Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic

POP-THIS EXTREMELY COMMON FEMALE HEALTH ISSUE HAS BEEN ON THE RECORD SINCE EGYPTIAN TIMES AND YET REMAINS “IN THE CLOSET”

I am on a mission to spread the word about pelvic organ prolapse, a common female health issue. A random study I did disclosed that 74% of the women interviewed, including those in the health field, had never heard of it. Half of all childbearing women experience this condition in their 40’s-60’s and there are more than 300,000 surgeries performed for POP annually in this country alone. The reason it is still in the closet is because of the symptoms it displays, which can create embarrassment for women as well as cause physical discomfort and sexual dysfunction.

I have felt from the beginning of my journey that this is a woman’s issue rather than a US woman’s issue.  Recent correspondence I have had with a UNFPA correspondent in Nepal firmly plants in my heart the need to spread the word world-wide. Although the status quo for women in the USA in regards to this condition (and lack of awareness) is hard to comprehend, the situation is absolutely HORRIFIC for women in third world countries.  

After being diagnosed with POP and having surgery for it in February, 2008, I became determined to write a book and host educational seminars for women to help get the word out. I recently started researching to find data for other countries and happened upon a newspaper article from Nepal; this is how I was able to connect with someone from UNFPA. The more I hear and read, the more convinced I am that this will be a life-long path for me; the need is great. All women deserve to have adequate healthcare and the necessary education to enable them to lead healthier lives, no matter what the social or economical stats in their region.

 I am trying to connect with people in the media to get the ball rolling on educating women around the world about pelvic organ prolapse; awareness will help women here recognize POP and seek treatment, and will hopefully create a path to increase the level of care for women in third world countries that currently suffer not only from the impact to their health, but also to their place within the social structure of their families and their villages. Any and all paths that lead to creating awareness about this common, cryptic health issue will be beneficial.

For additional info, contact Sherrie Palm at   sjpalmPOP@wi.rr.com.