Pelvic Organ Prolapse: What does it mean exactly?
Pelvic organ prolapse…aka POP. It happens when your uterus, bladder, and/or rectum drops or falls below its normal position.
**First off, please recognize that Pelvic Organ Prolapse is very common. You can have it with minimal or no symptoms at all. Others may have symptoms which can vary greatly. But understanding POP and getting treatment early is a key to success. **
POP can occur due to a number of reasons:
1. Chronic constipation
2. Pregnancy
3. Excessive pushing during labor
4. Genetic predisposition
5. Weak muscles
6. Lifting or exercising the wrong way (not correctly engaging the core/pelvic floor/diaphragm)
7. And more…
Symptoms of POP
1. It’s not uncommon to have no symptoms at all!
2. Heaviness or pressure vaginally, rectally, or in the lower abdomen
3. Urinary leakage
4. Constipation or difficulty emptying during defecation
5. Difficulty emptying the bladder
6. Feeling of something being “hit” during intercourse
7. Unusual bulging at the vaginal opening
There are levels or grades of pelvic organ prolapse:
1. Level 1 - minimal displacement of the organ/s
2. Level 2 - moderate displacement but the organ/s do not come out of the vaginal opening
3. Level 3 - displacement of the organ/s is enough so that it bulges past the opening of the vagina
4. (It is common for others to grade the prolapse differently but you get the gist)
So, how to know if you have POP?
1. You can try visualizing it yourself using a mirror (but this is very difficult)
2. If you’re just curious, I would wait until your yearly OBGYN check-up and bring it up with your healthcare provider
3. If you’re having symptoms, I would get an appointment with your OBGYN or pelvic health provider:
-During a good assessment, the provider will take a general look at the vaginal opening and just inside. They may also do a quick exam. They should at some point ask you to bear down pretty aggressively. This gives a more accurate picture of your prolapse. Some practitioners may even ask you to stand up because this truly replicates real life positions.-
What do you do if you have POP?
1. I would strongly suggest you have a conversation with your OBGYN first and foremost. They can better assess your tissue quality and they know your reproductive history. It’s not uncommon for them to suggest a pessary or possibly some hormonal cream.
2. I would also strongly suggest you meet with your Pelvic Health PT. They will take a look at all the factors that could be contributing to the prolapse, such as posture, pelvic floor muscles, core strength, lifting mechanics, etc. PT’s are movement specialists. They can help you establish a plan to possibly reduce or minimize any further prolapse from happening.
3. Outside of seeing professionals, there are a few things I always recommend to my patients:
1. Keep your bowels moving regularly - - don’t get constipated!
2. Think about investing in a small stool to place under your feet during bowel movements
3. Drink plenty of water - - about half your body weight in ounces
4. Be cautious with lifting. When you lift, use your legs, engage your core AND your pelvic floor - - some people need a PT to help here
Can POP be healed?
1. Maybe! If you have a grade 1 or grade 2 prolapse, then there are things that can help to either stabilize the prolapse or reduce it. The goal is symptom reduction and improving your body so that you live a strong and healthy life.
2. If you have a grade 3 prolapse (things are protruding out of the vaginal opening), then you need to reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your options.
Pelvic organ prolapse is a common but treatable issue. Lifestyle factors can make a big impact. Also making an appointment with your OBGYN and/or Pelvic Health PT can set you up for success!