Sex Life With Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Table of Contents
Sex is a very personal matter and it can be hard to talk about especially if you are having concerns about it. Many women often battle with insecurities that followed them into the bedroom making it difficult to truly enjoy the moment. Being diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse can add to those insecurities and cause more stress which can make sex not as enjoyable.
Can I Still Have Sex With POP?
Yes, and many women have great sex even with POP. Prolapse can cause many barriers mentally and physically for sexual intercourse, however, they are many solutions and work arounds that can be very helpful.
How May Pelvic Organ Prolapse Affect Sex?
Depending on the severity and the type of pelvic organ prolapse, penetrative sex may cause discomfort and pain. In addition, a common symptom of pelvic organ prolapse is urinary incontinence, and leaking during sex is possible. Lastly, having odor issues due to the prolapse may cause women to be embarrassed and not want to engage in sexual activity. Pelvic organ prolapse affects women mentally and physically during intimacy. It is important to remember that your partner probably will not notice your prolapse at all unless they are a healthcare professional. Be confident in yourself and trust that your partner loves you for you.
Tips for Better Sex With POP
- Before penetrative sex, push prolapse back inside the body
- Have sex in the shower or bath (for urinary incontinence)
- Empty your bladder before sex
- Try sex positions that are ideal for POP and avoid ones that are not. (Avoid standing positions as gravity will work against the prolapse. Try positions that allows the woman to lie down)
- Use a water based lubricant to reduce irritation
- Have clear communication with your partner of what feels good and what does not
- Keep your pelvic muscles relaxed
- Try other forms of sexual activity (clitoral simulation or oral sex)
Recommended Sex Position for Prolapse
For women with pelvic organ prolapse it is recommended to avoid positions that will cause gravity to pull on the prolapse. These positions including standing up, squatting, “cow girl”, and “reverse cowgirl.” Instead try positions that requires the woman to lie down on their back or the stomach like the “missionary.” For the “missionary” position it can be beneficial to place a pillow under the pelvic area for the woman that is lying down. Urinary incontinence is a common symptoms that women with pelvic organ prolapse experience. For the ladies who have urine leakage avoid the “doggy style” which requires the woman to be on all fours. Alternatively try lying down on the back again with a pillow under the pelvic which can help ease pressure.
Sex with Pessary
It is possible for the pessary to create blockage during penetrative sex. It is a good idea to remove the pessary during sexual intercourse.
Will Sex Worsen the Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse is when weakened pelvic organs to fall out of the vaginal opening. During penetrative sex, it is something being pushed into the vaginal (the opposite of prolapse), therefore, sex will not worsen your prolapse.
Will Sex Feel the Same With Prolapse?
Having sex with POP may make you feel nervous and more aware of your condition. Although it is possible that it can cause discomfort, listen to your body while experimenting with different positions. Have good communication with your partner and ease into it to gain confidence over time.
How Will Sex Feel for My Partner?
Sex for your partner will most likely feel the same as they probably will not notice your prolapse at all when it is pushed back inside the body. Unless the prolapse is protruding outside of the body, your partner will have no idea about the prolapse. It takes a professional like a gynecologist with careful examination to determine the presence of a prolapsed organ. The prolapse will not affect your partner’s Intimacy with you and they will be more likely to notice your nervousness due to your own insecurity about the prolapse than the actual prolapse itself. Therefore, be confident in yourself and your partner, try to relax, and enjoy the time you have together.
Will Having Sex Affect My Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Allowing time for the body to heal after pelvic organ prolapse surgery is crucial. The typical recovery period is 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor will provide specific post-surgery care instructions tailored to your procedure and individual needs. It's essential to follow these guidelines for a prompt and successful recovery. Once your doctor has given you the green light and you feel physically and emotionally ready, having sex should not be an issue. Avoid inserting any objects into the vagina until you are fully healed.
How Can FemiCushion Help With Sex for Women Who Have Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Using FemiCushion is recommended for women who engage in penetrative sex. Wearing FemiCushion keeps the prolapsed organs inside the body, and with consistent daily wear the prolapsed organs will not fall out as easily. When FemiCushion is take off during sexual intercourse, the prolapsed organs will not bulge out of the vaginal opening which allows for better sex. Wearing FemiCushion is a great way for the pelvic muscles to stay relaxed while having all prolapsed organs returned inside the body.
References:
- https://www.uclahealth.org/womens-pelvic-health/workfiles/Uterine_Prolapse_Treatment_Without_Hysterectomy.pdf
- https://www.kegel8.co.uk/advice/prolapse/living-with-a-prolapse/your-sex-life-after-prolapse.html
- https://urogyne.jp/column/
- https://www.nafc.org/bhealth-blog/the-best-sex-positions-if-you-have-incontinence-or-pelvic-organ-prolapse
Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained on or available through this website is for informational purposes only.
Supervising Doctor of This Article
Koichi Nagao, MD PhD
Professor, Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine
Director of Urinary tract reconstruction center, Toho University Omori Medical Center
Director of Reproduction Center, Toho University Omori Medical Center
Professor Nagao specializes in plastic surgery in the field of reproductive medicine. He completed eight years of plastic surgery training at Showa University before majoring in urology at Toho University. With his meticulous surgical techniques and careful examinations that combines urology and plastic surgery, Professor Nagao became a Board Certified Specialist with multiple associations including the Japanese Urological Association, the Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine, and the Japanese Society for Sexual Medicine.
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