POP QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN
Pelvic organ prolapse is typically diagnosed by a gynecologist or primary care clinician (PCP). The next step is often referral to a Female Pelvic Medicine Reconstructive Surgeon (FPMRS) for a more in-depth screening and possibly additional tests to determine the types and degree of severity of your POP. There are both non-surgical and surgical treatment options, and you can proactively participate in the process of determining the best treatment choice by taking a list of questions along to the medical appointment. Here is a list of questions to consider asking your clinician; you may also download this form here:
1. What type(s) of POP do I have?
2. What grade of severity is my POP?
3. What are the non-surgical treatment options?
4. What are the surgical treatment options?
5. What are the benefits and problems of using a pessary?
6. Will I be able to maintain my prolapse by doing pelvic floor exercises and using a pessary?
7. Will one surgery treat all of my different types of POP?
8. Will my surgery be vaginal, robotic, abdominal, or laproscopic?
9. How many surgical incisions will I have?
10. Will mesh be used for this procedure?
11. What are my risks of mesh erosion?
12. How much experience do you have doing this procedure; what is your success rate?
13. What are potential surgical complications?
14. How successful is this procedure at repairing POP long term?
15. If you find any problems with my uterus or ovaries during surgery, is there a chance they will be removed?
16. Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight after my procedure?
17. Will this procedure relieve all my symptoms? If not, which symptoms are likely to remain?
18. How long will I need to be on narcotic pain medication after surgery?
19. Will this surgery fix my urinary incontinence?
20. Will this surgery fix my fecal incontinence?
21. Will my constipation go away after surgery?
22. Will I need to wear a pessary after surgery?
23. How long before I get sexual sensation back?
24. How long will I need to wait to have sex after surgery?
25. Will this surgery impact my ability to have an orgasm?
26. Will sex be painful after my surgical repair has healed?
27. How long will I need to wait to return to my normal activities after surgery?
28. How long will I need to wait before I return to work after surgery?
29. How long should I wait to do pelvic floor maintenance exercises after surgery?