- Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvic organs weaken. This can cause the pelvic organs to slip out of place.
- Other names for pelvic organ prolapse include a cystocele, rectocele, bladder prolapse, uterine prolapse and vaginal prolapse.
- While many factors contribute to pelvic prolapse, the process often begins with a woman vaginally delivering a baby. Other factors that contribute to pelvic prolapse are smoking, chronic bronchitis, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of prolapse.
- Years after childbirth, loss of muscle tone and relaxation of muscles due to menopause and natural aging can cause prolapse to progress and cause symptoms including:
- Urinary leakage, urgency and frequency
- Difficulty having a bowel movement
- Pain during intercourse
- Heaviness, aching or a pulling sensation in the lower abdomen
- In severe cases, the cervix or other internal organs may actually bulge through the opening of the vagina.
- Treatment options range from pelvic floor strengthening exercises to a broad array of minimally invasive vaginal and laparoscopic approaches.
