Pelvic organ prolapse is not a hot topic among the ladies that lunch, or among those that don’t, but maybe it should be. It is a condition that affects almost 40% of women, so why do we keep silent about it? Many women don’t even want to discuss it with their physician. Let’s shine some light on this topic and find out what happens if pelvic organ prolapse is untreated?
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor weaken, causing the organs in the pelvic region to shift out of their normal positions and descend.
These organs include:
- The bladder, responsible for storing urine
- The urethra, which transports urine outside the body
- The rectum, housing the muscle that controls bowel movements
- The uterus
As a result of this weakening, these organs may protrude into the vaginal canal and sometimes even extend outside the vagina, between the legs.
What Causes POP?
Pressure in the abdomen from pregnancy and childbirth contribute to POP. In addition, the following factors can put you at risk of pelvic organ prolapse:
- Frequent constipation and straining during bowel movements
- Being overweight or obese
- Having a chronic cough
- Family history
- Treatments related to pelvic area cancers
- Having had a hysterectomy
What Are Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Many women with POP have no symptoms or subtle ones.
Others can have severe side effects including:
- Feelings of pressure and fullness
- Pain during sex
- Bulge extending from the vagina
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Unexplained lower back pain
Now is the time to contact an experienced urologist at Southland Urology if you are having any of these symptoms of POP.
What Happens If POP Is Untreated?
Don’t ignore any of the signs of POP. You may not want to talk about it, but you need to seek treatment. Without treatment you are likely to experience bladder leakage or urinary incontinence, and you may be more susceptible to bladder infections.
At the same time you may also deal with fecal incontinence.
Painful sexual intercourse will be likely.
As the symptoms continue, they will interfere with your daily activities and quality of life.
Untreated prolapse can cause sores to develop on the cervix, and it increases the risk of infections and injuries to other pelvic organs.
Various Treatment Strategies in Orange County
Treatments are based on the severity of the condition, your age, whether you plan to get pregnant, and your sexual activity.
Mild symptoms can be helped with Kegel exercises, hormone therapy, a pessary, or hormonal creams.
Severe cases may require surgery.
Don’t wait to get help with pelvic organ prolapse.
Contact Southland Urology at Southland Urology (714) 870-5970 for a diagnosis and discover your treatment options.