Choosing to have pelvic organ prolapse surgery is a serious decision and should be made in consultation with a certified urogynecologist like Dr. Frank Simoncini at our urology clinic near Phoenix. After trying non-surgical treatments, surgery may be the only option you have left in order to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Ask lots of questions during your consultation.
Why Do I Need 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.
The goal of pelvic organ prolapse surgery is to add support to the walls of the vagina to eliminate any bulging tissue. The 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 including:
- Being overweight
- Aging
- Heavy lifting
- Chronic coughing from smoking or asthma
- Constipation
Although less frequent, men can also develop pelvic organ prolapse.
What Are My Surgical Options?
Consult with our urologists about which type of surgery is best for you.
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. 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. 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?
- Listen to your body after surgery, and rest when you feel the need.
- You will need to wear sanitary pads as long as necessary for discharge or bleeding.
- Continue to take OTC meds as needed.
- Wait at least 1 week before bathing, but showering is OK.
- Wear loose clothing to avoid any pressure on your abdomen.
- Drink plenty of water to avoid constipation.
- Take short walks each day. Ask the specialists at Southeast Valley Urology when you can safely increase mild exercise and perform pelvic floor exercises.
- Avoid smoking, gaining weight, strenuous tasks, and sexual intercourse for at least 4 to 6 weeks or until you are completely healed.
- Every woman is different so do not try to rush through your recovery time.
Contact Dr. Frank Simoncini at our urology clinic in Gilbert, AZ for additional questions or concerns about pelvic organ prolapse surgery.
