Does the diagnosis matter?

Body: 

I'm 61, and I think I know what my prolapses are, but I've never had a diagnosis. I have all my organs and have had no repair surgeries other than episiotomies. I'm healthy and haven't had a reason to see a gyn. since my GP started offering pap tests. So my question is, since the WW principles seem to apply to all types of prolapse, and I'm following all of them the best I can, does the lack of formal diagnosis really matter at this point?

Hi Surviving60

I am in the same position as you are - haven't seen a gyn since my diagnosis seven years ago. If you are having your smears regularly and aware of what is happening in your vagina I see no point in going to a gyn for anything.

Just for fun, ask your doctor what they think is happening POP-wise. Just don't bear down really hard when asked to. Do it the same each time. Tell him/her that you are monitoring it yourself, and that you are not considering any surgical treatment for it. It is quite an interesting exercise to see the number of different diagnoses and degrees of POP you will get over the years. ;-)

The only exception to this is that if you do detect anything unusual in your vagina, or your general practitioner/family doctor does, then it is worthwhile going to the gyn. Just be prepared to stand your ground if the gyn tries to push you. It's your body. Just make your decisions rationally at the time, based on real evidence, not scare tactics.

BTW, having been offered an hysterectomy and other procedures by the gyn seven years ago for cystocele, low cervix and rectocele, and having my cervix eventually come right to the opening, my GP couldn't find any evidence of POP other than slight cystocele when I had my last smear a couple of months ago (even though I do get occasional appearance of cystocele or rectocele just inside the opening, which is easily recoverable). I know a lot more about what is happening in my vagina than any doctor has been able to demonstrate!

Medical diagnosis is good because it tells you what is causing your symptoms and eliminates other things that might be causing them, but beyond that I cannot see the benefit.

Louise