Up to 50% of women will develop pelvic organ prolapse (POP) over their lifetime, and many women with POP symptoms have reported unsatisfactory interactions with healthcare professionals who trivialised their symptoms or lacked knowledge about pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), highlighting the need for improved care and support for younger women seeking treatment for POP.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-023-02832-z
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) is a condition that primarily affects women, characterised by symptoms such as a sensation of a bulge in the vagina, pelvic pressure, back pain, incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. This study focuses on the experiences of younger women (aged 32–41) with POP, a group less commonly affected compared to older women. The research suggests that younger women with POP often have a higher incidence of family history with the condition and experience more significant symptoms, which may plateau or decrease around menopause despite anatomical progression.
The study involved 14 women recruited from an online support group dedicated to POP, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 3 severity. Participants were interviewed using a comprehensive guide, covering the lived experience of POP and their experiences seeking treatment, with a particular focus on recommendations for optimal management. The study received ethical approval, and participants were invited through an advertisement on the support group’s website.
Results highlighted that many women perceived healthcare professionals (HCPs) as dismissive or unaware of the impact of their condition. They expressed dissatisfaction with the current model of care, identifying deficiencies in antenatal education, postpartum care, and primary healthcare provider (HCP) screening for Pelvic Floor Disorders (PFDs). The study revealed that younger women with POP often faced challenges in obtaining accurate information, resorting to self-sourcing from the internet and social media. This led to instances where patients became more knowledgeable about POP than the healthcare professionals they consulted.
In the discussion, the study emphasised that the experiences of seeking care and recommendations for optimal management by younger women with POP have been limited in existing literature. Women in the study reported low levels of knowledge about POP and pelvic floor problems in general, highlighting the need for improved education and information dissemination. The study recommended a shift towards person-centred care, emotional support, and enhanced education to improve the overall experience for younger women seeking care for POP.
The conclusion of the study emphasises the importance of focusing on person-centred care, emotional support, and education to enhance the experiences of younger women with POP. It suggests cost-effective solutions, such as updating antenatal classes and incorporating verbal screening for PFDs and POP during routine healthcare visits. The study sheds light on the challenges faced by women in the diagnosis and management of POP, providing valuable insights for improving the current model of care for this condition. Keywords associated with the study include pelvic organ prolapse, physiotherapy, women’s health, central sensitization, pelvic floor exercises, and treatment.