Pelvic Organ Prolapse: When to Consider Reconstruction Surgery

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition where pelvic organs like your bladder, uterus, or rectum descend into your vagina. It’s incredibly common — with about half of women experiencing it — but it’s rarely discussed, and many women are embarrassed to bring up their symptoms with their doctors.

POP can be uncomfortable and painful and interfere with your daily life. Our team at South Valley Women's Health Care specializes in pelvic reconstruction surgery for POP, and we’re here to help you learn about your treatment options.

Understanding the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse

First, let's take a look at what pelvic organ prolapse involves. Your pelvic floor is like a hammock of muscle tissue and ligaments that support your bladder, uterus, and other organs. When your pelvic floor gets weak, these organs start to sag or descend, leading to POP.

Common symptoms of POP are:

• Heavy, bulging sensation in your pelvic area
• Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
• Urinary incontinence or difficulty fully emptying your bladder
• Bowel movement difficulties or constipation
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Backache or lower abdominal discomfort
• Feeling as though something is "falling out" of your vagina
• Pelvic or vaginal pressure worsened by standing or physical activity

The causes behind POP weak pelvic floor muscles vary but often include childbirth, hormonal changes, chronic coughing, obesity, and simply getting older. POP primarily affects women — especially postmenopausal women who have had multiple pregnancies or vaginal deliveries — but men can also experience POP.

Treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse

POP can disrupt your life, but treatment is available, and it can make a big difference. Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, and our team can help you find the best treatment for your situation.

Conservative treatment options include pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), pelvic floor physical therapy, or using a pessary, which is a supportive device to help hold your pelvic organs in place.

These approaches can provide relief for mild to moderate cases of POP. You can do Kegels on your own to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, or we can refer you to pelvic floor physical therapy. In physical therapy, trained professionals guide you through exercises to strengthen your pelvic floor and relieve your symptoms.

However, if conservative treatments fail to alleviate your symptoms or if your condition is severe, we might recommend reconstruction surgery. Pelvic reconstruction surgery aims to put your pelvic organs back in their correct anatomical position and strengthen weakened pelvic floor muscles and ligaments to relieve your symptoms.

When to consider pelvic reconstruction surgery for POP

Pelvic reconstruction is major surgery, and it’s important to weigh your options before choosing treatment. While every woman’s situation is unique, there are a few signs that could indicate it’s time to consider surgery.

We might recommend pelvic reconstruction surgery if:

• Conservative treatment doesn’t relieve your symptoms
• You have persistent pelvic pain or discomfort
• You experience difficulty with bowel or bladder control
• You have urinary incontinence
• Your symptoms have a significant impact on your quality of life

If POP is affecting your ability to engage in daily activities or causing emotional distress, surgery may provide the lasting relief you deserve. The specific procedure we recommend depends on the type and severity of your prolapse, but it generally involves repairing or reinforcing the weakened tissues and repositioning your organs.

During your surgical consultation, we discuss the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of the procedure, as well as any alternative treatment options. We conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your overall health and determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your specific condition. 

Are you ready to find out if pelvic reconstruction is right for you? It could offer long-term relief and improve your overall well-being, and we’re here to help you explore your options. Call our Bluffdale, Utah, office at 801-569-2626 or book a consultation online today.