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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Overview
According to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles are not strong enough to support the pelvic organs.
The pelvic floor muscles form a “hammock”-like shape over the pelvic opening. These muscles work together to keep the pelvic organs in place and not drooping. In women, pelvic organs include the bladder, uterus, vagina, small intestine, and large intestine.
If these muscles are weak or damaged for any reason, including childbirth, the pelvic organs can prolapse, descend, and droop. The term “prolapse” refers to whenever organs descend into or outside of the body openings. The most common form of pelvic organ prolapse is cystocele, where the bladder descends into the vagina.
Symptoms of POP
The following are symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, according to WebMD:
- Pressure or a full feeling in the pelvic area
- Backaches affecting the lower back
- Painful intercourse
- Urinary problems
- Constipation
- Vaginal bleeding or spotting
Pelvic Organ Prolapse Causes
Anything that put pressure on the abdomen can cause pelvic prolapse. The most common causes of POP are pregnancy, labor, and childbirth, as carrying and birthing a child causes incredible stress on the body. Other causes may include obesity, a long- term cough, constipation, pelvic organ cancer, and a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus).
Treatment for POP
Pelvic organ prolapse can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on the type of prolapse, the symptoms, age, lifestyle factors, and the presence of other health problems. The issue is something the American Urogynecologic Society is carefully monitoring.
Lower impact treatment options may include a pessary (removable, insertable vaginal device to support the pelvic organs), pelvic floor muscle therapy (including Kegel exercises), and changing eating habits to improve bowel movements.
Surgical treatment may also be an option for POP. Surgeons can implant tissue or synthetic mesh into the body to help support the pelvic organs and prevent prolapse. Another surgical intervention may be colpocleisis, which closes the vaginal opening. This option may only be for women who no longer have vaginal intercourse.
Potential POP Complications
There are rarely life threatening complications associated with pelvic organ prolapse, but the condition can lead to further complications such as:
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- Urinary incontinence
- Bowel control problems
- A kink in the urethra
- Pain during sex
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney damage, if urinary complications are prolonged
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Pelvic Mesh Lawsuits
Pelvic organ prolapse can be treated by pelvic mesh, but these implantable products may result in serious complications. Women have reported experiencing countless complications due to their transvaginal mesh implants.
Potential complications reportedly include pain during intercourse, urinary problems, reoccurring pelvic organ prolapse, vaginal scarring, perforated bladder, perforated bowel, perforated blood vessels, mesh erosion, infection, organ injuries, and more.
Some women argue that mesh manufacturers did not properly warn consumers about the risk for serious complications. These complaints have resulted in lawsuits against several manufacturers including C.R. Bard, Boston Scientific, American Medical Systems (unit of Endo Health Solutions), Coloplast, Caldera Medical, Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson subsidiary), Mentor, and Neomedic International. Lawsuits against these companies continue to be litigated in court, and settlements may be forthcoming.
