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Pelvic Organ Prolapse
It's Common. It's Treatable.
Would it surprise you to learn that while it's rarely talked about, approximately one out of three women aged 45 or older has some degree of pelvic organ prolapse? By age 80, more than one out of every 10 women will have undergone surgery for prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse can affect a woman's daily life limiting physical and sexual functioning. Depending on its severity, it can cause pressure-like discomfort, at times pain and disturbances in normal bladder and rectal function.
The good news is that you don't have to suffer with it. You can do something about pelvic organ prolapse, and you have choices. The newest choice is
GYNECARE PROLIFT* Pelvic Floor Repair System, a revolutionary new procedure that offers promising long-term results for women with pelvic organ prolapse. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a soft synthetic mesh specially designed for placement through the vagina to support pelvic organs that have "dropped out" of their normal position (prolapsed).
Synthetic meshes, commonly used in abdominal wall hernia repair, are now being used in pelvic reconstructive surgery.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
A prolapse occurs when organs drop from their natural position and sometimes protrude. Normally the vagina and uterus are secured to the pelvis by connective tissue that forms ligament-like structures as well as a strong "envelope" around the vaginal walls. As pelvic floor muscles weaken, these connective structures give way, allowing the vagina to become displaced towards, and at times beyond the vaginal opening. The bladder above and the rectum below the vagina are thereby affected, leading to the following symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
- Loss of bladder (see urinary incontinence) or possibly bowel control
- Difficulty voiding
- Urinary frequency
- Problems with bowel movements
- Feelings of pelvic or vaginal heaviness, bulging, fullness and/or pain
- Recurrent bladder infections
- Excessive vaginal discharge
- Discomfort or lack of sensation with intercourse
How common is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
It is a very common disorder, particularly in older women. Half of all women over age 50 experience some degree of pelvic organ prolapse. By age 80, more than one in every 10 women will have undergone surgery for prolapse.
Normal pelvic anatomy
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