What is Prolapse? What are surgical and non surgical options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Dr. Sonya Ephraim, a urogynecologist, joins Dr. Kelly Casperson on her "you are not broken" podcast to discuss pelvic organ prolapse. They talk about the unmet need for female pelvic health, the decision to specialize in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, and the impact of prolapse on quality of life.
They define pelvic organ prolapse as the displacement of pelvic organs from their normal position and discuss the need for rebranding and destigmatizing the condition.
They also explore the risk factors for prolapse, including childbirth, constipation, obesity, and smoking. The conversation covers the importance of fiber intake, the role of hormones in prolapse, and the use of vaginal estrogen and pelvic floor physical therapy for treatment and prevention.

They emphasize the need for appropriate expectations and individualized treatment plans for patients with prolapse. In this conversation, Dr. Sonya Ephraim and Dr. Kelly Casperson discuss various treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse.
They cover the use of pessaries, the potential risks and benefits of surgery, the importance of pelvic floor physical therapy, and the decision between uterine-sparing and hysterectomy procedures.
They emphasize the need for individualized treatment plans and the importance of finding a surgeon who is experienced and knowledgeable in the different surgical options. They also address common misconceptions about surgery and the importance of managing patient expectations.
Podcast Takeaways:
There is an unmet need for female pelvic health and female pelvic surgeons.
Pelvic organ prolapse is the displacement of pelvic organs from their normal position.
Prolapse needs to be rebranded and destigmatized.
Risk factors for prolapse include childbirth, constipation, obesity, and smoking.
Fiber intake, hormones, vaginal estrogen, and pelvic floor physical therapy can be used for treatment and prevention.
Individualized treatment plans and appropriate expectations are important for patients with prolapse. Pessaries can be an effective non-surgical option for managing pelvic organ prolapse, but they should be fitted by a professional to ensure proper use and minimize complications.
Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals, taking into account factors such as health status, physical activity level, and sexual activity.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can be beneficial for mild cases of pelvic organ prolapse and can help prevent further progression of the condition.
The decision between uterine-sparing and hysterectomy procedures depends on factors such as the size and condition of the uterus, as well as the individual's sexual preferences.
It is important to find a surgeon who is experienced and knowledgeable in the different surgical options for pelvic organ prolapse, and who is willing to refer to other specialists if necessary.
Surgery for pelvic organ prolapse is generally safe and minimally invasive, with outpatient procedures and short recovery times. However, it is important to manage patient expectations and ensure appropriate post-operative care.
Not all cases of prolapse require surgery, and it is important to differentiate between clinically significant prolapse that causes symptoms and incidental findings that do not require intervention.
Keywords: pelvic organ prolapse, female pelvic health, urogynecology, quality of life, rebranding, destigmatizing, risk factors, childbirth, constipation, obesity, smoking, fiber intake, hormones, vaginal estrogen, pelvic floor physical therapy, treatment, prevention, pelvic organ prolapse, treatment options, pessaries, surgery, uterine-sparing, hysterectomy, pelvic floor physical therapy, individualized treatment, surgeon selection, misconceptions, patient expectations