Pelvic Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when one or more pelvic organs prolapses, or drops from its normal location, and pushes against the walls of the vagina. This happens when the muscles in the area are weakened from either childbirth or surgery.

Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Feeling pressure in the vagina from the pelvic organs
• Feeling very full
• Feeling a pull or stretch in the groin
• Having incontinence problems

While this condition may be painful, it is often not serious and can even sometimes get better with time.

For pelvic organ prolapse that does not improve on its own or results in severe symptoms, surgery may be necessary to repair the problem. Pelvic prolapse repair surgery includes many different procedures, depending on which organ is affected.

These surgeries can include:

• Repair of the bladder or urethra
• Repair of the vaginal wall
• Closure of the vagina
• Hysterectomy

While pelvic organ prolapse can affect women at some point in their life, it is important that they consult with their doctor so that it may be treated properly and determine what can be done to prevent future recurrences.

Additional Resources

• MedlinePlus
• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
• U.S. National Library of Medicine
• WebMD