Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic

The types and severity of pelvic organ prolapse vary from area to area around the globe; in developing areas women suffering with severe POP are often ostracized from their communities at the same time they are dealing with the physical pain or discomfort of pelvic organ prolapse. As information becomes available for other regions of the world, I'd like to help spread awareness of the impact of POP to these individual groups of women. Any physicians who have access to POP statistics in undeveloped areas of the world and would be willing to share them, please contact Sherrie Palm at

sherriepalm.apops@gmail.com.

       UNFPA

Within developed countries, lack of awareness about POP is the key issue. In developing countries, besides the impact to physical health, women also suffer greatly from lack of education as well as social discrimination. UNFPA is an organization dedicated to the promotion of the health, education, and rights of women globally. To access additional information, click on the link below.

http://www.unfpa.org

"UNFPA takes pride in the progress we made in 2008. Looking forward, we will continue to support countries in maintaining and advancing development gains and protecting the well-being of the most vulnerable, especially women and children, as the financial crisis unwinds and concerted steps are taken towards recovery."

Thoraya Ahmed Obaid

Executive Director, UNFPA

"Our aim is not merely to keep women alive and uninjured. We are fighting for the basic human right of every woman to a life of health, dignity, and respect."

Anika Rahman

President, Americans for UNFPA

IOWD

International Organization for Women and Development is an organization dedicated to assisting other countries with female health care and education. The founder Barbara Margolies spent a substantial amount of time in Africa prior to establishing this organization. IOWD also furnishes medical equipment and supplies through money donated from multiple sources. Physicians throughout the US volunteer their time to go into these regions to teach as well as perform much needed surgeries for women. IOWD is also active in the health and education of children within the areas they go to as well as some social programs. For more information on this group, go to their website.

http://www.iowd.org.

"We look forward to the new roads we have begun to walk down...we are confident that we can make a difference in th elives of many other women in different countries. We are strong, we are solid, we are dedicated. Unquestionably, IOWD will continue to bring hope and help wherever we go..."

Barbara Margolies

Founder/Executive Director, IOWD

  NEPAL

Uterine Prolapse is the leading cause of ill health for women in Nepal.

Uterine prolapse is one of the most widespread  female health and social issues in Nepal. Over 600,000 women in Nepal suffer from uterine prolapse, more than 200,000 of them in need of surgical assitance. UP creates an environment of rejection for these women, often from entire communities.

Currently Nepal is trying to create global recognition of these conditions and develop laws to protect their women from domestic violence, condemnation, and discrimination.

 A special thanks to Anna Chynek-Adhikari for her photography!