Pelvic Organ Prolapse Melbourne
Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that can impact a woman’s comfort, confidence, and quality of life. At Empower Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Melbourne, we offer not just treatments but compassionate, comprehensive care and unwavering support for women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, from non-surgical treatments to advanced surgical options.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles and tissues weaken or become damaged, allowing one or more organs—such as the bladder, uterus, rectum, or small intestine—to descend and press against the vaginal walls. This condition can develop over time, often due to factors that strain or weaken the pelvic floor, such as childbirth, aging, menopause, or chronic pressure on the abdomen. While prolapse is not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable, disruptive, and, in some cases, requires surgical intervention for relief.
Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
There are different types of pelvic organ prolapse, each named according to the organ involved:
- Bladder Prolapse (Cystocele): This occurs when the bladder pushes into the front wall of the vagina, often causing urinary symptoms like incontinence or frequent urination.
- Uterine Prolapse: This happens when the uterus descends from its normal position, sometimes extending into the vaginal canal.
- Rectal Prolapse (Rectocele): This occurs when the rectum bulges into the back wall of the vagina, which can lead to bowel difficulties.
- Small Bowel Prolapse (Enterocele): When the small intestine descends, it can press against the vaginal wall, often causing pelvic pressure.
Each of these types of prolapse can vary in severity, ranging from mild cases that cause minimal symptoms to more significant cases where the prolapsed organ protrudes outside the vaginal opening.
Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- A sensation of heaviness, fullness, or dragging in the pelvis
- A noticeable bulge in the vaginal area
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Lower back pain
- Urinary symptoms: Incontinence, a weak urine stream, difficulty emptying the bladder fully, frequent urges to urinate
- Bowel symptoms: Difficulty with bowel movements, feeling of incomplete evacuation, or the need to press on the vagina to complete a bowel movement
These symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can affect your day-to-day activities, physical comfort, and emotional well-being.
Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pregnancy & Childbirth
Vaginal childbirth, particularly with large babies or forceps deliveries, can stretch and weaken pelvic floor muscles and ligaments.
Aging & Menopause
Aging and reduced estrogen levels after menopause can weaken tissues, making prolapse more likely.
Chronic Pressure
Obesity, chronic constipation, or heavy lifting can increase pressure on the pelvic floor, contributing to prolapse.
Genetic Factors
Some women are genetically predisposed to weakened connective tissues, increasing their risk of prolapse.
Surgical Options for Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
For women with moderate to severe prolapse, pelvic reconstructive surgery offers a lasting solution by restoring normal pelvic function. Empower Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialises in various surgical treatments tailored to each woman’s unique condition.
Native Tissue Repair (Colporrhaphy)
Colporrhaphy, or native tissue repair, is a common procedure for bladder or rectal prolapse (cystocele or rectocele). The surgeon strengthens the vaginal walls using your own tissue, providing robust support for the prolapsed organ.
Benefits: This approach can relieve bladder and bowel dysfunction symptoms, improve stability, and restore comfort in daily activities.
Vaginal Vault Suspension (Sacrospinous Fixation)
For women with vaginal vault prolapse, often occurring after a hysterectomy, vaginal vault suspension provides support by attaching the vagina to a ligament in the pelvis. This method stabilises the vaginal vault, preventing further descent.
Benefits: This technique restores pelvic structure, alleviates symptoms, and supports pelvic function. It is often combined with other repairs if needed.
Sacrocolpopexy
Sacrocolpopexy is an effective option for severe uterine or vaginal vault prolapse. The surgeon uses a graft or mesh to secure the vagina to the sacrum, providing a strong and durable repair. This procedure is minimally invasive and performed laparoscopically or robotically for a faster recovery.
Benefits: Sacrocolpopexy offers lasting support for severe prolapse cases, relieving symptoms and restoring stability and comfort.
Hysterectomy with Pelvic Floor Repair
In cases where uterine prolapse is significant, and the uterus does not need to be preserved, a hysterectomy combined with pelvic floor repair may be recommended. This approach removes the uterus while reinforcing pelvic floor tissues to prevent future prolapse of other organs.
Benefits: This comprehensive solution can effectively relieve symptoms for women with advanced uterine prolapse, while pelvic floor repair offers ongoing support.
Contact Empower Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Pelvic organ prolapse can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. With a range of effective treatments, Empower Obstetrics and Gynaecology is here to help you restore pelvic health and reclaim your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.
Our most common Gynaecology related frequently asked questions, along with more gynaecology resources on our Patient Resources and Patient Helpful Links may be of further interest. Check our Patient Information or Patient and Practice FAQs too. If your question isn’t here, please call or email our friendly administration team, who will be able to assist you.
