Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) happens when pelvic organs drop or bulge into or through the vagina due to weakened muscles and tissues. The pelvic organs include the top of the vagina, uterus, bladder, urethra, and rectum. Pelvic organ prolapse can affect people in different life stages— after childbirth or pelvic surgery, during menopause, or with aging. It’s more common than you think- the condition affects 1 in 4 women in their 40s. Knowing the types and symptoms can help you seek timely care.
Types of pelvic organ prolapse
There are many types of pelvic organ prolapse, depending on which organs move and to where.
- Cystocele: Bladder drops into the vaginal wall.
- Rectocele: Rectum bulges into the vaginal wall.
- Uterine prolapse: Uterus and cervix drops into or outside the vaginal canal.
- Enterocele: Small intestine pushes into the space between the rectum and vagina
- Vaginal vault prolapse: Occurs after a hysterectomy, when the top of the vagina loses support.
Risk factors
POP may occur due to events that may cause changes to the pelvic floor. These events include giving birth vaginally (especially multiple times) or surgery to the pelvic region such as a hysterectomy. Other factors that may put you at a higher risk for POP are things that may put extra pressure on the pelvic region such as continual heavy lifting, chronic constipation, or an ongoing cough, as well as increased body weight or obesity. Additional risk factors include aging and genetic history of the condition. Hormonal changes and connective tissue disorders may also contribute.
Symptoms
POP symptoms vary in severity and feel different based on the person. Here is a list of symptoms. Some people may feel just one of these symptoms, while others may feel all of them:
- Feeling pressure (heavy or uncomfortable in the vagina or pelvis)
- Seeing bulging at or past the vaginal opening
- Leaking of urine or urinating frequency or urinary incontinence
- Difficulty with bowel movements or other bowel symptoms like diarrhea or constipation
- Pain with sex
Your symptoms may get worse with standing or physical activity.
Diagnosis & Treatment
POP is diagnosed after speaking with a healthcare provider. They will take a history and complete a physical exam using the POP quantification system, measuring the position of the pelvic organs to help classify the type of POP. There are many ways to treat pelvic organ prolapse. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of prolapse you have, your health history, and other factors. Treatment may include:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy
- Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding heavy lifting
- Surgery to correct the prolapse
Early intervention and treatment is critical to improving outcomes and overall quality of life, so if you notice something unusual, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
- “Pelvic Organ Prolapse.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Apr. 2024, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pelvic-organ-prolapse/symptoms-causes/syc-20360557#:~:text=Pelvic%20organ%20prolapse%20is%20when,%2C%20uterus%2C%20urethra%20and%20rectum.
- Iglesia, Cheryl. “5 Things I Wish All Women Knew about Pelvic Organ Prolapse.” ACOG, Dec. 2021, www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/5-things-i-wish-all-women-knew-about-pelvic-organ-prolapse.
