GenX Adulting Podcast - Episode 56 - Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Episode Summary
In Episode 56, the host shares her personal experience with pelvic organ prolapse, discussing the lack of education on pelvic floor health for Gen X women. The episode emphasizes the importance of pelvic floor therapy and the need for open conversations about women's health issues, particularly after childbirth and during perimenopause.
Key Takeaways
- Pelvic organ prolapse is often under-discussed among women, especially in older generations.
- Kegel exercises are only one part of pelvic floor therapy; more comprehensive care is needed.
- Every woman who delivers vaginally should receive pelvic floor therapy as a standard practice.
- Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can include a heavy feeling in the vagina and urinary issues.
- One in three women experience some form of prolapse, but only one in nine will require surgery.
- Advocating for one's health is crucial, especially when navigating medical systems.
- Estrogen therapy may help strengthen vaginal tissues post-surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pelvic organ prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the bulging or herniation of pelvic organs, such as the uterus, vagina, bowel, and bladder, into or out of the vagina due to weakened muscles and ligaments.
What are the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse?
Symptoms can include a heavy dragging feeling in the vagina, urinary difficulties, and bowel issues, such as constipation or discomfort during intercourse.
How can pelvic organ prolapse be treated?
Treatment options may include pelvic floor therapy, the use of a pessary, surgical options to repair the prolapse using mesh or tissue, and in some cases, removal of the ovaries.
Why is pelvic floor therapy important?
Pelvic floor therapy helps strengthen the pelvic muscles, which can prevent or alleviate issues related to pelvic organ prolapse, especially after childbirth.
What should women do if they suspect they have pelvic organ prolapse?
Women should consult their gynecologist for an evaluation and discuss their symptoms openly to receive appropriate care and treatment options.
Part of these Topics: Women's Midlife Health & Menopause, Health, Wellness & Chronic Illness
Description
In this episode Nicole shares her experience navigating through her pelvic organ prolapse journey. We discuss the vital need of pelvic floor therapy for women. Nicole shares about her struggle with fibroids and bleeding, which ultimately resulted in a hysterectomy in 2020. She reflects on when she first noticed symptoms of prolapse, and the steps she needed to take to receive an official diagnosis and treatment. We discuss her first appointment with her urogynecologist, which included a procedure called a video cystoscopy. Nicole candidly shares about her second appointment, which was for urodynamic testing that included a filling cystometry, pressure flow study, uroflowmetry and electromyography. Under her doctor’s guidance Nicole has chosen a surgical path to correct and repair her pelvic organ prolapse. This choice was made after extensive research and a second opinion from a different urogynecologist. The procedure, called a Sacralcolpopexy, uses a synthetic mesh to attach the top of the vagina to the sacrum (tailbone). Nicole will also be having a perineorrhaphy done to further repair and support her pelvic floor. Nicole discloses that she has three pre-op appointments scheduled before she’s cleared for surgery, and she will share with listeners details of each appointment. She will also share about her surgical experience and recovery. It is in the hopes of sharing her journey that she will help other women who may be dealing with some form of prolapse, as well as educate women about the importance of pelvic floor therapy, whether they’ve had children or not.
Chapters
Chapters:
00:15 Intro
00:32 Lack of Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women
06:25 Fibroids and Hysterectomy
17:11 Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Steps to Teatment
38:48 Surgery
Tags
#prolapse #pelvicorganprolapse #pelvicfloortherapy #pelvicfloorhealth #pelvicfloor #sacralcolpopexy #perineorrhaphy #urodynamictesting #rectocele #surgery #mesh #laparoscopic #robotic #pregnancy #childbirth #menopause #constipation #urinaryincontinence #endocrinologist #insurance #medicalinsurance #womenempowerment #women #womenshealth #womenhealth #woman #childbirth #mother #motherhood