Obstetrician/gynecologist Pamela Hodges, M.D., reviews prolapse treatment options with a patient.

A busy substitute teacher, Paducahan Judith Wegner didn’t want surgery to slow her down. She needed it, however, to correct a problem that affects more than 1.4 million American women: pelvic organ prolapse.

Western Baptist Hospital obstetrician and gynecologist Pamela Hodges, M.D., told Wegner, 69, about a new surgical technique to give her confidence and hope.

“There is a silence around pelvic organ prolapse,” said Dr. Hodges. “Because of the intensely personal nature of the condition, women suffering from it often do not share the information, so there’s not an ongoing dialogue that educates other women. It’s important to know that effective solutions are available.”

Pelvic prolapse is a condition in which pelvic structures, such as the bladder, bulge or protrude into the vaginal wall. It is more common in women whose uterus has been removed.

“The pain and discomfort with prolapse is considerable,” said Dr. Hodges. “Often, it limits physical activity and may lead to incontinence issues.”

Surgery for prolapse has made considerable strides in recent years, and physicians now can offer a number of longterm surgical solutions. Since September, Dr. Hodges has used a new surgical technique involving mesh, either synthetic or biologic or both, to restore pelvic structures to a more normal anatomical position and reinforce the structures to maintain support.

“Mesh is soft and has large pores designed to allow your body tissue to grow into it, providing a framework of support,” said Dr. Hodges.

After the surgery, most patients—like Wegner—notice immediate results.

“There was nothing to it,” said Wegner. “I had very little pain and returned to work only three weeks after my procedure.”

To learn more about women’s health, including gynecological conditions, treatments and procedures, phone Baptist Health Line at (270) 575-2918 or visit westernbaptist.com.