When you have persistent pelvic discomfort or unusual vaginal changes, you want to understand what’s going on.
At Virtuosa GYN in Live Oak, Texas, leading board-certified OB/GYN Susan Crockett, MD, is widely known for her diagnostic prowess and treatment expertise.
Dr. Crockett is a pelvic organ prolapse (POP) specialist who takes the time to understand your symptoms so she can craft a tailored treatment approach.
She emphasizes POP awareness and encourages all women to know how to identify it. Recognizing its signs early can make a big difference in your comfort and health, so our blog this month explains the telltale symptoms.
Understanding pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse develops when the tissues that support your pelvic organs weaken. This causes the uterus, bladder, and possibly other pelvic organs like the rectum, to slide downward.
Depending on the degree and location of prolapse, the organs can sink quite low and possibly even bulge out of the vagina.
About one-quarter of women in their 40s have POP, and it becomes more common with age. By the time they reach their 80s, 50% of women have pelvic organ prolapse.
The most common factor in pelvic organ prolapse is vaginal childbirth. The more babies you deliver vaginally, the higher your risk. But women who have C-sections can also develop POP.
Anything that increases the pressure in your abdomen over the long term may contribute to pelvic organ prolapse: Excess weight, chronic cough, and pushing during bowel movements can all contribute. Estrogen loss during menopause may also play a role.
Some signs of pelvic organ prolapse
The telltale symptoms of POP usually start gradually. Although your symptoms can vary based on the organs involved, some common problems are:
- Sensation of heaviness or pressure in your pelvis (and possibly your back)
- Urinary issue like urine leakage or difficulty fully emptying your bladder
- Painful sex
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Difficulty having bowel movements
If you have severe prolapse, you may need to manually push your uterus or other organs back into your pelvic cavity.
We understand how disruptive these symptoms are, and we also know that many women feel embarrassed to discuss them.
Dr. Crockett sets our patients at ease with her empathetic approach. She understands what you’re going through, and she’s guided countless women through the same challenges, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you suspect POP.
Hope for pelvic organ prolapse
If you have pelvic organ prolapse, you have treatment options. One reason for Dr. Crockett’s exemplary patient satisfaction ratings is her personalized approach. She offers a comprehensive approach to treatment, focusing on your specific needs.
Treatments range from pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) to removable devices (pessaries) to surgery.
Dr. Crockett is a renowned robotic surgeon who uses highly advanced techniques to perform pelvic floor reconstruction (robotic sacrocolpopexy). She makes tiny incisions in your abdomen and expertly restores your pelvic organs to their proper positions.
Dr. Crockett may use a synthetic mesh material to support your organs in their new positions and prevent a recurrence.
Robotic surgery offers far faster recovery than traditional surgery. Most of Dr. Crockett’s patients return home that day.
Dr. Crockett loves her work because she gets to change the lives of women with pelvic organ prolapse dramatically for the better every day.
Call our new Live Oak, Texas, office in the greater San Antonio area at 210-664-4753 to schedule your appointment today.
