When prolapse causing symptoms significantly affect daily life, such as pain, discomfort, or difficulty with bladder/bowel function, non-surgical options may not be useful. In these cases, pelvic organ prolapse surgery is generally recommended.

However, choosing to have this type of surgery should not be entered into lightly and should be made in consultation with our board-certified gynecologists. When non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or pessaries fail, surgery may be the only option left in order to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle.

Why Do I Need Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery?

The pelvic organs include the uterus, bladder, rectum, urethra, and vagina. These organs are held in place by the pelvic floor muscles. Layers of connective tissue also give support. Pelvic organ prolapse, or POP, occurs when the muscles and tissue can no longer support the pelvic organs and they drop down and sometimes protrude from the vagina.

When this happens, the goal of pelvic organ prolapse surgery is to add support to the walls of the vagina to eliminate any bulging tissue. Our surgeon will lift the pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, bowel, ovaries, rectum and stitch the tissue around the organs to provide support.

What Caused My Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Vaginal childbirth and pregnancy are the main causes of POP. In addition to this condition being common after menopause, there are other causes the following.

• Aging
• Constipation
• Chronic coughing from asthma or smoking
• Being overweight
• Heavy lifting

Are There Surgical Options?

Yes, but consult with our board-certified OBGYNs about which type of surgery is best for you. With this in mind, you can choose between minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery and conventional open surgery.

With a minimally invasive technique, four small incisions are made in the mid-abdomen to allow for tiny instruments. A telescopic lens on a camera can be inserted for the best visualization. Surgery can last from 3 to 5 hours depending on the health of the patient.

Having this type of surgery does not necessarily require a lengthy recovery or long hospital stay, and sometimes can be same day surgery. In addition, many women return to normal activities when they feel they can. It usually takes one to two weeks for recovery.

Conventional open surgery requires an incision in the lower abdomen. And it takes 4 to 6 weeks for recovery for most women having this type of surgery.

What Should I Do After Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery?

• You will need to wear sanitary pads as long as necessary for discharge or bleeding.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid any pressure on your abdomen.
• Avoid smoking, gaining weight, strenuous tasks, and sexual intercourse for at least 4 to 6 weeks or until you are completely healed.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
• Take short walks each day. Ask your doctor when you can safely increase mild exercise and perform pelvic floor exercises.
• Wait at least 1 week before bathing, but showering is OK.
• Continue to take OTC meds as needed.
• Listen to your body after surgery, and rest when you feel the need.

Every woman is different, so do not try to rush through your recovery time.

Contact our board-certified OBGYNs at (210) 402-6022 for additional questions or concerns about pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

You may also enjoy reading: How to Manage Winter Blues During Pregnancy