Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the pelvic floor gets weak and an organ slips out of place and bulges into the vagina. Pelvic organ prolapse can affect the uterus, bladder, rectum, or even the small intestine. In more severe cases, you can see and feel the organ protruding from the vagina.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition. It can be mild or severe. Up to 50% of women will develop some form of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime. The older you get, the more likely it is to happen.

A prolapse happens because the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor become weakened and can no longer support the bladder, uterus, and other pelvic organs. The pelvic floor usually cradles these organs like a hammock. Factors such as  childbirth, obesity, chronic coughing, or aging can contribute to weakening of the pelvic floor.

If you have mild pelvic organ prolapse, you may have few or no symptoms. 

Signs of a more serious pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Feeling a bulge in your vagina
• Seeing something protruding from your vagina
• Discomfort, aching, feeling of fullness, or pain in your pelvis
• Pelvic pressure made worse by standing all day
• Leaking urine
• Constipation
• Problems or pain with having sex

Types of pelvic organ prolapse include:

• Dropped bladder (cystocele): When the prolapsed bladder drops into or out of the vagina. This is the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse.
• Posterior vaginal prolapse (rectocele): When the rectum bulges into or out of the vagina.
• Dropped uterus (uterine prolapse): When the uterus bulges out of the vagina.
• Small bowel prolapse (enterocele): When part of the small intestine bulges out of the vagina.

You may have more than one prolapsed organ. You may also have other pelvic floor disorders occurring at the same time, such as incontinence or difficulty emptying your bladder or bowels.

Our urogynecologists are experts in problems of the pelvic floor. We offer a variety of cutting-edge care for pelvic organ prolapse. Your doctor can talk to you about which one makes sense for you.

We typically start with the most conservative treatments, including simple lifestyle tweaks. 

Treatment for pelvic organ prolapse includes:

• Lifestyle changes: For mild pelvic organ prolapse, losing weight may help. Eating more fiber, drinking more water, and exercising can help prevent constipation and straining during bowel movements. If you smoke, you should try to quit or at least cut back.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy: Physical therapists with special training in the pelvic floor can show you exercises to strengthen those muscles. (You may have heard them called Kegels.) These movements, which involve squeezing and relaxing pelvic muscles, can also help with related problems like urine or fecal leaks.
• Pessary: This is a removable device that supports the pelvic organs. You insert it into your vagina, and if it’s properly fitted, you shouldn’t feel it. Your care team will fit you with the correct pessary, as they come in various shapes and sizes.
• Surgery: If you have a more severe case of prolapse, your doctor may recommend surgery. They may use your own body tissue or synthetic mesh to repair the prolapse and support the pelvic floor.