Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the organs that make up the pelvis fall into the vagina. In some cases, these organs can drop so far down that they may actually protrude through the opening in the vagina. This most commonly happens after childbirth. There is a variety of types of treatments associated with treating pelvic organ prolapse, depending on the type of and severity. Pelvic organ prolapse is actually not that uncommon, there has been nearly 300 million women experiencing POP every year. Moderate treatments include kegel exercises or changes in your diet and even fitness. However, if the condition is severe, surgery may be an option. This surgery would be to insert a vaginal mesh implant. If you had a vaginal mesh implant surgery, you may be experiencing problems with your vaginal mesh implant. There are multiple types of pop and it is important that you can identify what type you may have:
- Vaginal Vault Prolapse
- Uterine Prolapse
- Urethrocele
Vaginal Vault Prolapse
This type of pop generally occurs after a hysterectomy, and is the collapse of the vaginal vault. The vaginal vault is the interior region of the vaginal canal that is at the end of the vagina. If you are experiencing symptoms that you may think is from a pelvic organ prolapse or more specifically a vaginal vault prolapse, consult a doctor immediately.
Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse is a another type of pop. There are numerous muscles holding the uterus in place. Uterine prolapse occurs if the muscles and ligaments that support the uterus become so weak that the the uterus literally slips out of place from the position it is supposed to be in. The specific ligaments that become too weak and eventually cause a uterine prolapse are the ovarian ligament, the round ligament, uterosacral ligaments, and the broad ligament. The most important ligament in keeping a uterine prolapse from occurring is the uterosacral ligament. Childbirth is the usual cause of a uterine prolapse, generally because of multiple childbirths or because trauma during childbirth. Like other forms of POP, uterine prolapse is surgically corrected usually a vaginal mesh implant. Again, if you fit into this criteria for a high likelihood for uterine prolapse or any other type of pop, see a doctor immediately.
Urethrocele
A urethrocele is the urethra weakening. The tissue that holds the urethra in place causes it to move and it puts pressure on the vagina, leading into the wall of the vagina.
Make Sure You Know
It is extremely common for woman who have given birth to develop some form of a pop.