A woman’s pelvic organs, including the uterus, vagina, bladder and rectum, depend on strong muscles and connective tissue in the pelvic floor for support. After multiple vaginal deliveries or loss of estrogen during menopause, the structure can get weak, causing pelvic organs to shift or drop lower in the pelvic area. This creates pelvic organ prolapse, or POP. The experienced physicians at Athens ObGyn have the skill and expertise to correctly diagnose and treat pelvic support problems.
Problems with the pelvic floor and the pelvic organs happen for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons for POP are vaginal childbirth and aging. During childbirth, the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor become stretched and strained. As women age, particularly after menopause, their bodies produce less estrogen, raising their risk of developing POP. Some other issues can also cause with the pelvic floor.
Researchers are also looking into the possibility that having a family history of pelvic floor problems may raise a woman’s risk.
Pelvic organ prolapse ranges from mild to severe; in fact, some women may not experience any symptoms. Here is a list of symptoms of which women should be aware.
Often, our gynecologists can diagnose POP during a pelvic examination. Occasionally, they will order additional tests, including tests for bladder function, or imaging procedures such as an ultrasound or MRI of the pelvic floor. Once they have diagnosed the type of POP and the severity, the physicians at Athens ObGyn create an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse may include one or more approaches.
Minimally invasive gynecological surgery for POP ranges from reconstructive surgery to restore organs to their correct positions, to a surgery to narrow or close off the vagina.
Women who have symptoms that may indicate pelvic support problems should contact us for an appointment. Our talented physicians can help.