Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which ligaments and other connective tissues weaken and can no longer support one or more of your pelvic organs.
Up to 50% of women experience pelvic organ prolapse at some point in their lives, along with the uncomfortable (and sometimes embarrassing) symptoms it can cause.
Although it’s common, pelvic organ prolapse is still surrounded by a lot of misinformation and misconceptions. Not only is that confusing, but these myths can also prevent women from seeking the medical care they need to feel better.
At the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in South Miami, Florida, Rafael J. Perez, MD, FACOG, offers advanced treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, relieving uncomfortable symptoms and helping women lead healthier, happier lives.
In this post, he dispels some of the most common myths about the condition, so you can make informed decisions about your treatment.
Prolapse can definitely affect your uterus (a type of prolapse called uterine prolapse). But it can also affect other organs, including the upper part of your vagina (vaginal prolapse), your bladder (cystocele), your rectum (rectocele), or your intestines (enterocele).
Vaginal delivery is a risk factor for pelvic organ prolapse, which means it increases your chances of developing the problem, but vaginal deliveries do not cause pelvic organ prolapse.
In fact, pelvic organ prolapse can affect women who have only had C-sections, women who have had very short or easy deliveries, and women who have never been pregnant at all.
Being overweight or obese does put extra pressure on your pelvic organs and the tissues that support them, and those extra pounds do increase your risk of prolapse.
But women who maintain a healthy weight can also develop pelvic organ prolapse, even if they’ve never been overweight.
It’s true that in some cases of prolapse, there can be protrusion from the vagina. But prolapse can — and very often does — happen without any bulge or protrusion. Many women experience symptoms like:
Symptoms can vary in severity and frequency.
Prolapse surgery does not remove any organs. Instead, we use surgery to repair damaged tissue and restore the normal position of the prolapsed organ (or organs).
Often, this means inserting a special surgical sling designed to supplement your natural support, keeping your organs where they belong while also eliminating painful symptoms.
Some women mistakenly believe that they’re too old for prolapse treatment or that prolapse and its uncomfortable symptoms are just a part of getting older. Both of these beliefs are false.
Unfortunately, many women delay or don't get treatment as a result of one or both of these myths. With advanced prolapse treatment options, there’s no reason to suffer in silence.
Prolapse treatment uses state-of-of-the-art techniques and technology to help women lead more comfortable, healthier lives at every stage of life.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse or any unusual symptoms involving your pelvic organs, don’t ignore them. Call 305-240-6047 today to book an appointment with Dr. Perez and our team at the Center for Urogynecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery.
