Organ descent (prolapse): 5 truths

Today, we invite you to discover five truths about this typically female problem which affects approximately 40% of women over the age of 50.

Organ descent: what is it?

We call "prolapse" the descent of one or more organs of the pelvis towards the vaginal entrance. These organs can be the bladder, the vagina, the uterus, or the rectum. This phenomenon is due to the loosening or damage of the structures (ligament, pelvic floor muscles, etc.) that usually support these organs.

5 truths about prolapse

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Organ descent can affect women of all ages

Even though organ descent is a pathology that mainly affects women aged 50 and over, younger women can also be affected. A woman who has had a difficult delivery (use of forceps, long push, big baby) or repeated pregnancies may have postpartum organ descent. It is important to mention that a woman affected by organ descent may still have children. However, she will need to pay attention to the health of her pelvic floor and get help from a healthcare professional.

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Sport has an impact on the risk of organ descent

Certain sports can have an impact on a woman's health and on the likelihood of having a prolapse. Sports that require heavy lifting, such as long-distance running and CrossFit, can affect the pelvic floor because its tissues are very stressed. In addition, women who quickly resume very intense sporting activity (running, dancing, aerobic, etc.) after pregnancy increase the risk of suffering from organ descent. Most of the time, the structures are not yet solid enough to withstand intense physical activity. So, even if the extra pounds and the need to let off steam, it is recommended to wait at least 3 to 4 months before resuming physical activity after pregnancy.

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Physiotherapy professionals can help prevent or treat organ descent

Physiotherapy professionals practicing in the field of perineal and pelvic rehabilitation  have a very important role in the prevention and treatment of organ descent. M me Perrin explains to us that in perineal rehabilitation, the woman with prolapse will be evaluated and treated with a comprehensive approach. Muscle strength (pelvic floor muscles, abdominals, back muscles, etc.), the woman's posture, her way of carrying out her daily activities and her choice of sports activities, her way of breathing or the different problems from which she suffers (back pain, incontinence, constipation, etc.). The physiotherapy professional will then work to gradually resolve all of these problems, as they can all play a role in organ descent. If that's not enough to lessen the symptoms, adding a pessary might be an option. And if the first-line perineal rehabilitation treatments do not improve the situation,

Note that in 10% of cases of organ descent, the woman will have to have surgery.

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Postpartum rehabilitation can help prevent organ descent

Organ descent may not necessarily start immediately after childbirth. This problem can take decades for a woman to feel the first symptoms. But if there has been a tear or an episiotomy, or a long push, it is possible that the pelvic floor is affected. This is why M me Perrin strongly recommends perineal and pelvic rehabilitation before and after childbirth. The physiotherapy professional will then work on strengthening the pelvic floor over the long term. A 50-year-old woman affected by organ descent may have had two or three deliveries, weakened pelvic floor, changes due to menopause, etc. The accumulation of these small changes one day results in a lack of organ support and symptoms that lead him to consult.

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The pessary can help treat organ descent

In the case of organ descent, the musculature is often stretched and weakened and muscle re-education of the pelvic floor is not always sufficient to support the descended organ. The pessary is a silicone orthosis used to help the muscles support the descended organ. The pessary can be used every day or occasionally. For example, it may allow the woman to do certain activities that might otherwise cause discomfort. Its use is very simple and can be recommended by a doctor or physiotherapy professional. The physiotherapy professional will explain the role of the pessary to the woman and show her how to use and clean it.