Pelvic organ prolapse

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Condition

This condition is a common issue among adult women, characterized by the descent of pelvic organs into or out of the vagina. The prevalence of POP varies based on how it is defined – it’s 3-6% when classified by bothersome symptoms and escalates to 50% when identified purely on an anatomical basis. The estimated lifetime risk for POP surgery stands at about 10%. Recognized risk factors for POP include childbirth, ageing, obesity, and vaginal delivery. While the exact cause of POP isn’t fully understood, trauma to the pelvic muscles during childbirth is widely acknowledged as a key contributor to its development. Symptoms of POP can vary but often include a visible bulge or lump in or protruding from the vagina, discomfort or numbness during sex, and urinary problems such as a persistent feeling of a full bladder, increased frequency of urination, or leakage when coughing, sneezing, or exercising.

Treatment

Management of POP begins with conservative measures such as physiotherapy to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and the use of pessaries. However, for more advanced stages of POP or when conservative measures fail, surgery becomes the treatment of choice. In the realm of managing POP, we’re not just addressing a physical condition – we’re helping women regain confidence and comfort, ultimately improving their quality of life.