When women are young, reproductive health is often at the forefront of
their minds. The excitement of pregnancy and childbirth inspires women
to lead healthy lives. However, once a woman is past her childbearing
years, she may not give as much thought to her reproductive organs. However,
post-childbirth and pre-menopause is a key time to focus on strengthening
the core and pelvic floor muscles to prevent common menopausal conditions,
such as Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP).
By leading a healthy lifestyle women can avoid some of the negative side
effects of menopause.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is usually diagnosed in women between the ages of
50 and 79. In fact, approximately 50 percent of all women will be diagnosed
with POP in their lifetime. It occurs when the tissues and muscles surrounding
the pelvic organs weaken. If they become weak enough, organs in the pelvic
cavity can begin to shift and drop. In severe cases of POP, organs can
begin to prolapse into the vaginal canal. The organs most affected by
POP include the bladder, cervix, uterus and rectum.
Sometimes the symptoms of POP are so mild that a woman is unaware she
has the condition. Her doctor will diagnose it during a routine pelvic
exam. Other times, a woman can actually feel organs and tissues collapsing
into her vagina. Symptoms of POP include:
• An inability to insert a tampon
• A bulging or tugging sensation in the pelvis, lower back or vagina
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
• Difficulty beginning to urinate or a weakened stream
• Constipation
• Light spotting or bleeding
Reproductive Health can Reverse or Prevent Pelvic Organ Prolapse
The symptoms of POP can be prevented, or at least minimized, by maintaining
reproductive health. Some things that can be done proactively include:
Focus on Overall Health: Women's reproductive health is directly related
to their overall health. There are other factors linked to POP, such as
smoking and obesity. By maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and
eliminating unhealthy addictions, women can help to keep muscles and tissues
healthy and strong.
Exercise the Core: There are exercises women can do to maintain strong
core and pelvic floor muscles. These include daily Kegel exercises, Yoga
and Pilates. The stronger the core and pelvic muscles are, the less likely
they are to prolapse or detach from the pelvic wall.
Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are a variety of treatments that can treat POP. Women who are diagnosed
with POP should discuss these options with their health care professional
to thoroughly understand the risks and benefits to each. Some treatments,
such as a vaginal pessary, are less invasive and can be used successfully
to treat mild to moderate cases of POP.
Sometimes, surgical intervention is the most effective way to treat more
moderate to severe cases. One method utilizes a medical device called
transvaginal mesh. This device has been linked to a large number of health
complications. Mesh erosion and organ perforation are some of these major
complications of the surgical mesh. Many women who have been affected
by these side effects have filed mesh lawsuits. If a woman is considering
surgical intervention, she should discuss which method is best for her
particular set of symptoms to find the safest treatment available.
Elizabeth Carrollton writes about defective medical devices and dangerous
drugs for Drugwatch.
Reproductive Health and Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Posted By
The Berkley Center