My jaw dropped when I read this on BBC earlier this week. Can you believe that 50% of those assigned female at birth experience organ prolapse during their lives. That is ALOT!! In that case, we could all stand to know more about organ prolapse. I guess most of us will have a few people we are close to who experience organ prolapse at some point in our lives, if not personally. Perhaps you already know someone who has experienced organ prolapse, or you yourself might be wondering if something feels a bit off in your nether regions…
First, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing the symptoms of organ prolapse. Only 1 in 12 sufferers inform their medical providers. That means so many people are living with organ prolapse and all the symptoms associated.
Uterine, bladder and rectal prolapse are the most common of all organs to prolapse or shift downward. Organ prolapse can feel like a sinking, dropping, or even feel like a physical lump sensation at the lower pelvis or genital area. Often organ prolapse also causes pain with sexual activity. It can lead to issues with bladder control, pelvic pain and even low back pain.
There are some surgical, behavioral, lifestyle choices, exercises and tips to consider for the treatment of organ prolapse. The NIH has heaps of data and interesting information on the topic of organ prolapse. This article about surgical options seemed particularly interesting. “According to the study authors, every year, about 300,000 U.S. of those assigned female at birth undergo surgery for prolapse. In two of the most common surgeries for the condition, surgeons stitch the top of the vagina to ligaments inside the pelvic cavity.” Surgery for organ prolapse can still be a lot to consider, especially with the success rates of surgery being in the 50-65% range and should be considered mainly for those with severe prolapse.
In less severe cases of organ prolapse, and often in collaboration with surgery, those with organ prolapse utilize physical therapy. This is also a great way to prevent organ prolapse. I know it will be a part of my routine now. Remember Kegel exercises? Kegels actually have a purpose, and it’s not about pleasing someone else. These important exercises develop and maintain the muscles of the pelvis. The pelvic muscles support the organs in your pelvic bowl. By exercising your Kegel muscles, you can support your organs and the ligaments that support them, all in an effort to keep things up. The Mayo Clinic provides some specific exercises I have included for you all to try, check them out here. My favorite though, is this Tik Tok video made by “Suzanne Vernazza, a pelvic health physiotherapist” she puts out a daily pelvic floor exercise to support the body and prevent organ prolapse. Check it out #squeezealong.
When it comes to the support of the pelvic floor, whether its sexual function, prolapse, herniation in the low back or abdomen, pelvic floor tension, pain, pain with intercourse, and more, consider acupuncture before you dive into something more invasive or surgical. I am always amazed how much relief can be provided when we support these conditions with acupuncture. Remember, when there is intense pain, it is rarely part of the treatment to needles directly into the area of pain. We generally start treatments with the least intrusive approach possible and only increase or shift the treatment to a more intrusive approach if needed and in order to get the best results for your individual needs. Especially in your low abdomen, pelvis and genitals, your provider would discuss this option with you prior to treatment. If you think you might have organ prolapse, talk to your medical providers, they are used to discussing conditions like organ prolapse and should be able to support you.
