What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse or prolapse is referred as slipping or downward displacement of a part or pelvic organ. Uterovaginal prolapse is a condition where there is descent of the uterus or other pelvic organs such as urinary bladder, urethra, rectum or small intestines through the vagina. Essentially there is a structural defect of the supports of these organs causing them to descend or herniate through the vagina.

Prevalence of uterovaginal prolapse varies widely between studies due to different numerator (criteria) and denominator (populations). Generally, it is quoted to be about 3.9% which increase with the age of the women. Another commonly referred to study is the study of lifetime risk of prolapse surgery. It is found that by the age 60,5% of women will require some form of prolapse repair surgery and by the age of 80, 11% of women will undergo surgery for prolapse.

For most patients prolapse is understood as uterine prolapse. However, they failed to realize

that beside uterus other organs commonly the bladder and the rectum can prolapse as well.

The most common symptoms are bulge in the vagina. They may experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. Rarely do they have pain related to the prolapse but it may be related to other associated complications.

The bladder prolapse may be accompanied by urinary symptoms such as increasing frequency of micturition. They may also have urgency with possible urinary leakage. Some patients may experience incomplete emptying of bladder. Others may experience getting up at night to pass urine.

The lower bowel(rectum) prolapse may be associated with constipation or the straining to pass motion.

Why does pelvic organ prolapse occur? Before knowing the cause, we must understand that the pelvic organs are held in place by a group of muscles which is termed the pelvic floor muscle as well as some specific ligaments.