Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition in which one or more of your pelvic organs (ex- uterus, rectum, bladder) press through your vaginal wall. The cause of POP is often the weakening of the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments and not the organ that it is named for. Some reasons for POP can be anything that causes weakness of the PF muscles, trauma from childbirth, heavy lifting, or conditions that include chronic extensive coughing and obesity.
POP is categorized by the organ which is involved:
Urethrocele - a prolapse of the urethra through the anterior vaginal wall
Cystocele – a prolapse of the bladder through the anterior vaginal wall (most frequent type of prolapse)
Uterine – a prolapse of the uterus/ cervix and upper portion of the vagina
Rectocele – a prolapse of the rectum into the lower wall of the vagina
Enterocele – A prolapse pf the upper back part of the vagina involving parts of the small intestine
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POP is also classified by the degree of descent:
0 – Normal positioning of pelvic organ
Grade I (mild) – Descent halfway to hymen
Grade II – Descent to the hymen
Grade III – Descent halfway past the hymen
Grade IV – Maximum possible descent of the pelvic organ
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Treatment for POP includes a multidisciplinary approach, meaning that you should see your OBGYN as well as seek treatment with a Pelvic Floor PT.
