Pelvic prolapse fixable with surgery, 1 in 3 women unaware

Pelvic prolapse, a common condition affecting millions of women globally, remains highly misunderstood. Almost 50 per cent of women, especially in older age, are expected to experience it at some point in their lives. 

A new survey from Orlando Health reveals how the majority of women continue to remain unaware and suffer in silence. Fifty per cent of women feel that leakage of urine in older age is normal, something they need to live with. Meanwhile, around 30 per cent of women believe pelvic prolapse only occurs in women who have been pregnant, post menopause, or in those 60 and older. 

For some women, pelvic prolapse can remain asymptomatic, but for others it can cause involuntary leakage of urine (incontinence), constipation, or descent of the bladder or uterus into or beyond the vaginal walls due to weakened muscles. The pressure caused by it can be severe, causing chronic pain. 

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A 41-year-old woman, Rashan Williams from St Petersburg, would feel her uterus bulging from her vagina, which she said would push back in place. “I would take frequent stops to the restroom,” she explained. Before stepping out anywhere, she ensured to stop for a restroom break to avoid incontinence. “I had no pain, but I felt something was not right.” This impacted her routine work, ability to lift heavy objects, and her love for travelling with her family. 

It is very common among older woman. The incidence is about one in three for women in their childbearing years, Nyarai Mushonga, urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon, Florida Medical Clinic, Orlando Health, explained. By the age of 80, 50 per cent of women are likely to have a pelvic prolapse, she adds. 

A pelvic prolapse can feel like the roof of your vagina is coming down, like a tampon falling out, Mushonga explains. Pregnancy can commonly cause women to develop a weakened pelvic floor, but there can also be a genetic predisposition to it. 

There are non-surgical procedures available to fix this condition. Experts recommend undergoing a surgical procedure if you experience difficulty in urination or defecation. 

Williams spent a decade in and out of doctors’ offices without knowing she was dealing with a pelvic prolapse. She has finally undergone a hysterectomy and feels much better. She acknowledges that there were low moments where she struggled to understand what was happening, but that has stopped completely. 

Dr Mushonga recommends women to practice Kegel exercises with experienced pelvic floor therapists to strengthen their core and pelvic floor muscles. Unfortunately, genetic conditions or childbirth can keep them from avoiding a prolapse.