Pelvic Floor Prolapse

Pelvic floor prolapse affects over 50% of women however only 33% of women become symptomatic. Prolapse is best described as a type of hernia of the vagina, but is also commonly referred to as a "dropped bladder" or a "fallen uterus". The risk of prolapse increases with age.

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor are stretched and become too weakened to support the pelvic organs.

Incidence: More than 3 million women in the United States (34 million worldwide) experience symptoms of prolapse that interfere with their quality of life.

Common Symptoms

A bulge or lump of the vagina
Protruding vagina past the vulvar opening
Difficult or painful intercourse
Delayed or slow urinary stream
Vaginal pressure or heaviness
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Difficulty with bowel movements

In  some cases, patients may have to shift their position on the toilet to be able to evacuate adequately. In more severe cases, the patient notices an actual protrusion or bulge extending out of the vagina. This bulge may consist of the uterus, the bladder or rectal wall of the vagina.

Causes: The most common cause of pelvic floor prolapse symptoms is childbirth but other causes include aging, obesity, previous hysterectomy as well as genetics.