Pelvic Organ Prolapse Prolapse of vagina and uterus has many causes, and there is no single way to prevent these problems. Currently, a woman cannot change her genetic risk profile, which plays a role in the strength of her connective tissue. She can however make wise choices that can influence some of those risks. In general, avoiding increased pressure inside the abdomen and on the pelvic floor is wise. This can be accomplished by: Maintaining a normal weight or losing weight if necessary. Overweight women have a significant increased risk of developing prolapse. Constipation and chronic straining during bowel movement increase a women’s chance of developing prolapse, especially a rectocele. A diet high in fiber and fluids, as well as regular exercise is important for maintaining regular bowel function. If constipation persists despite these measures, further evaluation and treatment is recommended. Pelvic prolapse is a condition in which pelvic organs including the uterus, vagina, bladder, urethra or the rectum descend, or fall out of their normal positions. Prolapse occurs due to several factors such as vaginal delivery, age, hysterectomy, straining, obesity, chronic constipation and family history. Without medical treatment or surgery, these structures may eventually prolapse farther eventually descending into the vagina or protrude beyond the vaginal opening and are visible or palpable outside the body. This is when the patient feels something like a ball of tissue out of the vaginal opening. Prolapse Terms: Prolapse of the bladder: cystocele Prolapse of the rectum: rectocele Prolapse of the vagina and uterus: utero-vaginal prolapse These prolapses can occur together or with one structure at a time.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Prolapse of vagina and uterus has many causes, and there is no single way to prevent these problems. Currently, a woman cannot change her genetic risk profile, which plays a role in the strength of her connective tissue. She can however make wise choices that can influence some of those risks. In general, avoiding increased pressure inside the abdomen and on the pelvic floor is wise. This can be accomplished by:

Maintaining a normal weight or losing weight if necessary. Overweight women have a significant increased risk of developing prolapse.
Constipation and chronic straining during bowel movement increase a women’s chance of developing prolapse, especially a rectocele. A diet high in fiber and fluids, as well as regular exercise is important for maintaining regular bowel function. If constipation persists despite these measures, further evaluation and treatment is recommended.

Pelvic prolapse is a condition in which pelvic organs including the uterus, vagina, bladder, urethra or the rectum descend, or fall out of their normal positions. Prolapse occurs due to several factors such as vaginal delivery, age, hysterectomy, straining, obesity, chronic constipation and family history. Without medical treatment or surgery, these structures may eventually prolapse farther eventually descending into the vagina or protrude beyond the vaginal opening and are visible or palpable outside the body. This is when the patient feels something like a ball of tissue out of the vaginal opening.

Prolapse Terms:

Prolapse of the bladder: cystocele
Prolapse of the rectum: rectocele
Prolapse of the vagina and uterus: utero-vaginal prolapse

These prolapses can occur together or with one structure at a time.