Do I need surgery if I have a prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when weakness in the pelvic floor and connective tissue attachments to the bony pelvis leads to the abnormal descent or herniation of pelvic organs, such as the uterus, vaginal apex, bladder, or rectum.
A POP diagnosis does not need to be an automatic referral for surgery!
Whether it is a 1st or 3rd grade prolapse, every person experiences different severities of symptoms if any at all. Those that are experiencing symptoms often seek help and explore their options for treating this condition.
Surgery is the most invasive but might be appropriate for the patient if the other measures have not offered relief. With that being said, there is a chance the patient might need more surgery later on as the prolapse could reoccur if the wrong mechanics are still playing a factor into the cause.
The most suitable option will depend on the severity of the prolapse, symptoms, and overall health.
How and why does a pelvic organ prolapse occur?
For most people a prolapse is caused by repeated pressure and straining placed on the pelvic floor due to delivery, age, hormonal changes, etc.
The pelvic floor muscles and ligaments can stretch and weaken until they no longer provide enough support for the pelvic organs.
What does the treatment for pelvic organ prolapse look like?
Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms can often be reduced with non-invasive treatments such as lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises, hormone treatment, and vaginal pessaries.
Each treatment should be prescribed/tailored by a healthcare professional with expertise in each treatment for the best outcomes.
A pelvic floor physical therapist is an excellent resource for non-invasive treatments as they are the musculoskeletal experts that are able to guide muscles to sustain the appropriate load for symptom relief and prevent the prolapse from progressing in grade.
Research indicates that pelvic floor physical therapy is effective for treating Grade 1 and Grade 2 prolapses. Although evidence for its benefits in Grade 3 and beyond is limited, physical therapy can still be valuable for learning how to manage pelvic floor pressure even if surgery is opted as the top choice.
To improve the chances of success, it's crucial to follow the exercise instructions carefully and perform them consistently. To maintain this routine over time, consider integrating the exercises into your daily schedule.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help educate patients about bowel and bladder habits, fluid intake, and positioning on the toilet. This can help reduce the risk of prolapse symptoms getting worse or recurring before or after surgery as well. Pelvic PT is meant to “rewire” the brain and muscles to control the coordination of key muscle groups so that a patient can take back control of their body and reduce their symptoms.
If you are looking for a pelvic health physical therapist in the Jacksonville Beach area, we offer pelvic floor treatment at Samson Strength and Performance Physical Therapy and would love to work with you.
Get started by booking a discovery call with one of our pelvic PTs. We’ll answer your insurance/private pay questions as well as address any concerns you have about pelvic physical therapy.
