Millions of women are affected by pelvic organ prolapse (POP), but many have never heard of the condition until they are diagnosed by their gynecologist.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition in which weakened tissues and muscles in the pelvis cause the bladder, uterus and rectum to shift position. In some cases, the uterus may drop and the cervix may be exposed outside of the vaginal opening.

Women who have given birth vaginally are at the greatest risk for developing POP. Pelvic floor surgery, connective tissue diseases and obesity also increase the risk.

When the tissues and ligaments in the pelvis are pulled and stretched, such as during childbirth, they weaken after time. As they weaken, they are no longer able to hold the uterus, bladder and rectum in their correct anatomical place. What occurs are 3 common types of prolapse:

• Uterine Prolapse: The uterus descends down into the vagina. The vaginal walls are pushed downward and may protrude out of the vaginal opening. It is more noticeable after straining to go to the bathroom, at the end of the day, or if standing for long periods of time.
• Anterior prolapse: The front part of the vagina bulges inward due to pressure from the pelvic organs. This is usually caused by the bladder and urethra shifting position. It is medically known as a cystocele or urethrocele. When the bladder shifts position, the top of the urethra, the tube that funnels urine from the bladder out of the body, can bend. This makes it difficult to empty the bladder and can lead to chronic bladder infections and a constant urge to urinate.
• Posterior Prolapse: The same concept applies when the rectum shifts position. The tissue between the rectum and vagina weakens and no longer keeps the rectum in place, causing it to bulge into the vagina. This can make it difficult to have a bowel movement.

In anterior and posterior prolapse, women sometimes need to help themselves urinate or have a bowel movement by inserting their fingers into the vagina and pushing the organs back into place. This is a normal and acceptable way millions of women have coped with the problem for years.

Having the Dialogue

It’s important to talk about pelvic prolapse symptoms with your doctor and with other women. It’s likely that if you are suffering from prolapse, your female relatives have also suffered with this condition. Many of your friends may also have prolapse. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons women have not openly discussed POP.

There are a number of surgeries which can help. The implantation of transvaginal mesh (TVM) is one surgical option offered to women over the last decade. Unfortunately, many serious side effects from the use of mesh have come to light.

If you received TVM to treat your prolapse and are now experiencing many of the original POP symptoms in addition to pain and infection call us. Dr. Greg Vigna JD, works with leading specialists and a team of professionals who understand pelvic organ prolapse and complications from mesh. All case evaluations are free.

Image courtesy of wikimedia http: //fr. wikipedia. org/wiki/Prolapsus_g%C3%A9nital