How is Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treated?
If you have POP symptoms, and they interfere with your normal activities, you may need treatment. Nonsurgical treatment options usually are tried first. If these options do not work and if your symptoms are severe, you may want to consider surgery.
What are the Nonsurgical Treatments for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Often the first nonsurgical option tried is a pessary. This device is inserted into the vagina to support the pelvic organs.
Changes in diet and lifestyle may help relieve some symptoms. For example, limiting excessive fluid intake may help with urinary incontinence. Eating more fiber may help with bowel problems. Sometimes a medication that softens stools is prescribed. If a woman is overweight or obese, weight loss can help improve her overall health and possibly her prolapse symptoms. For some women, Kegel exercises may be helpful.
What Factors Should I Consider When Deciding Whether to Have Surgery?
A major factor in this decision is the severity of your symptoms. The following factors also should be considered:
- Your age – If you have surgery at a young age, there is a chance that prolapse will come back and may require more treatment. If you have surgery at an older age, your overall health and history of surgeries may impact what type of surgery you have.
- Your childbearing plans – Ideally, women who plan to have children (or more children) should postpone surgery until their families are complete to avoid the risk of prolapse happening again after corrective surgery.
- Health conditions – Surgery may carry risks if you have a medical condition, such as diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or breathing problems, or if you smoke or are obese.
Will Surgery Relieve All of My Symptoms?
There is no guarantee that any treatment – including surgery – will relieve all of your symptoms. Also, new problems may occur after surgery, such as pain during sexual intercourse, pelvic pain, or urinary incontinence.
What are the Types of Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
In general, there are two types of surgery: 1) obliterative surgery and 2) reconstructive surgery
How Does Obliterative Surgery Treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Obliterative surgery narrows or closes off the vagina to provide support for prolapsed organs. Sexual intercourse is not possible after this procedure.
How Does Reconstructive Surgery Treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
The goal of reconstructive surgery is to restore organs to their original position. Some types of reconstructive surgery are done through an incision in the vagina. Others are done through an incision in the abdomen or with laparoscopy.
What are the Types of Reconstructive Surgery?
The types of reconstructive surgery include the following:
- Fixation or suspension using your own tissues (uterosacral ligament suspension and sacrospinous fixation) – Also called “native tissue repair,” this is used to treat uterine or vaginal vault prolapse. It is performed through the vagina. The prolapsed part is attached with stitches to a ligament or to a muscle in the pelvis. A procedure to prevent urinary incontinence may be done at the same time.
- Colporrhaphy – Used to treat prolapse of the anterior (front) wall of the vagina and prolapse of the posterior (back) wall of the vagina. This type of surgery is performed through the vagina. Stitches are used to strengthen the vagina so that it once again supports the bladder or the rectum.
- Sacrocolpopexy – Used to treat vaginal vault prolapse and enterocele. It can be done with an abdominal incision or with laparoscopy. Surgical mesh is attached to the front and back walls of the vagina and then to the sacrum (tail bone). This lifts the vagina back into place.
- Sacrohysteropexy – Used to treat uterine prolapse when a woman does not want a hysterectomy. Surgical mesh is attached to the cervix and then to the sacrum, lifting the uterus back into place.
- Surgery using vaginally placed mesh – Used to treat all types of prolapse. Can be used in women whose own tissues are not strong enough for native tissue repair. Vaginally placed mesh has a significant risk of severe complications, including mesh erosion, pain, infection, and bladder or bowel injury. This type of surgery should be reserved for women in whom the benefits may justify the risks.
What is Involved in Recovery After Surgery to Treat Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. You usually need to take a few weeks off from work. For the first few weeks, you should avoid vigorous exercise, lifting, and straining. You also should avoid sex for several weeks after surgery.
