The Connection Between Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Sexual Dysfunction
A pelvic organ prolapse can be one of the most uncomfortable conditions a woman can experience. It can significantly impact your self-esteem and your love life, leaving you feeling awkward and uncomfortable in your body.
However, though it might feel like an impossible hurdle to overcome, there are treatment options, and you can still have a satisfactory sex life after prolapse. In this article, we’ll walk you through what pelvic organ prolapse is, how it can impact sexual function, and the treatment options available.
What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
The pelvic organs include the bladder, vagina, uterus, and rectum. These organs are typically supported and held in place by the group of tissues and muscles that make up the pelvic floor. Over time, the pelvic floor muscles can weaken, which can result in the pelvic organs dropping down and bulging out of the vagina. This condition is what is known as pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
While anyone can technically experience POP, the risk is higher for women or those assigned female at birth. Up to 50% of women develop pelvic organ prolapse over their lifetime. About 6% of those ages 20–29 are affected, 31% of women ages 50–59, and 50% of women who develop POP are 80 years of age or older.
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse, which can include:
A feeling of fullness in the vagina or a sensation of a bulge
Lower back pain
Pain or pressure in the pelvis
Urinary issues, such as leaking or feeling like you have to go all the time
Difficulty with bowel movements
Discomfort, numbness, or pain during sex
How Can Pelvic Organ Prolapse Affect Sexual Function?
Because of the pain that can accompany sexual intercourse with POP, along with the many other symptoms, it is not uncommon for women to experience sexual dysfunction. Those with POP are more likely to restrict or avoid sex out of fear of pain and incontinence and owing to a perceived loss of attractiveness.
It is believed that sexual dysfunction is high in women with POP, with reports showing between 50 and 83%. This is related to the physical presence of the prolapse, the pain it can cause, the associated bowel and bladder dysfunction, and how it affects women psychologically.
Pain during sex due to the dryness of the protruding tissue and the mispositioned pelvic organ is one of the most common reasons women avoid sex with a prolapse. The pelvic floor muscles can also become overly tight with POP, making penetration difficult.
Women with pelvic organ prolapse may also experience reduced sexual desire and arousal because they are constantly worried about the appearance of their genitalia or even leaking urine or stool during sex. As the pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in orgasms, POP may also impair the ability to achieve orgasm.
Are There Treatment Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Treatment options can vary for pelvic organ prolapse and can depend on each patient’s situation. Nonsurgical treatments can include pelvic floor therapy, vaginal pessaries (a removable silicone device that can hold sagging organs in place), and hormone treatments. If those don’t work, a couple of different surgery options are available.
Again, the recommended treatment will depend on a patient’s situation, such as the severity of their prolapse, the symptoms they experience, and their overall health. The best way to determine the options that are right for you is to speak with a doctor.
Schedule an Appointment With Norman Urology Associates
If you have or think you might have pelvic organ prolapse and it is affecting your sex life, don’t hesitate to set up an appointment to speak with your doctor.
At Norman Urology, our team is dedicated to providing our patients with the highest level of care. We have extensive experience detecting, treating, and preventing many urologic diseases, including POP, and can walk you through your options.
Schedule an appointment today to speak to one of our experts about your pelvic floor issues.