Treatment Options for POP

You don’t have to live with the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic Organ Prolapse can be treated in several ways, depending on the exact nature of the prolapse and its severity. The goal of these treatments is to restore prolapsed organs to their normal anatomical positions.

You and your physician may discuss:

Non-Surgical Options:

• Changes to your diet and fitness routine.
• Use of a “pessary,” which is a device designed to relieve symptoms when in place by holding up the vaginal walls. It is inserted vaginally and is removable.
• Physical therapy such as Kegel exercises, designed to increase strength and maintain elasticity in the pelvic muscles.

Surgical Options:

• Transvaginal graft repair – A biological graft is placed over the weakened connective tissue and sutured to correct the prolapsed area.
• Sacrocolpopexy / sacrohysteropexy – The physician uses an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach and attaches a graft between the vaginal apex and the tailbone. Depending on the technique used, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be required.
• Native tissue repair – The physician uses sutures to sew the weakened vaginal wall tissue back together.

Many surgical procedures have been developed for the correction of pelvic organ prolapse. Please consult your physician to discuss the treatment options, including the potential adverse reactions/complications and post-operative care.

What should I expect after surgery?

Before your discharge from the hospital, you may be given a prescription for medication to relieve any discomfort you may experience. You will be instructed on how to care for your incision area. At the discretion of your physician, most patients resume moderate activities within 6 to 8 weeks, with no strenuous activity for up to 12 weeks to allow for healing.

For more specific information on what to expect following any of the prolapse surgical options please consult with your physician.

Learn more here.

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REFERENCES:

1.   Physical Therapy. Voices for PFD. www.voicesforpfd.org/about/physical-therapy
2.   Pessaries. Voices for PFD. www.voicesforpfd.org/about/pessaries
3.   Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treatments: Surgery. Voices for PFD. www.voicesforpfd.org/pelvic-organ-prolapse/surgery