A pelvic organ prolapse is a medical condition that occurs when one or more of the pelvic organs breaks away from its normal position and starts to push on the vagina. This will only occur after the pelvic muscles and tissues have become extremely weakened. This prevents the muscles and tissues from holding the organs in the right place. The most common symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse are urinary incontinence, stool incontinence, fullness in the vagina and intense pressure in the pelvis. Some may think that pelvic reconstruction is the only way to fix this issue.
While there are several different types of pelvic organ prolapses, they are all generally treated in the same manner. The goal of every woman with pelvic organ prolapse is to get their body back to normal without causing too much disruption to their life, and that is exactly what will happen when you opt for pessary insertion in Dallas.
What is Pessary Insertion?
A pessary is a small prosthetic device placed inside the vagina in the exact position of the pelvic organ prolapse. The pessary will help strengthen the surrounding pelvic muscles and tissues to keep the problematic organ in its proper position. The great thing about pessaries is that they come in many different sizes and shapes. The doctor will know the perfect one for your needs after a full examination of your vagina.
What Will Occur During the Procedure?
The first step of the pessary insertion process is an examination of the vagina. The doctor will take several measurements inside the vagina. This will help them find the perfect prosthetic device for your needs. It will also tell them exactly how big it needs to be in order to work properly. The pessary will not eliminate your issues while also potentially causing additional painful symptoms if it is not the correct size.
Once the perfect prosthetic device is found, the doctor will gently insert it into the vagina. You will be asked to stand up and move around the exam room a little bit to ensure you do not feel any pressure or pain. The doctor will then give you directions on how to remove and insert the pessary device on your own. This is extremely important information because you will need to regularly remove and clean the device at home. You will be allowed to go home after you comfortably grasped the maintenance instructions.
What Will Occur After the Procedure?
You will be able to immediately return to your normal activities after leaving the treatment center in Dallas. You will have to return for a followup appointment in exactly one week. The doctor will examine the vagina to ensure the pessary is properly fitted. They will also remove the device to check for any signs of discomfort. If everything looks alright, then the doctor will reinsert the prosthetic device after it is cleaned.
You will be tasked with removing and cleaning the device every week after this followup appointment. An additional followup appointment will be scheduled six months later. The doctor will need to make sure the prosthetic device is not showing any signs of wear and tear. You should be able to wear the same pessary for roughly two years without any complications. While you will generally never know you have a device inserted in the vagina, it should be removed before having sexual intercourse.
Why Choose Pessary Insertion Over Pelvic Reconstruction?
This treatment option is generally preferred over pelvic reconstruction because it does not require you to undergo a complicated surgical procedure. A pessary can easily be fitted in one short visit to the doctor. Pelvic reconstruction is a lengthy surgery with a long recovery process. Instead of returning home after the initial appointment, you will have to stay in the hospital for several days after undergoing the pelvic floor repair surgery.
There is also a huge difference in the recovery processes of these two common procedures. Pessary insertion requires absolutely no downtime or unwanted side effects. You will be in considerable pain after getting pelvic surgery in Dallas. Pelvic floor reconstruction requires you to take at least six weeks off of work. You will not be able to perform many normal duties during this recovery time including driving and sexual intercourse. After returning to work, it will take six more weeks to fully recover.
Get In Touch with Us for More Information
Dealing with pelvic organ prolapse can be extremely embarrassing, but you should not be afraid to get the help you need. You will be amazed at how much your life improves after seeking treatment. To learn more, we welcome you to reach out and make an appointment with Fort Worth Center for Pelvic Medicine. At our convenient location in Fort Worth by Dallas, our caring and devoted team of professionals will be pleased to explain pelvic reconstruction to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation!