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Dr. Meghan McGowan, MD is an obstetrician and gynecologist in Saint Paul, MN specializing in obstetrics & gynecology. She graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Meghan McGowan, MD is affiliated with Allina Health, United Hospital and The Mother Baby Center and Children's Minnesota.
345 Smith Avenue N
Saint Paul, MN 55102
8675 Valley Creek Road
Woodbury, MN 55125
Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is the bulging of pelvic organs into the vaginal canal due to a weak pelvic floor, causing symptoms like discomfort, pain, urinary problems, and constipation. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, which are made up of the bladder, rectum, small bowel, uterus, and vagina. Vaginal childbirth, menopause, pelvic surgery, radiation treatments, or being extremely overweight may cause the pelvic floor to weaken. Pelvic organ prolapse is a very common disorder among women, particularly for those who are over 50.
The choice of treatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate prolapse may be managed by doing pelvic floor strengthening exercises, taking hormone replacement therapy, or using pessaries. Pessaries are small devices inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs. Pessary fitting is a quick procedure done in a doctor's office. For severe prolapse, surgical treatment may be necessary. Pelvic organ prolapse surgery repairs the following:
Each of these procedures is performed through a vaginal incision, but an enterocele repair may use the abdominal approach as an alternative. If two or more pelvic organs have prolapsed, a combination of any of these procedures may be performed during the same surgical session.
For women who no longer wish to have intercourse, an operation called colpocleisis
may be a surgical option as well. By closing the vaginal canal, colpocleisis treats pelvic organ prolapse and eliminates any risk of its recurrence.
In most instances, pelvic organ prolapse surgery only requires a hospital stay of one day. Patients may experience vaginal bleeding for the first few weeks following surgery. If this happens, patients should use sanitary pads rather than tampons, as a higher risk of infection is associated with the use of tampons. To further help with recovery, patients should begin doing gentle pelvic floor strengthening exercises a few days after surgery. Doing these exercises at least three times a day as a routine tightens the pelvic floor muscles and prevents the recurrence of prolapse.
Dr. Meghan McGowan, MD graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed residency at Northwestern University Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certification: Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and has a state license in Wisconsin.
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Residency: Northwestern University Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: Board Certification: Obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)
Licensed In: Wisconsin
Dr. Meghan McGowan, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Meghan McGowan is a Madison, WI physician who specializes in general obstetrics & gynecology. She is a graduate of Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. McGowan is professionally affiliated with Allina Health.