The benefits of pelvic organ prolapse

Those affected by pelvic organ prolapse, and the people working with us, know the toll managing POP can take. When most of us were newly diagnosed, we read all about this “worst case scenario” (yes, those words are in multiple blogs and Facebook discussions) and found ourselves staring at a future that most suggested was miserable, and bound to only get worse. But that’s not always the case. There are bright spots and silver linings that accompany almost every circumstance, and POP is no exception. It is of utmost importance that we welcome the stories of those who are suffering with pelvic organ prolapse. The psychological and physical ramifications are not to be understated, but when we exclusively focus on what we perceive POP has taken from us, we can often miss what we have gained, as a result of POP. So, let’s talk about the benefits of having pelvic organ prolapse. No, that’s not a typo! This blog is about the opportunities, gifts, and positive shifts in perspective that have resulted from POP, told by those who are managing this condition. If you are newly diagnosed, or struggling to find hope, this is a blog you need to keep reading.

We asked people with POP in our secret Facebook group to share what they felt was the biggest benefit of having prolapse. We weren't sure if we were going to get any responses....but, oh, did we get them! And now, we want to share some with you.

Deeper Awareness & Appreciation

Many responses revolved around the body: a new awareness, a new appreciation, a new skill set that was acquired. A POP diagnosis can often become an invitation for greater self-care, and a catalyst for reframing how we consider our physical ability and appearance. Many of us ended up stronger than we've ever been, having learned new ways to approach moving. While PT or a shift (often temporary!) in how we move can seem like a burden, it has often led to a stronger and more capable body, and a more accepting and open mind.

"Realizing that for the first time in my life its OK to advocate for ME, when it comes to my health. POP has forced me to push back at professionals and seek the answers I need not accept initial first opinions. It's made me more empathetic and compassionate to other women as a fitness professional and its shown me gratitude for all my body could do before becoming a mom and will do again!"

"A greater and deeper understanding of my body."

"I am more thankful for the things my body CAN do. I spent so many years taking my health for granted! Not anymore!"

"I would still not know how to do pelvic floor exercises properly if I never had POP."

"I don’t love my POP but surprisingly I don’t regret it. It was a big wakeup call and it’s inspired me to become healthier in MANY different ways. Exercise, diet, attitude."

"Better understanding of my body and my self. Better form while moving and exercise. Awareness of my body. Awareness of others experiences."

"I truly believe everything happens for a reason. I've learned so much about my body the last 5 months and this will just allow me to be stronger and healthier in the future."

"After my first born I was obsessed with losing the weight I had gained during pregnancy and getting back to "normal" . This time I am learning to have respect for my body and what it has done. I am treating my body more kindly. I am also now so much more aware of, and grateful for, the physical capabilities I do have."

"POP has made everything else come tumbling down, and it's given me the chance to rebuild from the ground up in a more sustainable way, which I hope will help me as I age."

"I’m healthier than I’ve ever been. I do things to help my body and make my body feel good, rather than bad things that give me temporary satisfaction and ultimately make me feel like garbage. Bad habits don’t even feel appeasing to me any more. This was the wake up call I needed to be nicer to my body. Also taking the time for myself that I desperately needed."

Empathy & Understanding

Additionally, for many, a POP diagnosis has served as the fuel that has filled up our empathy tanks. Having gone through what most will describe as a challenging and often frightening experience, we come out the other side with a renewed appreciation for the experiences of others. A POP diagnosis has driven many to use their experience to help others. Our stories are so powerful; sharing them helps us heal, and can help others begin that process, too.

"Before POP, I took my fertility for granted. I never really thought twice about it. Now I realize that their are countless women that would that would much rather be in my situation than never having the opportunity to have children of their own. I am SO lucky."

"Realizing how ableist our society is and being able to better relate to people with invisible but chronic health conditions or limiting health conditions."

"I've learned to respect my body more and all other postpartum mummys' bodies more too, particularly at the gym, because you never know what they are going through physically or mentally."

"I never thought I’d ever be grateful for POP but I actually am for how it’s made me more empathetic & kind to everyone. You never know the hell someone else is dealing with."

"A drive to learn more about physical health, so I can help the other moms in my community, and potential moms, to learn how to mitigate/prevent more damage and live their best lives possible."

"The learning curve- I love learning new things from the inside out/ literally!"

"Learning! Building stronger foundations for life! Finding a new passion!"

The Opportunity to Challenge the Status Quo

Many of us were forced to question our long-held beliefs. Challenging our beliefs is hard! It is so tempting to resist becoming more open to new possibilities. It can feel threatening to go out on a limb and start to explore deeply ingrained thoughts and practices that we have held for decades. But from this process comes growth. A broadened perspective is a powerful one and provides us with the ability to more deeply connect with ourselves and our purpose.

"Through the experience, I was involuntarily made to find what really matters to me in my life instead of what I've been conditioned to believe matters. It showed me the strength of my marriage, the support of my friends, and made me appreciate all of the things I wanted to be as a mother. I in no way mean to downplay how depressing or difficult this experience can be, especially if you're in the middle of the darkest part of all of this. What I can say is that after the self destruction that came in being diagnosed with POP, I was reborn to become a more compassionate, more giving, and more knowledgeable person."

The Power of Community

We may have initially found ourselves feeling isolated and alone in navigating POP, but we would later come to see that the shared experience of POP would form a instant bond with the people we would end up connecting with all over the world, and in our local communities.

"And the cool friends and ability to use my voice with other moms. Also benefits!"

"In sharing my story with POP, I have connected with people all over the world on a broader scale than I ever imagined when I first chose to open up about POP. There are few things more valuable than our connections with other people, and supporting each other in our shared experiences. I am immensely grateful for that opportunity, and it would never have happened without POP."

Most Importantly,

"My husband takes out the trash now."

Now, if that doesn't just flood your senses with hope, we're not sure what will! 😜😜😜

Together, We Can Get Through This

In all seriousness, a POP diagnosis can be hard. While it's crucial that we hold space for sharing our struggles and for acknowledging that hardship, it is equally imperative that we see stories of hope. Central to the acceptance process is the belief that YES, we can get through this. Not only can we cope, but we can thrive. We can find gratitude and growth through our vulnerability. We can find connection from our shared struggles. We can learn to see amazement in our incredible ability to adapt. We are reminded of how much strength and wisdom we gain from self-care, advocacy, and education. Maybe we would have learned these truths another way. Maybe we could have come to these conclusions without navigation by way of POP. Maybe we could have connected and accepted in some other format. Maybe we wish for those things to be true. But, for many of us, POP was the bridge that allowed for us to cross over to a deeper sense of care, respect, kindness, and love for ourselves, and each other.

If you are struggling with POP, please know that you are not alone. If you are feeling as if you could never find yourself saying these words, please grieve, scream, kick, cry and process as you need to: your feelings are valid. And, as you do, consider joining us. POP UP is a comprehensive educational resource that exists to improve the lives of those managing POP.