SHAME and embarrassment stop some women seeking health help – but GPs "dismiss" symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, new research has found.
The health condition affects around 40% of women over the age of 40 and occurs when the bladder, bowel or womb descend into the vagina, causing pain, incontinence, sexual difficulties and psychological distress.
Treatments have included the use of mesh surgical tapes, which themselves caused serious complications for patients, leaving some with chronic pain and mobility problems. The Scottish Government will reveal new guidelines for improving care later this year, following a campaign spearheaded by patients including Olive McIlroy, from Renfrew, and Elaine Holmes of Newton Mearns.
Now new research by Stirling University's Dr Purva Abhyankar reveals how many women hold off on seeking medical help for pelvic organ prolapse through feelings of shame and embarrassment.
And those who do turn to GPs are "not taken seriously", with doctors dismissing symptoms as "not too bad".
This is despite the body of evidence that lack of early treatment – such as physiotherapy – exacerbates the problem, increasing the need for surgeries.
Abhyankar said: “We found that women’s own confusion and lack of awareness around prolapse symptoms, coupled with feelings of shame and embarrassment, prevented them from seeking early help for symptoms.
“Even when they did seek assistance from their local doctor, symptoms were often dismissed as being ‘not too bad’.
"Women reported that they were ‘not taken seriously’ until their symptoms became more severe. By the time prolapse was suspected and a specialist referral made, the condition had progressed to the extent that surgery was the only viable option left.”
She continued: “The study highlights a need for greater awareness and education among women, as well as healthcare professionals about prolapse and its treatment.
"Women presenting with prolapse symptoms need to be listened to by healthcare professionals, offered better information about treatment choices, and supported to make a decision that is right for them.
“We hope our research will provide a foundation for designing and improving health services in the UK and internationally.”
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