Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when organs such as your bladder or vagina slip,or prolapse, from their normal spot. This can happen when the muscles and ligaments that hold your pelvic organs in place get weak or stretched from childbirth, menopause or surgery.

Initial Assessment
Upon seeking treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse, an initial assemssment will be done to determine the treatment plan that will work best for you.  First steps include:  

 

 

  • Completing a bladder survey including past medical history, symptom severity and any treatmetns you’ve previously tried. 
  • Categorizing your condition on severity of prolapse.
  • Performing urinalysis, a post-void bladder scan and possible imaging.
  • A possible pelvic exam.
  • Keeping and reviewing a voiding diary.
 

 

You will also be instructed to make Lifestyle Modifications that may include:

 

 

  • Modifying fluid intake.
  • Weight loss.
  • Tobacco cessation.
  • Avoiding bladder irritants such as caffeine, alcohol, carbonation and certain acidic foods.
  • Monitoring your bowel habits (constipation).
 

 

Conservative Managment
If lifestyle modifications have not improved your pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, next steps include: 

  • Pessaries (a device that is inserted into the vaginal to support the uterus).
 

 

Surgical Management
For some women surgical intervention may be required.  Prior to surgery, urodynamic testing may be considered for further evaluation of bladder function.  Surgical options your provider may recommend include:  

 

 

  • Sacrocolopopexy (a procedure which lifts the vagina back up to its normal position).  It is sometimes performed with hysterectomy.
 

 

Educational Resource
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Medical Moment with Anna R. McNanley, M.D. (MP3 Audio File)

Pelvic Organ Prolapse by Anna R. McNanley, M.D.

iDry
iDry is a free app that helps you overcome urinary incontinence (UI).  It lets you easily log events, track your progress, predict your future success, identify and measure factors that affect your UI, and share your progress with your doctor.

 

 

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