When diagnosed with POP, your doctor may inform you that you have stage 2 cystocele. However, what does that really mean? What makes you a stage 2 instead of a stage 1? How many stages are there? Let's discuss the classification and scoring of pelvic organ prolapse so you can better understand your diagnosis.

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Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) describes a type of pelvic floor disorder that affects many women around the world. Women are diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse when the muscles, tissues, and ligaments in their pelvis are weakened and can no longer support the pelvic organs in their healthy position. This will cause organs like the uterus, bladder, vagina, and rectum to prolapse or drop towards the vaginal opening causing a lot of pain and discomfort. 

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Pelvic organ prolapse can be an uncomfortable topic to talk about, which is completely understandable. While pelvic organ prolapse isn’t life-threatening, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort for those who struggle with it. When the pelvic floor can no longer support the pelvic organs - like the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum - your medical provider may diagnose you with pelvic organ prolapse.

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Pelvic organ prolapse is when pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum falls from their healthy positions and drops down outside of the body through the vaginal opening. The reason why pelvic organs falls out of place is due to weakened pelvic muscles and tissues due to experiences like vaginal childbirth. There are different types of pelvic oran prolapse that occurs. Depending on the type of prolapse that you are diagnosed with, the treatment may differ. 

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A pessary is a prosthetic medical device that is inserted into the vagina in order to prevent prolapsed organs from sinking down further. As the prolapse worsens, you may experience painful symptoms like abdominal discomfort and urinary incontinence.

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In April 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered that all makers of vaginal mesh for transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse to stop producing and distributing this product immediately. Every year, thousands of women undergo surgery to repair their pelvic floor. However, the FDA has judged that makers of these devices "have not demonstrated reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness." Therefore, the FDA is taking action to protect the health of these women across the United States. 

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Prolapse of the bladder is the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse. It is a condition where the bladder falls down into the vagina causing pain, urinary problems and other complications. It should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible as leaving it alone will most likely worsen the condition. 

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Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals across the US postponed non-urgent appointments and surgeries based on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Surgeon General. This is an effort to help reduce the spread of the virus while reserving hospital resources for Coronavirus patients. Unfortunately, non-urgent or elective appointments and surgeries includes ones for pelvic organ prolapse.

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For many people even the thought of surgery is scary enough let alone the action of going through it. It is a big decision that requires careful consideration between the patient and doctor. Both parties have the responsibility to weigh out all the factors and possibilities to decide what is the best next step to take.

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Pessaries are commonly used to treat pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, but are they for everyone? Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of pessary use and how those who feel uncomfortable with pessaries can still feel prolapse relief.

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