Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Medically reviewed by Cara Grimes, MD  

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition impacting up to 50 percent of women in their lifetime. It involves weakness of the pelvic floor that allows for the descent of pelvic organs, often resulting in discomfort, bulging sensations, urinary incontinence and other symptoms.

Pelvic organ prolapse is often underrecognized, but its symptoms can significantly impact women's quality of life. Fortunately, various treatment options and management strategies can alleviate symptoms and provide relief. Here’s what you need to know.

Defining Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when organs in the pelvic area, like the bladder, uterus (or the area where the uterus was after a hysterectomy, known as the cuff) or rectum, start to sag or fall down.

Women experiencing pelvic organ prolapse may notice a sensation of "something coming down" or protruding from the vagina. Often, symptoms progress to include urinary incontinence, difficulty with bowel movements or discomfort during intercourse.

Diagnosing pelvic organ prolapse usually includes a pelvic exam. During this exam, the doctor may notice looseness in the walls of the vagina, especially if there are symptoms present.

Management Approaches

Treatment options range from conservative measures to surgical interventions, depending on the severity of symptoms and patient preferences. In some cases, the condition may be monitored over time without immediate intervention, along with pelvic floor therapy or the use of pessaries—devices that provide support to the vagina.

Surgical options, such as native tissue suspension or mesh-augmented repairs, aim to reconstruct and restore pelvic organ support.

Preventive Measures

Strengthening exercises, such as yoga or Pilates, can help reduce the risk of prolapse over time. However, it’s important for patients to consult their physician before attempting any psychical exercise to reduce the risk of injury.

Other preventive measures include maintaining a healthy weight and practicing good bowel and bladder habits to avoid unnecessary strain on pelvic floor muscles.

At WMCHealth, our goal is to deliver the highest quality care by providing personalized, compassionate and advanced treatments in female pelvic medicine.  Reach out today to schedule a consultation with a WMCHealth provider near you.