Pelvic Organ Prolapse occurs when the tissues and/or muscles of a women’s pelvic floor become weak or
damaged. This causes the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum, and urethra) to fall downward into the
vagina, like a hernia. Women may feel or see tissue coming out of the opening of their vagina as this
problem progresses.

Common symptoms include pressure and/or pain in the vagina and/or rectum, bulge(s) in the vagina or at
the opening, as well as problems with urination or having a bowel movement.

Many factors can damage or weaken the pelvic floor. Some of them are:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Aging and menopause
• Problems that involve repeated straining, such as chronic cough and constipation
• Obesity
• Job that involves heavy lifting
• Genetics

A condition known as stress urinary incontinence (SUI) affects 50% of women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
causing urine leakage during moments of physical activity such as sneezing, coughing, laughing, or
exercise.