Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the most common conditions in women. It occurs when one or more pelvic organs lose their normal support and descend into the vagina. Prolapse is rarely life-threatening, but it often causes symptoms that affect quality of life.
The causes of prolapse are many: genetic factors, pregnancy and childbirth, age, obesity, chronic constipation, chronic cough, and heavy physical work involving lifting heavy objects.
Types of prolapse
Bladder prolapse (cystocele) Bowel prolapse (enterocele and rectocele) Vaginal vault prolapse after hysterectomy Symptoms
Consult your gynaecologist if you experience any of the following — however, some women have no discomfort at all.
Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the lower abdomen Sensation of a foreign body in the vagina Problems with defecation (constipation, incomplete bowel emptying) Problems with urination (urinary incontinence, inability to empty the bladder, urinary tract infections) Difficulty with sexual intercourse Treatment
Treatment of prolapse is tailored to the needs and wishes of each patient
Pelvic floor exercises — strengthen pelvic muscle support and are the primary conservative option Topical hormone therapy — local estrogens to improve tissue condition Vaginal pessaries — fitted individually to the problem and patient anatomy, often providing a satisfactory long-term solution Surgical treatment — transvaginally or laparoscopically, using the patient's own tissue (native tissue repair) to reinforce the vaginal walls, or with mesh (laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy) 
