Minimally Invasive Surgery for Prolapse and Incontinence: What to Expect

While pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affects 14 million women in the United States and 40% of women worldwide, many are still embarrassed to discuss this condition and its symptoms. POP is a condition where a woman’s pelvic organs, such as the bladder, rectum, or uterus, fall or sag, causing a bulge in the vaginal wall.

POP is uncomfortable and can lead to a variety of painful and problematic health issues, such as incontinence, pain with sex, and constipation. If you experience these symptoms, schedule a consultation with board-certified urogynecologist Dr. Jeffrey Hantes at Female Health Associates of North Texas, located in Fort Worth, Texas, where you can feel comfortable discussing pelvic pain and discomfort.

Here, Dr. Hantes explains the symptoms of POP and the effective long-term treatment options available.

Pelvic organ prolapse causes and symptoms

POP occurs when the muscles and ligaments that support your pelvic organs become weak or damaged. As a result, the organs these weakened muscles support fall out of place, causing a bulge. The most common reasons for this weakening or damage include childbirth, hysterectomy, obesity, and age.

Additional common symptoms of POP include:

Seeing or feeling a bulge in your vagina
Pelvic pressure
Pelvic pain
Incontinence
Constipation
Pain with sex

The severity of symptoms varies depending on the cause and type of POP.

What treatments are available?

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. For minimal symptoms, nonsurgical options include vaginal pessary, Kegel exercises, and hormone therapy.

If symptoms are more severe or interfere with your quality of life, Dr. Hantes offers minimally invasive surgery options for long-term results. Dr. Hantes has extensive experience and expertise in performing pelvic prolapse repair surgery.

What can I expect after minimally invasive surgery?

With minimally invasive surgery for POP, most women go home within 24 hours after the surgery. As with any surgery, you need to rest and gradually return to your normal routine as you rebuild your strength.

Minimally invasive surgery results in less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a smaller scar compared to open surgery. Dr. Hantes provides you with specific guidelines and instructions when you leave the clinic. In general, you need to:

Avoid lifting heavy objects to let your incision heal fully
Avoid strenuous activity until Dr. Hantes gives you the green light
Refrain from sex or putting anything in your vagina for several weeks until Dr. Hantes says it’s ok
Wear a pad if you experience light vaginal bleeding

Be sure to schedule and attend follow-up care appointments, and call our office immediately if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or have any other postoperation concerns.

For more information about POP and treatment recommendations, call our office or request an appointment online.