Pelvic Organ Prolapse Natural Solutions
Bringing your body back to its natural state There is a very common problem affecting millions of women. Many women are too embarrassed to talk to their physicians and often go untreated. Others believe that their condition is permanent and it is a normal part of aging. This brochure speaks to the millions of women who are suffering from Pelvic Organ Prolapse. With the treatment options available today, women no longer have to live with these uncomfortable and embarrassing conditions. The purpose of this guide is to discuss a surgical option to help restore the quality of life you have always enjoyed. Please discuss your options with your physician to find which graft material is right for you.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse? Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become too weak to hold the bladder, uterus, vaginal wall or rectum in place. The pelvic organ may drop down and press against the wall of the vagina causing a bulge. This can cause some mild to debilitating discomfort when it is not treated. Pelvic organ prolapse is a progressive condition that gets worse over time. Prolapse will not go away on its own and may require surgery for symptom relief. This condition can occur alone or in combination with other pelvic support problems such as incontinence. All damaged areas should be treated, however this brochure talks only on pelvic organ prolapse. Causes of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Pregnancy and childbirth are the most common causes of pelvic organ prolapse. Menopause, previous vaginal surgery, chronic coughing or straining, heavy lifting, obesity, family history, and loss of muscle tone as the result of aging, can also contribute to this condition.
Signs of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Women with pelvic organ prolapse may not experience any symptoms. However, without treatment the symptoms will become more painful or even debilitating. Symptoms usually get worse with activity and get better with rest. Symptoms you my experience include: Heaviness or pressure on the pelvis Vaginal pain, pressure or bleeding A bulge protruding from the vagina Pain during intercourse Urinary or fecal incontinence Slow urinary stream or urinary urgency Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Cystocele occurs when the anterior vaginal wall becomes weak, allowing the bladder to protrude into the vagina. Rectocele occurs when the back of the vaginal wall weakens, which allows the rectum to protrude into the vagina.
Enterocele occurs when the small intestine drops and protrudes through the vagina. Vaginal Vault occurs when the top of the vaginal wall loses its support and drops into the vagina. Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus slips out of its normal position and drops into the vagina. The symptoms for prolapse can be the same as other medical conditions. It is important that you speak with your physician about your diagnosis.
How is Prolapse Diagnosed? Your doctor can diagnose pelvic organ prolapse and its severity during routine pelvic exam. There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse. In general, non-surgical treatments work best in mild cases. Surgery can provide long-term symptom relief. Non-Surgical Options Lifestyle Changes Kegels Vaginal Pessaries Medicine Surgical Options The surgical option is a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor can perform the surgery through the vagina, leaving no abdominal scarring, to repair the pelvic floor. A small piece of graft material is placed on the bulge and sutured in place restoring the pelvic floor to its natural state.
Graft Options Biological graft material choices include natural materials Axis or Suspend (Coloplast Corp.) a natural, safe and reliable bioimplant, for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. The material consists of donated human tissue placed through a rigorous Tutoplast cleaning process to inactivate any transmissible pathogens. Tutoplast processed tissues have been successfully implanted on over 1.5 million patients, with over a five-year success rate. Synthetic graft material choices include a polypropylene knitted material NovaSilk (Coloplast Corp.) for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. The graft then incorporates within your body s own natural tissue to help correct the prolapse, restore continence and improve quality of life. These options provide an alternative to the use of the patient s own tissue for pelvic support. This means there will only be one surgical site instead of two and it will allow for a quicker recovery time. Discuss which graft option is right for you with your physician.
Before Surgery Discuss with your physician the correct reparation to take prior to your procedure. This surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. Your doctor can perform the surgery through the vagina leaving no abdominal scarring. An overnight stay at the hospital may be required, but you can often go home the same day. During Surgery The length of the procedure will vary depending on whether the procedure is performed alone or in conjunction with another procedure. You will require regional or general anesthesia. The graft material will be placed vaginally to correct the pelvic floor defect and to restore the pelvic floor to its natural state. Following Surgery Although every patient s recovery process is different, there are general guidelines that apply to most pelvic floor procedures. You may be required to take an antibiotic.
You may be required to stay in the hospital overnight. You may experience some minor discomfort and fatigue during the first 24-28 hours after your surgery. You should be able to return to work and resume most of your regular activities within four to six weeks. During your recovery, it is important to avoid heavy lifting, and sexual intercourse. Your physician will provide you with more specific details about your individual recovery process, and he or she may have other recommendations based on your individual needs. Please follow your physician s directions closely. Even though you may not be feeling any pain from your procedure, you still have to let your body heal properly from the surgery and allow the graft material to incorporate within your body s natural tissue. Should any problems occur after your surgery, contact your physician immediately. This is especially important if you have a high temperature, or if your surgical area becomes excessively swollen, painful, red or inflamed.
Potential Risks Please discuss the surgical risks of the procedure with your physician. It is your responsibility to make sure that you understand each of the risks involved with your specific surgery. Do not delay in seeking treatment, you do not have to live with these symptoms you feel everyday. Contact your Gynecologist, Urologist or Urogynecologist today and ask questions and seek treatment for correcting pelvic organ prolapse. This guide is not intended to replace any discussion with your doctor, or to replace any of the materials he or she may give you. By taking the time to read this patient guide, you ve already taken an important step towards restoring the active lifestyle you ve always enjoyed.
Notes or Questions:
Coloplast Corp. Minneapolis, MN 55411 1.800.525.8161 Option 2 usmedweb@coloplast.com www.us.coloplast.com Tutoplast is a registered trademark of Tutogen Medical, Inc. and Suspend are registered trademarks of Coloplast A/S or related companies. Axis, and NovaSilk are trademarks of Coloplast A/S or related companies. 2007-08. All rights reserved. Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, MN USA. M1803N 08.07