Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a condition where the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs become weak or loose, causing one or more of these organs to drop or press into the vagina. The pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues normally hold organs like the bladder, uterus, and rectum in place. When these supports fail, it can lead to symptoms such as a feeling of pressure, discomfort, or a bulge in the vaginal area. This condition primarily affects the female reproductive and urinary systems. It can impact daily activities and quality of life by causing urinary problems, difficulty with bowel movements, or sexual dysfunction. The risk increases with factors like childbirth, aging, and increased abdominal pressure.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse is defined as the descent of one or more pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) into or through the vaginal canal due to weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and endopelvic fascia. The core pathology involves loss of support from the levator ani muscles and connective tissue defects, often secondary to childbirth trauma, chronic increased intra-abdominal pressure, or aging-related tissue degeneration. This leads to displacement of pelvic organs, which can cause symptoms such as vaginal bulging, urinary incontinence, and defecatory dysfunction. The condition is classified by the specific organ involved (cystocele, rectocele, uterine prolapse) and the degree of descent. It is clinically significant because it can impair urinary, bowel, and sexual function and may require surgical or conservative management.