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Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Health, Help, Hope, and Healing

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has been on medical record for nearly 4000 years, dating back to the Kahun Gynaecologic Papyrus circa 1835 B.C., yet remains shrouded in stigmatized silence because of embarrassing symptoms. Women in every country around the world experience POP, yet seldom understand what is occurring in their bodies. Women are seldom informed about POP prior to diagnosis with it. It's long past time to talk out loud about POP.

The pubococcygeus muscles (PC) are a trampoline-like set of muscles that sit at the base of the abdominal cavity, supporting the organs and structural tissues above them. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the PC muscles weaken and/or become damaged…

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Featured

  Voices for PFD

The mission of the AUGS Foundation is to improve patients' lives through the comprehensive support of research and public awareness that advances the prevention, treatment and cure of female pelvic floor disorders.

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Litigation over pelvic mesh, also called transvaginal mesh, ranks as one of the largest mass tort cases in the nation’s history in terms of claims filed, number of corporate defendants and settlement dollars.

 Pelvic Organ Prolapse Primer

Important note: DO NOT GOOGLE IMAGE SEARCH "PROLAPSE." You will only find worst-case scenarios and it will freak you the F out if you have recently been diagnosed with prolapse. Just trust me on this one.

Articles of Interest

Can I Exercise With Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

If you’ve given birth, whether vaginally or via C-section, you owe it to your current and future health to have a good understanding about prolapse.

Prolapse

There are many different types of prolapse, including uterine, bladder and bowel prolapse. Causes of prolapse, symptoms, tests used to diagnose prolapse, and management and treatment of prolapse are discussed.

A Female Surgical Nightmare

The condition can be debilitating and demoralizing—though rarely life-threatening. But for some patients, the cure can be worse than the disease.

A Scourge for Mothers: Pelvic Organ Prolapse

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the devastating effect of obstetric fistulas. But many women are at risk for a severe condition that affects even more people than fistulas: pelvic organ prolapse.

Bringing Pelvic Organ Prolapse Out of the Shadows

It may not have been typical party conversation, but as more women dig past their embarrassment to share their experiences with urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor disorders, we chip away at the stigma that prevents women of all ages from seeking help. One pelvic organ disorder common in women — particularly in women who have given birth — is pelvic organ prolapse.

Explainer: what is pelvic organ prolapse?

The reason so little is known about pelvic organ prolapse in the community is that these symptoms are incredibly embarrassing for women.

How to work out your pelvic floor (and why everyone should)

No jade eggs required.

Outcomes Are Mixed for Pelvic Procedure

A new study finds that long-term benefits are limited for many women who undergo an operation to treat a common condition called pelvic organ prolapse, which can lead to urinary problems and discomfort.

Prolapse: Uterine and vaginal

There are many types of prolapse, which differ according to which organ is affected. When the walls of the vagina become lax, the organs that they should be supporting bulge into the vagina, creating the sensation of a lump hanging down. The uterus is supported at the top of the vagina, and when the ligaments in this wall loosen, the uterus bulges downward. This condition is called uterine prolapse. Other types of prolapse include prolapse of the bladder into the front wall of the vagina (cystocele), that of the rectum into the back wall (rectocele), and that of the small intestine into the top of the vagina (enterocele). A combination of the last two is known as a recto-enterocele.

Uterine And Bladder Prolapse

The uterus and the bladder are held in their normal positions just above the inside end of the vagina by a "hammock" made up of supportive muscles and ligaments. Wear and tear on these supportive structures in the pelvis can allow the bottom of the uterus, the floor of the bladder or both to sag through the muscle and ligament layers. When this occurs, the uterus or bladder can create a bulge into the vagina. In severe cases, it is possible for the sagging uterus or bladder to work its way down far enough that the bulge can appear at the vagina's opening or even protrude from the opening.

Vaginal Prolapse

Vaginal prolapse, also known as pelvic organ prolapse, occurs when the structures that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum, weaken or stretch. This can result in the descent of these organs into the vaginal canal, causing a range of symptoms.

What Actually Happens When Your Vagina Falls Out

Uterine prolapse sounds horrifying, and it's much more common than you'd think.

What is Vaginal Prolapse, and How is it Fixed?

Vaginal prolapse occurs when the vagina slips out of its natural position, falling into the vaginal canal and creating a bulge. When the vagina weakens and droops from its natural position, it can cause the sensation of a lump in the pelvic region. Some prolapses are small while others are large; smaller prolapses are known as incomplete vaginal prolapses; large vaginal prolapses are called complete prolapses, and they occur when organs begin to protrude out of your vaginal openin

Resources

6 Common Symptoms of Vaginal Prolapse

You may have never heard of vaginal prolapse, but it’s fairly common among women who have experienced multiple childbirths and women in menopause.

Association for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Support

APOPS mission is to advance global pelvic organ prolapse awareness, guidance, and support, and to innovate universal POP healthcare, education, and research.

Choose You

Did you know Pelvic Floor Disorders affect millions of women just like you? You might feel like no one talks about them, but that doesn’t mean that no one is suffering. Here’s what every woman should know about pelvic health.

Our Bodies Ourselves

There are a range of treatment options available for prolapse. The most appropriate treatment will depend upon the type of prolapse, its severity, your age, the state of your health, and whether you plan on getting pregnant.

Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy

Vaginal prolapse (sometimes called pelvic organ prolapse) is when one or more of the vaginal walls or top of the vagina move downwards and cause a bulging or heavy feeling at the vaginal entrance. The bulge may stay within the vagina or beyond the vaginal entrance and feel like a small plum. If the top of the vagina is affected the uterus will sit lower in the vagina or may be felt just outside the entrance. Even if you have had a hysterectomy, the top of the vagina may still prolapse downwards.

WomensHealth./gov

Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs (the uterus, bladder, or rectum) become weak or loose. This allows one or more of the pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina. Many women are embarrassed to talk to their doctor about their symptoms or think that their symptoms are normal. But pelvic organ prolapse is treatable.