Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition that affects many women. It is estimated that half of women who have children will suffer some form of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime.

The pelvic floor muscles and supporting ligaments become damaged or weak, and become too slack to hold the pelvic organs in place. Pelvic organ prolapse is not considered a life threatening condition, however, it can cause much distress and discomfort.

There are a number of different types of pelvic organ prolapse, divided into three categories depending on which part of the vagina they affect: front wall, back wall or top of the vagina. Some people may find they have more than one type of pelvic organ prolapse.

What are the causes of pelvic organ prolapse?

There are a number of factors that can increase the chance of pelvic organ prolapse. These are:

• Pregnancy and childbirth - This is one of the main causes of pelvic organ prolapse. During pregnancy, the weight of the baby and the strain caused by labour and birth stresses the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, permanently damaging some of tissues. These tissues never fully regain their strength and elasticity. Long labour, large babies, women who have more than one baby and the use of forceps or extraction devices can increase damage
• Obesity, large fibroids or tumours - There is extra pressure placed on the abdominal areas of women when they are severely overweight or if they suffer from large fibroids or tumours
• Ageing - As we grow older, our muscles become weaker including the pelvic floor muscles. The muscles can also become less elastic in women who have been through the menopause due to the reduction in oestrogen
• Genetic conditions - Genetic collagen deficiencies can increase the risk of women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse due to the minimal amount of collagen to keep tissues elastic
• Chronic coughing - Ongoing coughing can put a great amount of stress and strain on the pelvic floor muscles. Eventually they will become weak and will be unable to support the pelvic organs
• Previous pelvic surgery - Nerves and tissues can become damaged in procedures, such as bladder repair procedures and hysterectomies
• Heavy lifting - The pelvic floor muscles can become damaged in women who carry out heavy lifting regularly due to the strain put on this area

Who does pelvic organ prolapse effect?

Pelvic organ prolapse is commonly found in women, particularly older women. Pregnant women and those who have given birth often experience pelvic organ prolapse at some time in their lives.

How can it be treated?

There are a variety of treatment methods for pelvic organ prolapse. You should speak to your doctor about which treatment method is best for you. Suggested treatments include:

• Pelvic floor exercises - Your doctor may advise you to do pelvic floor exercises to prevent the pelvic organ prolapse getting worse. These pelvic floor exercises can also help relieve pelvic pain, headache and incontinence. You should stick to the exercises for a few weeks/months before you notice an improvement
• Vaginal pessaries - These small devices, similar to cervical caps or diaphragm help to hold the prolapsed pelvic organs in place. Your doctor may recommend a vaginal pessary to you if you are unable to have surgery, if you are pregnant, if you want more children in the future or if you are waiting to have surgery
• Surgery - Surgical treatments aim to lift the prolapsed pelvic organ back into place. Your doctor may recommend that you have a hysterectomy where the prolapsed pelvic organ will be removed completely
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - This is useful for women who are going through or who have past the menopause. HRT helps to strengthen the vaginal walls and pelvic floor muscles by increasing oestrogen and collagen levels

Exciting news!!!!

Neen's incontinence products are to be featured on Channel 4's Embarrassing Bodies early 2009. Watch this space to find out when.