Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Common, Treatable Problem for Women
It’s rarely talked about, but an estimated
half of all U.S. women older than 50
suffer from pelvic organ prolapse, or
POP. This condition occurs when pelvic
muscles and other tissues become weak
and the uterus or other organs “sink” into
the vagina.
POP creates a hernia-like bulge that can cause discomfort and limit physical and sexual activity. POP also may lead to urinary problems such as incontinence, increased frequency or a sensation of incomplete emptying. It also may cause frequent urinary tract infections.
Vaginal childbirth is the main cause for developing POP, although symptoms may not appear for years. Other triggers include:
- Menopause
- Being overweight
- Chronic cough
- Hysterectomy
- Family history of POP
- Age-related loss of muscle mass and tone
Minimally Invasive Procedure at Halifax Health
Several non-surgical and surgical treatments are available for POP. A relatively new and effective technique involves using a soft synthetic mesh to support the pelvic tissues and ligaments. The procedure is minimally invasive, so the recovery time and hospital stay are short, and most patients can return to normal activities within two or three weeks.“So many patients say they can’t believe they lived with POP for so long,” said Bennett Scaglia, MD, a urologist at the Halifax Health – Center for Urology. “This procedure has the potential to really improve these patients’ quality of life and how they function every day.”
Dr. Scaglia is one of the only physicians in Volusia/Flagler counties using this technique. He has performed more than 100 vaginal mesh procedures during the past two years.
“The success I have had with vaginal mesh procedures is consistent with the approximately 90 percent success rate commonly reported,” Dr. Scaglia said. “When you consider that many of these mesh procedures are performed in women who have experienced failure with prior traditional methods, the results are truly remarkable.”
