Sex Life with Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Here are 5 Things to Know About the Condition

Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a condition that many women suffer from on a day-to-day basis. Although the stigma around it outweighs the need to have proper discussion about this health condition, Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) affects 1 in 10 women, most commonly at the age of 50 or above.

However, POP can also affect women in their 20s, 30s, or even 40s. Pelvic Organ Prolapse happens when a woman’s pelvic organs, like the vagina, uterus, rectum, and bladder, shift from their predetermined positions. The pelvic organs start to drop when the pelvic muscles, tissues, and ligaments don’t possess enough strength to provide support.

Its after effects can vary according to different women. For some, the pain of POP may be tolerable, but many feel excruciating pain or discomfort, which creates obstacles in their daily activities like picking up a baby or even walking. Searching for credible sources of information with proper surveys and studies is a tiresome task. The major reason behind this setback is the stigma of not talking about a woman’s health.

Many women feel ashamed to talk about it, which is why they often do not report cases of this condition. But here we are, to discuss POP and what information one must be aware of if they are going through it. Let’s begin by understanding what pelvic organ prolapse is.

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Here are Five things to know about Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP):

1. Effects On Sexual Drive

If a person has been diagnosed with Pelvic Organ Prolapse, the most common question that comes to mind is, “What about sex?” Can POP impact one’s sexual life? The answer is yes. A person with Pelvic Organ Prolapse may face difficulty engaging in penetrative sex. They may feel discomfort or pain, or even believe they cannot engage in penetrative sex at all. The experience varies from person to person.

For some, having sex on their side causes less discomfort compared to deeper penetration, which often results in more pain. However, some also experience emotional distress along with physical pain during sex. Self-consciousness about one’s body can lead to emotional strain.

There are adaptive methods that allow people to continue their sex life and regain confidence. Adopting a healthier lifestyle, including exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles, is one useful approach. Because every individual is different, finding sexual positions that work for you is key to balancing POP and intimacy. Using pillows for support during sex is another way to minimize discomfort or pain.

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2. Coping with Physical Exhaustion

Pelvic Organ Prolapse can lead to fatigue, caused mainly by the strain and pressure it places on muscles and ligaments. Due to this pressure, one may feel extreme difficulty performing regular activities like standing or walking. POP also leads to stress and anxiety, which disrupt sleep patterns and ultimately cause fatigue and physical exhaustion.

Doctors often advise using a pessary if you have pelvic organ prolapse. A pessary is a removable device inserted inside the vagina to provide support for the weakened pelvic muscles.

3. Infections that Come Along with POP

Using a pessary relieves discomfort and provides support for pelvic muscles, but it also carries a higher risk of vaginal infections. A pessary can introduce bacteria into the vagina, leading to infections. Urinary tract infections are the most common type of infection that accompany POP. If the prolapse prevents you from urinating properly, urine may flow back into your urinary tract, causing UTIs or kidney infections.

4. Pregnancy with Pelvic Organ Prolapse – Vaginal Birth or Caesarean?

Pregnancy with Pelvic Organ Prolapse may involve certain risks. For some women, vaginal birth or even caesarean is not recommended if they have POP.  For them, there will be limited fertility options. Because the immense pressure from the baby on weakened pelvic muscles can worsen symptoms.

However, being diagnosed with POP during pregnancy does not always mean a vaginal birth is impossible. Since pregnancy and POP often go hand in hand, many women still deliver vaginally, even in advanced stages of pelvic organ prolapse.

5. Emotional Mental Rollercoaster With POP

According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, the psychological well-being of a woman deeply intertwines with her pelvic floor symptoms. The study claims that women diagnosed with POP often go through a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from feeling isolated, broken, or defective, to feeling ashamed. Women affected by POP due to menopause face particularly high levels of emotional distress and mental health issues.

POP is an overlooked condition, burdened by stigma, ignorance, and self-consciousness. But the more we talk about it openly, the easier it becomes to break the silence, spread awareness, and encourage women to seek the care they deserve. [Rh/VS]

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