Pelvic Organ Prolapse

A pelvic organ prolapse happens when one or more organs in your pelvic area drop from their normal position. This common condition affects many women, especially after childbirth or during menopause. Think of your pelvic floor as a hammock that holds organs like your bladder, uterus, and bowel in place. When this support weakens, these organs can slip down.

Who is at Risk for Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Several factors can increase your chances of developing this condition:

Risk Factor	How it Affects You
Pregnancy and childbirth	Stretches and weakens pelvic floor muscles
Aging	Natural weakening of support tissues
Menopause	Hormonal changes affect tissue strength
Obesity	Extra weight puts pressure on pelvic organs
Heavy lifting	Repeated strain on pelvic floor
Chronic cough	Constant pressure on pelvic area

Different Types of Prolapse

There are several types of pelvic organ prolapse:

Bladder prolapse (Cystocele)
- Most common type
- Bladder drops into vagina
- May cause urinary problems
Uterine prolapse
- Uterus descends into vagina
- Can cause lower back pain
- Feeling of heaviness common
Rectal prolapse (Rectocele)
- Rectum bulges into vagina
- May cause bowel movement difficulties
- Feeling of incomplete emptying

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Many women experience these symptoms:

Feeling of heaviness or pulling in pelvis
Something bulging from vagina
Trouble with urination or bowel movements
Lower back pain
Discomfort during intercourse
Feeling like sitting on a ball

Stages of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Stage	Description	Severity
Stage 0	No prolapse	Normal position
Stage 1	Mild dropping	Organ descent halfway to hymen
Stage 2	Moderate	Organ has reached the hymen
Stage 3	Severe	Organ protrudes outside vagina
Stage 4	Complete	Organ completely outside

Treatment Options Available

Conservative Treatments

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)
Lifestyle changes
Weight management
Vaginal pessary devices

Surgical Options

When conservative treatments aren’t enough, your doctor might recommend:

Vaginal repair surgery
Laparoscopic procedures
Mesh reinforcement (in specific cases)

Prevention Tips

You can reduce your risk by:

Doing regular pelvic floor exercises
Maintaining healthy weight
Avoiding heavy lifting
Treating chronic cough
Managing constipation
Quitting smoking

When to See Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you:

Feel a bulge in your vagina
Experience persistent pelvic pressure
Have trouble with bladder or bowel function
Feel increasing discomfort

Pelvic organ prolapse is common and treatable. Don’t feel embarrassed to discuss symptoms with your healthcare provider. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes. With proper care and management, you can continue enjoying your daily activities and maintain your quality of life.