How common is pelvic organ prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse is one of those issues that is rarely talked about and yet far more common than many people understand. The discomfort caused by prolapse can limit your ability to comfortably enjoy your daily routine. Seeking treatment could help you regain quality of life.

OB/GYN Johnnie Wright, Jr., MD, has experience treating pelvic organ prolapse, and answered commonly asked questions about this misunderstood condition.

Are there different kinds of pelvic organ prolapse?

“Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken,” said Dr. Wright. “This allows one or more organs to drop into or toward the vaginal opening.”

There are different kinds of pelvic organ prolapse, including:

• Bladder prolapse (cystocele)
• Rectum bulging into vagina (rectocele)
• Uterine prolapse
• Vaginal vault prolapse (after hysterectomy)
• Small bowel prolapse (enterocele)

What causes a prolapse to occur?

“There are many potential causes,” said Dr. Wright. “Common causes include childbirth, aging, menopause, excess weight, chronic straining, heavy lifting and long-term coughing.”

In some cases, there may be a family history with genetic predisposition that makes the risk higher.  

How common is pelvic organ prolapse in the U.S.?

“The condition is far more common than most people think,” said Dr. Wright. “Up to half of women may have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse on exam, even with no symptoms.”

About 1 in 8 women will have surgery for prolapse in their lifetime.

What are the most common symptoms?

“A feeling of vaginal pressure or fullness often leads women to seek medical attention that leads to finding prolapse in an exam,” said Dr. Wright.

Other symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include feeling or seeing a bulge, urinary leakage, difficulty feeling like you’re ‘done’ while urinating, constipation or bowel difficulties, and discomfort during sex or other activities.

How is a pelvic organ prolapse diagnosed and treated?

During diagnosis, there will be an examination and a conversation about your symptoms with your gynecologist. You’ll undergo a pelvic exam so your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and then talk over potential treatment options.

Treatment might include simple observation in the case of mild prolapse, pelvic floor exercises like Kegels, or a pessary, a support device placed in the vagina.

Can a pelvic organ prolapse be cured?

“Non-surgical treatments improve symptoms, but they don’t permanently correct the underlying anatomy,” said Dr. Wright. “Surgery can repair prolapse, but recurrence can potentially occur over time.”

Are there ways to prevent prolapse?

Your risk for developing the condition can be lowered through maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding straining when going to the bathroom, using correct posture when lifting heavy objects, performing pelvic floor exercises, taking care to get treatment for a chronic cough and treating constipation early.

“Pelvic issues are often poorly understood or feel like a ‘shameful’ secret, but they are more common than you think,” said Dr. Wright. “If you’re concerned about the potential for prolapse or you’re currently living with the symptoms, schedule an appointment with your gynecologist and take those first steps toward treatment.”