Hysterectomy: Contributing Factor to Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Women often undergo a hysterectomy in order to eliminate fibroid tumors, heavy bleeding or as the result of severe symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Unfortunately, a hysterectomy can also contribute to pelvic organ prolapse. In fact, more than 10 percent of women with hysterectomies eventually experience some form of POP. This is because pelvic organs and tissues work together to provide support in the pelvic cavity. When the uterus is removed, it has a notable effect on surrounding organs and tissues.

In mild cases, little or no treatment is needed. However, women who have more severe prolapse may require surgical intervention.

How a Hysterectomy Contributes to Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The organs and tissues in the pelvis are interconnected. Special connective tissues support this group of organs, attaching them to the pelvic bone structure and the sacrum. When something is removed from the group, such as the uterus, it disrupts the structure. Slowly, weakening tissues begin to pull away from the pelvic structure. Other organs, such as the cervix, bladder, urethra or rectum, can begin to collapse into the vagina.

As many as 1 in 9 women who have had hysterectomies will begin to experience a specific type of POP called vaginal vault prolapse. In this type of prolapse, the top portion of the vagina — called the vaginal vault — begins to collapse onto itself. In severe cases, the vagina can literally begin to turn itself inside out, and a woman will be able to feel or see her vaginal vault at the entrance of her vagina.

Often, doctors recommend surgery to correct vaginal vault prolapse. The most common surgery involves the use of transvaginal mesh. This product can have many negative effects on women, such as mesh erosion, infection, and vaginal scarring. However, there are less invasive treatments that can help women with mild to moderate vaginal vault prolapse avoid risky surgical alternatives, especially those requiring the use of a high-risk medical device called transvaginal mesh.

Non-invasive Treatment for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommends that, in most cases, women with mild to moderate cases of POP should exhaust conservative methods of treatment before attempting more invasive methods such as surgery.

 •Lifestyle. Excessive lifting, coughing or straining can exacerbate the symptoms of POP. By eating well, exercising to maintain a healthy weight, and quitting unhealthy habits such as smoking, women can mitigate POP symptoms.

 •Exercises. There are specific exercises that work to strengthen the pelvic floor and upper vaginal muscles. The most famous of these are Kegel exercises, however, women should discuss other exercises that work on specific pelvic tissues with their doctor or physical therapist.

 •Physical Therapy. There are physical therapists who specialize in pelvic physical therapy. They work with women to treat their specific symptoms using exercises, advice on posture, as well as electrical stimulation and biofeedback techniques.

 •Vaginal Pessaries. When properly fitted and inserted, women can use a vaginal pessary to provide support for their pelvic floor and upper vagina. Pessaries are especially beneficial to women experiencing vaginal vault prolapse. They can also prevent incontinence.

 Non-invasive treatments are preferred over surgical treatments because of the complications involved with some of the surgical methods. Many women have suffered from surgery with vaginal mesh and have sought compensation though the filings of transvaginal mesh lawsuits against mesh manufacturers. When surgical intervention is needed to treat POP, women should discuss surgical options with their doctor to find the safest and most effective treatment for their symptoms.

Elizabeth Carrollton writes to inform the general public about defective medical devices and dangerous drugs for Drugwatch.com.