Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Posted By:
Dr. Michael Coyle, DO FACOOG, FPMRS
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition where the muscles in your pelvis become weak, allowing one or more organs to sag into the vagina.
When this happens, the bladder, uterus and rectum may all shift downward into the vagina. This can happen due to aging and also because of childbirth. Some women inherit their weak pelvic floor, while others experience this problem because of long-term pressure on the abdominal cavity, like chronic coughing.
POP is common. As many as 11% of women may experience POP at some point in their lifetime. For patients with this condition, non-surgical treatment options are available. POP can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, but working with an experienced medical professional, you can find solutions. If you suffer from POP, get help to help restore your quality of life.
Signs & Symptoms of Prolapse
POP is a condition that can cause many symptoms, but milder symptoms can be easy to ignore. Often, people wait to see a physician until the symptoms are severe or they’re in pain. The earlier that you seek treatment for your condition, the better.
POP can be mild, moderate or severe. Don’t wait to see the doctor. Ignoring pelvic prolapse can lead to problems like infection and kidney damage, because POP can stop you from urinating when you need to. Get treatment that restores your normal functions and helps you feel like yourself again.
Below are some of the symptoms of pelvic prolapse:
- Feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvis
- Bulging or protrusion from the vagina
- Urinary leakage or difficulty urinating
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse
- Lower back pain or vaginal discomfort
- Stress incontinence (leaking pee when you laugh or cough)
- Inability to control when you poop
- Constant urge to pee
Non-Surgical Treatment Options at Coyle Institute
Coyle Institute offers multiple non-surgical treatment options for people experiencing POP.
Pessary Care: A Non-Surgical Solution
What It Is: A pessary is a small, removable medical device inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs. Some pessaries may be inserted and removed at home. Women are taught to insert, remove and care for the pessary.
Who It’s For: Pessary care is for women with mild to moderate prolapse who want to avoid or delay surgery.
What to Expect:
- Custom fitting to ensure comfort and effectiveness.
- Regular follow-ups to monitor fit and function.
- At-home care guidance to maintain hygiene and comfort.
In-Office Evaluations for Prolapse Repair
What It Includes:
- A comprehensive pelvic exam to assess prolapse severity.
- Bladder function testing if needed.
- A discussion of personalized treatment options, including pessary care.
Who It’s For: In-office evaluations are for women experiencing prolapse symptoms who want a thorough evaluation and non-surgical management plan.
What to Expect: Non-surgical treatment is personalized for the patient and may involve a combination of pessary care and Kegel exercises.
Want to know more about how Coyle Institute can help you with pelvic prolapse? Call 850-637-8258 to schedule a prolapse evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a pessary permanently fix prolapse?
Pessary care does not permanently fix prolapse, but it provides long-term symptom relief. Patients are taught to use their pessary to ensure it does the job without causing discomfort or difficulty for the patient.
Is a pessary comfortable to wear?
Pessaries are comfortable to wear when properly fitted. You’ll work with specialists in our office to ensure that the pessary you get is the right one for you.
Do I need surgery if I have prolapse?
Non-surgical options work for many women. If you are committed to avoiding surgery for your pelvic prolapse, we’ll explore all the options to find what works for you.
How often do I need follow-up visits?
How often you come in should depend on the type of pessary and individual needs. We’ll provide you with a follow-up schedule that’s suited to you.
Get Relief Without Surgery: Schedule a Consultation
Pelvic prolapse can be an upsetting condition for patients, and can lead to emotional distress as well as difficulty carrying through normal daily functions. If you have pelvic prolapse, you can find treatments that help. Non-surgical treatments are available at Coyle Institute, where we work with patients to create a personalized care plan for your condition.
Want to know more? Call 850-637-8258 to schedule a prolapse evaluation and pessary fitting. We offer treatments for pelvic prolapse at our Pensacola, FL clinic. Call us at 850-637-8258 to make your first appointment.