: prolapse to halfway to the opening of the vagina.

 2: down to the opening of the vagina.

 3:  descended beyond the opening of the vagina

 4: Prolapse has descended the maximum possible

Treatment

Effective treatment includes lifestyle changes such as stopping smoking, weight loss, avoiding constipation where possible and heavy lifting.

Treatment choices for prolapse include physiotherapy, support pessaries or surgery. Physiotherapy with specialist prolapse therapists can be very effective in reducing the early effects of prolapse. It is essential to undertake physiotherapy post pregnancy.

Your choice of treatment will depend on how the prolapse affects your quality of life. Not everyone with prolapse needs surgery or any other form of treatment.

Treatment for prolapse aims to support the pelvic organs and helps to ease your symptoms. It does not always cure the problem completely and prolapse may return.

Call us today

If you’re ready to discuss your situation or have any questions please contact Dr Victoria Handley today. Don’t suffer in silence. Call FREE on 0800 470 2009 or email vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk