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\nPelvic 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.
\nThe pelvic muscles and tissues support the pelvic organs like a hammock. The pelvic organs include the bladder, uterus and cervix, vagina, and rectum, which is part of the bowel. A prolapse happens when the pelvis muscles and tissues can no longer support these organs because the muscles and tissues are weak or damaged. This causes one or more pelvic organs to drop or press into or out of the vagina.
\nPelvic organ prolapse is a type of pelvic floor disorder. The most common pelvic floor disorders are:
\nThe different types of pelvic organ prolapse depend on the pelvic organ affected. The most common types include:
\nAlthough it is rare, pelvic organ prolapse can also happen after a hysterectomy. Any part of the vaginal wall may drop, causing a bulge into or out of the vagina.
\nPelvic floor disorders (urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse) affect one in five women in the United States.1 Pelvic organ prolapse is less common than urinary or fecal incontinence but affects almost 3% of U.S. women.1\">1 Pelvic organ prolapse happens more often in older women and in white and Hispanic women than in younger women or women of other racial and ethnic groups.2,3
\nSome women develop more than one pelvic floor disorder, such as pelvic organ prolapse with urinary incontinence.
\nThe pressure from prolapse can cause a bulge in the vagina that can sometimes be felt or seen. Women with pelvic organ prolapse may feel uncomfortable pressure during physical activity or sex.
\nOther symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:
\nSome women say that their symptoms are worse at certain times of the day, during physical activity, or after standing for a long time. Talk to your doctor or nurse about your symptoms.
\nPelvic organ prolapse happens when the muscles or connective tissues of the pelvis do not work as they should. The most common risk factors are:
\nYour doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and do a pelvic exam. You may be asked to strain or cough during the exam so your doctor can see whether these actions cause prolapse or urine leakage. Your doctor may also do other tests to see whether you can completely empty your bladder when you go to the bathroom.
\nTreatment for pelvic organ prolapse depends on the type of prolapse you have, your symptoms, your age, other health problems, and whether you are sexually active.
\nYour treatment may include one or more of the following:
\nMesh used to repair pelvic organ prolapse through the abdomen is safe. But, because of safety issues, mesh is no longer used to repair prolapse through the vagina.8\">8
\nIf you had surgery with mesh to repair pelvic organ prolapse through the vagina, you may not need to do anything if you do not have any symptoms or problems. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you notice any symptoms or problems, such as vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex.
\nLearn more about what to do if you had this type of surgery from the Food and Drug Administration.
\nResearchers are studying ways to prevent pelvic organ prolapse. The following steps may reduce your risk of getting a pelvic floor problem:
\nFor more information about pelvic organ prolapse, call the OWH Helpline at 1-800-994-9662 or contact the following organizations:
\nThis content is provided by the Office on Women's Health.
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