INSIDE OUT

What you need to know about pelvic organ prolapse

Urine leaks, a feeling of pressure while standing or walking and pain during sex are just a few of the symptoms of this all-too-common disorder that you’ve probably never heard of but have a 50 percent chance of developing. Nobody’s talking about pelvic organ prolapse (Pop)—it’s time to get the conversation started.

Rachel* has a morning ritual.

A primer on prolapse

POP occurs when muscles and tissues in the pelvis become stretched or damaged and the pelvic organs (including the uterus, rectum and bladder) begin falling down into, and sometimes through,

Dr. Magali Robert, head of the Pelvic Floor Clinic frequent constipation.

when it gets to Stage 2 and the organs begin to feeling of pressure or a bulge when standing or - nating or passing bowel movements (causing constipation and, in turn, worsening the condition).

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- high-impact sports, like running.

old Toronto fundraising manager and mom of two

- ness expert who specializes in pelvic health and - - technique that relieves pressure from the pelvic POP, but it often improves the condition of the

Treatment options

have been living with a Stage 2 or 3 prolapse

When it comes to surgical treatments, guidelines published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada in last November advise

physicians to exercise caution when using transvaginal mesh. (In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug -

Rachel had this surgery eight years ago to prop then—my surgery went well and I didn’t have any - ment with a specialist but concerned about undergoing another operation.

and biodegradeable meshes that can be tailored to a patient’s body, and have a better success rate. surgical options, though. Jessica will be having a laparoscopic Burch procedure, whereby the vagina is sutured to the pelvic ligaments, supporting the bladder.

- ever possible, says Dr. Robert. For mild to moderate urinary incontinence, pessaries, which she ring-shaped, but it can come in other shapes and is put in to hold up the vaginal wall. A pessary can even months at a time.

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It’s not always as simple as doing Kegels, though. example—that create a downward pressure on the pelvic organs and can worsen a prolapse.

Prevention is possible

POP can be prevented, at least to some degree. “I wish more pregnant women would come see me D-day. “Women who experience serious vaginal interventions can’t always be avoided, but using proper breathing and pushing techniques can

and carrying baby can help prevent the postural early, when symptoms are mild, can help women

about their bodies and their choices when it comes to POP. “Some women will accept that they have there are other choices,” says Dr. Robert. “A woman

“It can make you feel isolated; it can be emotionally tough to deal with a prolapse—it’s not just physical.”