Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic
Every day women are diagnosed with health conditions that they may have heard of but know little about. Unfortunately for women with pelvic organ prolapse, symptoms that cause embarrassment as well as discomfort lend themselves to a hidden world of suffering that often goes on for years while the health condition progresses, impacting women from every angle, physical, emotional, social, sexual, and financial.When I was first diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, I'd never heard of it. I'd never heard of urogynecologists, physicians who are the specialist for this health condition. I'd never heard of a pessary, a commonly used treatment device for POP. As a woman who had spent the bulk of her life researching aspects of health and being pro-active with her own, I was shocked to be diagnosed with a condition unfamiliar to me. I was frustrated in the early days; as soon as I got home from that initial diagnosis, I started doing what I do best, searching online for answers. As I dug into pelvic organ prolapse, I kept coming across the same phrase; it's so common, it's so common, it's so common. If pelvic organ prolapse is so common, how is it possible I'd never heard of it despite years of researching aspects of health? I knew immediately that I needed to write a book about pelvic organ prolapse so  other women in my position would have access to all of the information they needed to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options available for POP.As my journey evolved, I recognized the value of founding a nonprofit to share the insights I gained with other women as well as providing a means of support for those trying to find their way through the maze of confusion behind pelvic organ prolapse. Educating women about this common but seldom talked about health concern is pivotal to shifting awareness.My journey is every woman's journey; we walk hand in hand, sharing our personal stories, treatment insights, and desire for health balance. Together we will shift POP from a little known but common condition hidden behind closed doors to a commonly known and routinely screened for condition that is recognized early for less aggressive treatment.                                                We are all in this together!Health and Hope,SherSherrie Palm APOPS Founder/CEO