Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Long-Term Solutions Restore Health
Courtesy Dr. Armity Simon, Scottsdale LIVING WELL Magazine
Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic structures, like the bladder or
rectum, bulge or protrude into the vaginal wall. Often women describe it as
a feeling that something has “fallen.”
“In the case of vaginal vault prolapse, it is more common in women who
have had hysterectomy,” says Dr. Armity Simon. “It occurs when the uppermost part of the vagina, called the apex, descends because it doesn’t have the same support that was there when the uterus was present.” As a result, the apex pulls the rest of the vagina down into the vaginal canal or even outside the vagina.
“The pain and discomfort with prolapse is considerable,” says Dr. Simon. “Often, women will refrain from sexual intercourse because of discomfort, limit physical activity and even encounter difficulty with urinating.”
Treatments available for prolapse depend on the type of prolapse that is presenting and its severity. Pelvic floor exercises called Kegel exercises or a vaginal pessary device placed in the vagina to support surrounding structures are two traditional, non-surgical treatments.
Surgery for prolapse has made considerable strides in recent years, and physicians now can offer a number of long-term surgical solutions. Many use a mesh, either synthetic or biologic or both, to provide support for the organs necessary to restore the vagina to its normal anatomical position.
“Mesh is soft and has large pores designed to allow your body tissue to grow into it, providing a framework of support,” explains Dr. Simon. “The use of surgical mesh is not new. It has been used in surgery for many years.”
For those women who have more than one type of prolapse, all can often be repaired during one surgical procedure.
“The best news about pelvic organ prolapse is that women do not have to live with it or its associated pain and discomfort,” says Dr. Simon. “New surgical options are available that are safe and highly effective.”
Find out more about Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Contact Dr. Armity Simon at
480-860-2322 www.drarmitysimon.com or visit www.amercianmedicalsystems.com.
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