Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is a departure from normal sensation, structure, or function, experienced by the woman in reference to the position of her pelvic organs. Symptoms such as the feeling of a bulge, vaginal heaviness, or ‘something coming down’, are generally worse after long periods of standing or exercise and better when lying supine. Other symptoms include bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction. Prolapse may be more prominent with a full bladder and/or rectum and at times of abdominal straining, for example, defecation. Pelvic organ prolapse is not just a problem in older women and represents a health economic challenge for the future due to the costs of surgery, the longer life expectancy, and an increasing demand for a better quality of life.