Pelvic floor prolapse, or pelvic organ prolapse (POP), occurs when the structures of the pelvis protrude into or outside of the vaginal canal. Frequent sites of pelvic organ prolapse include the bladder, urethra, uterus, vagina, small bowel, or rectum. The vagina is a muscular tube that supports all these. The condition is experienced almost entirely by adult women and more common in women who have had a hysterectomy or multiple childbirths. A weakness in any area of the vaginal canal or it’s support structures can allow one or more of the various types of prolapse to occur.

Causes
Pelvic organ prolapse is caused most commonly by pregnancy, labor, and childbirth. During labor, the nerves of the vagina may be compressed and injured by the movement of the baby through the birth canal. Damage to the nerves in the pelvis can also be caused by a forceps delivery or an episiotomy. Diseases that cause increased pressure in the abdomen, such as obesity, respiratory problems with a long-lasting (chronic) cough, constipation, and pelvic organ cancers can also lead to pelvic organ prolapse. The condition can also occur after hysterectomy for another gynecological health problem, such as endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding or uterine fibroids.

Symptoms
Some women have no pronounced symptoms of POP. Others may experience a noticeable bulge or lump in the vagina, as organs sag or protrude into the vaginal wall. Common symptoms may include:

• A feeling of heaviness in the vaginal area
• Something protruding from the vagina
• A stretching or pulling sense in the pelvic area
• Pain when you stand
• Pain with sexual intercourse
• Vaginal pain, pressure, bleeding, spotting or irritation
• Recurrent lower back pain
• Sporadic loss of bladder or bowel control
• Trouble with bowel movements
• Difficult or painful urination
• Abdominal pain