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Pelvic organ prolapse overview

When the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor become weak, the pelvic organs may prolapse — slip or fall out of place.

Types of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Cystocele: Anterior prolapse in which the bladder falls into the vaginal cavity
Enterocele: Hernia where the small intestine pushes down on the vagina, causing a bulge,
with pain and pressure
Rectocele: Posterior prolapse in which the rectum protrudes into the vaginal cavity
Procidentia: Uterine prolapse in which the uterus descends into the vaginal cavity
Vaginal vault prolapse: Post-hysterectomy, the vaginal vault can prolapse, causing the vagina to turn inside out

Common Risk Factors

• Menopause
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Surgery
• Hysterectomy
• Congenital and neurologic conditions
• Constipation

Suspect Risk Factors

• Aging
• Episiotomy
• Obesity
• Exercise and heavy lifting
• Chronic respiratory disease

It is estimated that about 11% of women will have prolapse or incontinence surgery in their lifetime; however many more could benefit from it if they were aware of the very successful solutions available to them.

Risk of prolapse doubles with each decade of life, and it affects up to half of women over age 50. As many as 2.9 million adult women in the United States have significant prolapse—classified as stage 3 or 4.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse

• a bulge in the vagina
• discomfort or pressure in the pelvis or vagina
• constipation: difficulty having a bowel movement
• urinary retention: trouble emptying the bladder
• dyspareunia: pain with intercourse
• lower back pain
• increased discomfort with long periods of standing
• improved comfort with lying down