For stage 4 prolapse, the affected organ is completely exposed outside of the body through the vaginal exit.
Prolapse conditions are most likely to be encountered by women who have gone under the physiological changes brought by pregnancy, disclose health magazines. This medical problem is differentiated into four stages so that the appropriate approach in treating pelvic organ prolapse may be correctly identified.
Doctors use either the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system or the Baden-Walker Halfway Scoring System as examination tools to analyze the prolapse stage the patient is experiencing. Conservative therapies and healthy lifestyle changes work for the first two stages, but surgical treatment may be needed for stage 3 and 4 of the disease.
The stage of prolapse is identified through its position in relation to the hymen, which serves as a fixed indicator; the hymen is a membrane-like formation situated at the vaginal orifice. During the pelvic examination, and the doctor notes the prolapse to be one centimeter higher than the location of the hymen, this is defined as stage 1 prolapse. There are hardly no symptoms that are readily obvious during this stage. Even when they do, the signs are sometimes misunderstood as belonging to other conditions like constipation or urinary infections.
When the affected organ protrudes at a distance of less than one centimeter from the hymen (both above and below), the prolapse is identified as stage 2. There are some patients who manifest pelvic fullness, effortful bowel elimination, and unmanageable urinary problems. Strengthening the muscles and avoiding lifting heavy objects may help relieve some of the symptoms.
When the bulk is easily noticeable protruding over one centimeter from the hymen but not ultimately exposed, the prolapse is in its third stage of progress. Medical approaches in the form of surgical repairs may be required for this difficult stage, since symptoms may increasingly have a negative impact on the patient’s physical functioning. Ordinary life activities will be more burdened and painful to most of the patients, depending on the organ that has prolapsed. Urinary stress incontinence is more likely to occur as well; and together with prolapse repair, surgical interventions may also be needed for incontinence problems.
For stage 4 prolapse, the affected organ is completely exposed outside of the body through the vaginal exit. This calls for prompt surgical interventions. Delaying its repair may further expose the body to different sources of infections. During this highly dangerous stage of the disease, the doctor may recommend multiple surgeries to ensure complete realignment of the prolapsed organs; and, of course, a specialist with a remarkable background in surgical rehabilitation of prolapse is required to do the operation.
The public has expressed anxiety on the medical use of vaginal meshes and slings. Determined individuals and advocate groups are hand in hand in upholding patient safety and are currently looking for easier and more effective solutions to address these health threats. Because of this, the processing of vaginal mesh lawsuit has become more and more widespread in the United States.
Hip Fractures Common in Women with Prolapse
Doctors point out the need for regular physical evaluation in women, specifically to find out about their pelvic muscle strength and bone density. They need it more when they age 50 and over.
Pelvic Examination: Enough to Diagnose Presence of Prolapse?
You should know that there are series of tests that your doctor will perform to diagnose prolapse, and the first thing that you should be prepared about is the over-all assessment of your pelvic organs.
Sling Attachment during Prolapse Repair: Important?
Patients with pelvic organ prolapse opt for vaginal mesh implantation not only because it immediately puts an end to the embarrassing symptoms they acquire from pelvic organ prolapse, but most importantly because doctors recommend its use.
