Struggling With Pelvic Organ Prolapse? Here’s How To Manage It
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is when one or more of the pelvic organs (rectum, uterus, and bladder) droop down from their normal position into the vagina. And no, your organs will not just drop down to the floor – they are still connected to your body with supportive tissues!
First, let’s get some myths out of the way.
Only women get POP. Truth: Any gender can experience POP
You cannot do high-impact exercise if you have POP. Truth: You can do any exercise you want! But you may need to modify what and how you exercise, and it’s best to work with a pelvic health physical therapist.
POP only happens after pregnancy. Truth: POP can occur even if you are never pregnant.
Only older folks get POP. Truth: POP doesn’t discriminate against age!
Surgery is the only treatment for POP. Truth: There are many conservative options, read on!
If you have POP, you may experience:
Pressure or heaviness at your lower abdomen, rectum, or vagina
Seeing or feeling a bulge at the vagina and/or anus
Sensation of a dry tampon falling out of the vagina
Discomfort or “bumping” sensation with sex
Difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels
For many people, POP can be managed without surgery with the treatments below. If you still have bothersome symptoms, then talk to your gynecologist or urogynecologist about surgical options. Here are the non-surgical ways POP is treated.
Pelvic health physical therapy. Your pelvic health physical therapist will perform a thorough examination, including asking you questions about your symptoms, doing a general musculoskeletal exam, and finally, a pelvic exam. The physical exams will provide lots of information for your physical therapist to provide you with a comprehensive program. And it’s not always about Kegels! Often with POP, people need to be instructed in proper breathing and coordination of pelvic floor muscles. Learn more about pelvic health physical therapy at this OncoPelvic PT blog post!
Use a pessary. Pessaries are small devices inserted into the vagina to support the drooping organs. They come in many shapes and sizes, but a gynecologist or urogynecologist will fit you for the one that is best for you. Pessaries can be removed nightly or weekly for cleaning, and you should not feel pain while using them.
Decreasing straining and stress on the pelvic floor muscles. This means managing your weight, avoiding constipation, and not straining hard for bowel movements or while exercising.
Hormones. After menopause, the decrease in estrogen can make the vaginal and pelvic tissues thin; using an estrogen cream in the vagina can help improve tissue health and decrease your symptoms. Hormonal treatment is not for everyone and should be a discussion you have with your medical provider.
Up to 50% of women and people born with a uterus will experience some degree of prolapse in their lifetime. If you’re experiencing POP, know that you don’t have to continue living with the symptoms, and help is available!
