Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is as old as written history. In 2,000 B.C., Hippocrates described a non-surgical treatment of pelvic prolapse. It typically affects women, and there is an 11 percent risk of having at least one operation over a lifetime as a result of POP. There are approximately 200,000 inpatient surgeries per year performed in the U.S. on pelvic organ prolapse patients. The frequency may increase as the population grows older – aging is a risk factor for women.

POP is a type of pelvic floor disorder. Muscles and ligaments that comprise the pelvic swing (floor) that supports pelvic organs weaken, and those organs move out of place, or prolapse. About one-third of women experience some degree of prolapse over their lifetimes.

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments and tissues that keep pelvic organs in place and creates a sort of sling across the pelvic opening. The pelvic organs involved typically are the bladder, urethra, vagina, small bowel, rectum and uterus. Some women develop pelvic organ prolapse after childbirth, noted as one of the risk factors for POP.

Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the drooping of any of the aforementioned organs. These organs are considered prolapsed if they descend into or outside of the vaginal canal and rectum. Some women can feel the signs of prolapsed; others may not experience symptoms.

Reported symptoms include a low backache, feeling like something is falling out of the vagina, urinary problems, vaginal bleeding, feeling pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, painful intercourse, the chronic urge to use the bathroom, leaking urine, and constipation. Some women have no signs of POP.

Symptoms depend a little on which organ is involved and drooping. With the bladder, urine leakage is typical. Uncomfortable sex and constipation could mean the rectum or uterus is prolapsed. Backaches and uncomfortable sex may mean a small intestine prolapse.