Women's bodies undergo significant changes throughout life—pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and aging. These natural processes can strain the tissues supporting pelvic organs, leading to pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Recognizing the Signs
Discovering pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be startling for women. “Most women notice a bulge of tissue from their vagina during daily activities like showering or using the toilet,” explains Dr. Tracy Cannon-Smith, a certified surgeon in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at trusted urology clinic of North Texas. “It can cause discomfort, including feelings like sitting on a ball or pelvic pain.”
Other symptoms may include vaginal bleeding, spotting, or the sensation of having pulled a groin muscle. Nearly half of all women will experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime, affecting their daily lives and intimacy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Often, women with POP may also experience urinary incontinence. “Bladder prolapse can sometimes mask urinary leakage,” Dr. Cannon-Smith notes. To assess the full extent of the issue, urodynamic testing is essential. This involves filling the bladder with fluid and monitoring for leakage, helping to determine the best course of treatment.
Restoring Normalcy
Treatment options vary depending on the severity of prolapse. For less severe cases, vaginal prolapse repair is often recommended. This minimally invasive procedure involves lifting the organs back into place through the vagina and securing them with either native tissue or biological materials.
“In cases of more severe prolapse, such as uterine prolapse or vaginal vault prolapse, robotic sacrocolpopexy is typically performed,” explains Dr. Cannon-Smith. This procedure utilizes robotic assistance to lift and secure the prolapsed organ with graft material through small abdominal incisions, ensuring long-term stability.
Recovery and Maintenance
Following prolapse repair, women usually spend one night in the hospital and may need one to two weeks off work for recovery, especially if their job involves sitting. Activities like sex and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks post-surgery to promote healing and prevent complications.
Dr. Cannon-Smith advises against activities that strain the pelvic floor, such as heavy lifting and activities leading to chronic constipation, which can exacerbate prolapse.
At Urology Clinic of North Texas, specialists like Dr. Cannon-Smith provide comprehensive care to address pelvic organ prolapse, restoring comfort and confidence to women's lives. With a focus on minimally invasive techniques and patient-centered care, they ensure that each woman receives tailored treatment to effectively manage and correct pelvic floor issues.