Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Pregnancy

Although pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects ?50% of women [who] have had children? (according to a Yale School of Medicine Presentation, ?Female Urinary Disorders and Pelvic Organ Prolapse? few realize that childbirth could lead to POP.

Maternal Goddess, an educational support community for soon-to-be and new moms, posted a blog, ?Down and Out ? identifying pelvic organ prolapse.?? This blog examines the importance of early detection and prevention for POP. ?Often, POP can occur without showing any usual symptoms.? However, because there are often so few symptoms, POP is often missed.

POP stems from weakened pelvic floor muscles.? Risk factors include stress on the pelvic floor from childbirth, aging, injury, or heavy lifting.? Pelvic floor exercises and internal treatment can often relieve symptoms; however, in some cases, surgery may be required.

This is the best time for treatment to begin.? When symptoms do show up, POP is usually at a stage at which it can dramatically affect the wellness of the patient and can require more advanced treatment: ?Early stage prolapse is often reversible and very manageable, however once the prolapse progresses to a stage 3 or 4 it becomes life altering, and may require surgery ? surgery that can in turn cause other challenges.?

Herman & Wallace?s course Pelvic Floor Level 2B offers and in-depth look into evaluating and treating POP.? Coming next to St. Louis this December, this course is ideal for therapists interested in learning about POP as well as other urogynecological conditions.? Seats are limited ? register today!