Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when weakened pelvic support structures lead to displacement of the pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum from their healthy positions and drop into the vaginal canal. Pelvic organ prolapse can significantly impact sexual health, causing physical discomfort, altering anatomy, and affecting confidence. These changes may lead to challenges in intimacy and sexual satisfaction. The physical and emotional implications of this condition often leave women feeling hesitant and uncomfortable discussing matters of sexual intimacy. Fostering open conversation and seeking timely medical advice is crucial for addressing these concerns to ensure appropriate treatment and improve quality of life. This article offers insights and guidance to help individuals navigate the complexities of sexual health with pelvic organ prolapse.

Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Understanding the causes and symptoms can help empower you to take control of your health. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs like the bladder, uterus, or rectum drop from their usual placements and descend into the vaginal canal. There are several types of pelvic organ prolapses, identified by different name depending on the part of the body that has dropped. Cystocele is characterized by the descent of the bladder into the vagina. If the small intestine has slipped into the vaginal canal, it is termed as enterocele. Rectocele is a condition when the rectum bulges into the vaginal canal. Dropping of the uterus into the vagina is known as uterine prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse can happen due to stresses from pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. Multiple childbirths, vaginal delivery, late first pregnancies, aging, obesity, a history of pelvic surgery, chronic constipation, and chronic cough or sneezing, and weakened pelvic floor muscles can increase the chances of developing pelvic organ prolapse.

While mild-to-moderate cases of POP may not show symptoms, severe cases can result in discomfort and functional difficulties from the pressure in the pelvic region, pain in the lower back region, difficulty in urination and bowel movements, involuntary urinary leakage, and discomfort during intercourse. This condition can interfere with daily activities and diminish one’s quality of life. Thus, seeking medical advice immediately is essential for addressing the issue at its early stages. Your doctor can help you navigate pelvic organ prolapse with care and expertise, help improve your well-being, and restore comfort in your daily life.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Sexual Intercourse

As mentioned earlier, POP can take a toll on your sexual health. Sexual intercourse with POP can be painful and often lead to other complications. Women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse may find it difficult to articulate their concerns, leading to a sense of isolation.

Communicating openly with your healthcare professional without hesitation is essential. Your doctor can provide you with tailored solutions for comfort and well-being during intimate moments, allowing you to reclaim satisfaction and enjoy intimacy safely.

Medical Considerations

The most common treatment options for mild-to-moderate pelvic organ prolapse include exercises to strengthen pelvic muscles, lifestyle changes, pessaries, and external support devices. In more severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery to restore organ positioning.

Surgical procedures aid in pelvic floor restoration aiming to provide additional structure and support to the prolapsed organs. Your healthcare provider will recommend the most suitable treatment approach based on the type, severity of the prolapse, and your individual health considerations.

While undergoing treatment, you will need to engage in sexual activities with caution. We recommend consulting your physician if you have any concerns regarding intimacy during treatment. They would provide tailored advice, considering your specific circumstances and treatment plan and ensuring your safety and comfort.

Coping Strategies

Living with pelvic organ prolapse may involve complex emotional aspects. Women may grapple with feelings of vulnerability, self-image concerns, and frustration. It is essential to openly acknowledge and address these emotions and seek support from loved ones or professionals.

We recommend gathering some courage and initiating open conversations with your partner. Take time, be in a comfortable setting, and express your feelings and concerns with your partner. Active listening, empathy, and shared support can help strengthen your relationship. Seeking professional counseling as a couple can be a great idea to cope with the challenges of sexual intimacy that come with pelvic organ prolapse.

Patience, understanding and a shared commitment to intimacy contribute to a fulfilling and supportive relationship. Prioritizing emotional connection, exploring alternative forms of closeness, and experimenting with new intimate activities can help you lead a healthy sex life with pelvic organ prolapse. We recommend consulting your physician to learn more about intimacy and pelvic organ prolapse tips.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting specific lifestyle practices is key to reducing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. Lifestyle modifications are also pivotal in symptom management and preventing the condition from worsening. Physicians advise maintaining a healthy weight, quit smoking, refraining from heavy lifting, and promptly addressing chronic constipation to alleviate symptoms. Strengthening pelvic floor muscles with exercises like Kegels aids in prevention and management. Additionally, adopting a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular exercise can help prevent pelvic organ prolapse.

Supporting Relationships

Being diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse can be an overwhelming experience. But you are not alone. You can always talk to your partner or trusted friends about your worries and anxieties. You and your support system can face the challenges of pelvic organ prolapse with resilience and care.

For those who have their loved ones struggling with POP, nurturing a supportive environment can help ease the challenge. Communicating openly with your loved ones, sharing each other’s’ concerns and fears, and providing emotional support when needed are essential for sustaining a healthy relationship.

You can also consider professional counseling for couples. It can serve as a safe space to strengthen communication and emotional bond with your partner and help understand each other better.

Conclusion

Navigating sexual intimacy with pelvic organ prolapse requires understanding, communication, and professional guidance. Familiarizing with the causes and symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can help you take better control of your condition. Lifestyle modifications, pelvic floor exercises, and medical considerations can help manage symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse effectively. Encouraging open dialogues, seeking professional help, and fostering supportive relationships can ease the complexities and enhance your overall well-being and satisfaction.

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.