Have you been told you have pelvic organ prolapse? If so, you may be wondering what it means and what can be done about it. The muscles and the ligaments that support your pelvic organs can weaken for various reasons. When this happens, the organs in this location can slip out of place. This creases a bulge in the vagina. This bulge is called a prolapse. The most common reason for developing this condition is childbirth, but it can also occur for various other reasons including after a hysterectomy or after menopause. Because this condition can worsen over time, women with pelvic organ prolapse should seek out help.
What Treatment Options Exist?
When you meet with your urologist, he or she will discuss with you the types of causes and what may be causing your specific condition. Then, the treatment options for you will be dependent on the symptoms you have. In some cases, this condition does not create a lot (or any) symptoms. In this case, your doctor may recommend treatment that does not include surgery. However, the condition can worsen or may already be complex. In this case, your doctor may recommend surgery for the condition.
One of the first steps in treating this condition is with the use of medications. This is especially helpful in women experiencing the condition as a direct result of menopause. Some women will then benefit with the use of estrogens. However, there are limited benefits to this and some women may not be candidates for it.
Other options exist as well. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy using pelvic floor exercises. This can help to improve the strength of the muscles in this area. Some individuals will see the use of silicone devices called pessaries as a tool for help. And, still others, will need surgery to correct the problem. This may be done through laparoscopic methods, which reduce how invasive they can be. In addition to this, your doctor may recommend losing weight, not smoking, and treating conditions that could be the underlying problem, such as a chronic cough or constipation.
When you come in to see the best urologist in New York City, you’ll learn more about why this is happening and what can be done about it.
Call our offices today at 212-675-3186 to discuss the concern and to learn what solutions may be available to you.