Listen "No, You’re Not Broken: Understanding and Treating Pelvic Organ Prolapse"
Episode Synopsis
In this essential episode of The Double Scrub, Dr. Radhika Sharma and Dr. Scott Curtis take on a topic that’s often under-discussed but deeply impactful: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Affecting up to 50% of women over their lifetime, POP can lead to discomfort, pressure, and urinary changes — but too many suffer in silence. The docs break down the most common symptoms, how to get a proper diagnosis, and what treatment options exist — from conservative management like pelvic floor therapy and pessaries to surgical procedures like sacrocolpopexy and uterosacral ligament suspension. They also explore the real talk around recovery: what increases surgical success, how to prevent recurrence, and why post-op care and pelvic floor rehab are game-changers for long-term results. If you’ve ever wondered what that “heaviness” feeling is or why no one warned you about pelvic floor changes after kids or menopause — this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: Pelvic Organ Prolapse affects nearly 1 in 2 women at some point. Symptoms include vaginal pressure, bulging, incontinence, and more. Pessaries offer a non-surgical way to manage and support prolapse. Pelvic floor PT improves symptoms, prevents worsening, and boosts recovery after surgery. Surgical options like sacrocolpopexy have high success rates — but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Post-operative recovery, vaginal estrogen, and smart lifestyle habits are crucial to preventing recurrence. You are not alone — and you deserve to feel strong and supported. Resources Mentioned: AUGS (American Urogynecologic Society): www.augs.org Pelvic floor PT locator: www.pelvicrehab.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Double Scrub Podcast 08:15 Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse 10:23 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Prolapse 23:20 Treatment Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse 27:59 Understanding Pessaries and Their Role in Treatment 32:29 The Importance of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy 36:34 Surgical Options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse 46:01 Innovative Surgical Techniques and Their Benefits 48:23 Recurrence Rates and Post-Surgery Considerations 57:57 dive-in-abbynoise-main-version-33798-02-15.mp3 58:07 Engagement with the Audience