Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Surgery
The pelvic floor consists of muscles, connective tissues, ligaments, and nerves. They support the bladder, uterus, vagina, and rectum and help the organs stay in place. The muscles stretch like a muscular trampoline from the tailbone to the pubic bone (front to back) and from one sitting bone to the other sitting bone (side to side). These muscles are generally firm and thick.
It's a part of the body many people only think about once it starts not doing its job. The good news is that the pelvic floor can be consciously trained, like our arm, leg or abdominal muscles.
About 10-15% of Canadians suffer from symptoms of overactive bladder. 25-50% of all women will develop some degree of pelvic floor support problem (vaginal prolapse), and approximately 19% of all women will undergo surgery for this problem.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse happens when the connective tissue and muscles in the pelvis weaken or is injured. It may happen from traumatic injury to the pelvis, overusing the pelvic muscles, pelvic surgery, pregnancy, vaginal delivery of a child or added weight and aging.
Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse commonly coexist. Up to 60% of women presenting with pelvic organ prolapse are also diagnosed with urinary incontinence.
Uterine prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues around the uterus become weak and no longer provide support. The uterus begins to drop and descend into or out of the vagina.
Urinary Incontinence - when the bladder drops down into the vagina and is not in its proper place.
Anal Incontinence - when the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina, making it difficult to control the bowels.
Bladder Prolapse occurs when the bladder shifts out of its optimal position and bulges into the anterior wall of the vagina.
Urethral prolapse (Urethrocele) is a condition in which the inner lining of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, presses against the anterior vaginal wall and sticks out of the vaginal opening. It is a type of pelvic organ prolapse.
A rectal prolapse happens when part or all of the wall of the rectum slides out of place, protruding out of the anus. It may be only part of the rectum lining that slips out of the anus or a complete prolapse, where the entire rectum wall slips out.
A rectocele prolapse happens when the rectum falls forward into the back of the vagina. The tissue becomes thin and weak over time between the rectum and the vagina, resulting in a rectocele. You may not notice symptoms if the bulge (prolapse) is slight. With a more significant prolapse, your rectum may protrude out of your vagina.
Surgery
After living with a rectocele prolapse for over 8 years, I decided to have surgery.
Surgery is something I debated for 4 years and I did not come to this decision lightly, but I know it was the right choice for me.
I documented my entire journey; please feel free to follow this link and read all the steps leading up to and following my surgery.
I have learned a lot over the past several years running a pelvic floor wellness company, and I have been able to coach thousands of women through various life stages. I have used my own experiences in birth prep, lack of recovery, learning about pelvic floor physio, overcoming a stage 2 uterine prolapse, and living with a rectocele and diastasis recti to help women prevent and overcome challenges like incontinence and prolapse.
I will now add the experience of pelvic floor surgery to the mix.
Are you considering surgery as an option to feel like yourself again?
I had a very successful outcome, and I know that a big reason for that was that I was informed. I knew what questions to ask my doctor. I understood the benefit of preparing my pelvic floor for surgery. I was also very intentional with my recovery and return to exercise.
I created my Pelvic Surgery Success program, which is a one-of-a-kind program that will take you from feeling depressed, anxious, and consumed by fear of surgery to informed, confident and calm so you can put your nagging symptoms behind you and get back to living life with spontaneity and joy!
When you are informed, you can make better decisions, and when it comes to pelvic health, there is a dire need to be better informed! I will share my own personal story and all that I did to ensure a positive outcome. I will also share wisdom from others.
You will learn from me as well as Doctors, Pelvic Health Physical Therapists and Nurse Continence Advisors.
You will also learn from others who have had surgery what they wish they had known or done differently and what advice they want to share.