As miraculous and welcome as childbirth may seem, most mothers would agree that it can also prove rough on the body. Some women sustain pelvic floor damage following childbirth, leaving them with chronic pain, incontinence, and other troubling symptoms. In either case, pelvic floor reconstruction can resolve these problems.
If you continue to struggle with incontinence or reproductive discomfort long after you've finished growing your family, acquaint yourself with pelvic reconstruction options that can provide long-term relief from your symptoms. Start by examining the following frequently asked questions.
Who Might Need Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery?
Typically, a woman considering pelvic reconstruction surgery suffers from some form or uterine, vagina, or rectal prolapse. Prolapse of these pelvic structures commonly occurs in women who have had one or more children through non-Cesarean delivery. The organs slide downward, pressing on the bladder and bowels.
Certain key symptoms may hint at the need for pelvic reconstructive surgery. If you have urinary or bowel dysfunction, find sexual intercourse painful,
can't insert or remove a tampon easily, or feel a strange pressure in your pelvic area, consider undergoing an evaluation to determine whether this procedure can bring relief.
What Does Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery Involve?
Pelvic reconstruction surgery takes a few different forms depending on an individual's specific issues. If you suffer from urinary incontinence, your surgeon might insert a structure called a urethral sling. A variation of this approach uses tension-free vaginal tape to support the urethra and restore normal urinary control.
If your pelvic organs have prolapsed, surgery can move them back into their original positions. If possible, your surgeon will perform this procedure through the vaginal opening to make an abdominal incision unnecessary. After repositioning the organs, the surgeon will use sutures to attach them to the pelvic connective tissues.
Postnatal pelvic floor problems can also include a widening of the vagina or damage to the tissues between the vagina and the rectum. If you suffer from these kinds of damage, your surgeon can perform procedures to repair the damage and reduce the vaginal opening's diameter.
How Do You Prepare for Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery?
Before turning to pelvic reconstruction surgery, your
gynecologist may urge you to try non-surgical solutions. For instance, you may get relief from urinary incontinence by inserting a
pessary into your vagina or performing pelvic exercises. Dietary changes may help you minimize bowel problems related to pelvic floor prolapse.
Once you know you need surgery, make sure your surgeon knows your medical history, especially any medications you currently take. You may need to discontinue any drugs that might reduce clotting or create other problems during the procedure. You might also need to take a laxative or give yourself an enema.
What Should You Expect During Your Recovery?
