4 in 10 women are affected by pelvic organ prolapse at some stage in their life. The bladder, uterus and rectum are pelvic organs that are supported in the pelvic cavity by ligaments and fascia (connective tissue). When these supportive tissues are weakened or stretched, the pelvic organs are not as strongly supported and can push down into the vaginal wall. This bulging or sagging of the pelvic organs into the vagina is called prolapse.
The pelvic floor muscles also support the pelvic organs from underneath, weakness in the pelvic floor muscles also means there is less upward support for these pelvic organs which can often allow the prolapse to worsen.
Women will often report prolapse as a dragging, bulging or heavy sensation in the vagina. There may be a lump or bulging in the vagina or just beyond the entrance of the vagina. It may also affect emptying the bladder or bowel or create symptoms during sex.
Prolapse is common in women who have had a baby, particularly if you have had more than one baby, if your baby had a bigger birth weight or if your pushing phase was prolonged or very short. Family history, lifestyle factors like excessive heavy lifting or manual labour and other medical conditions like chronic constipation or chronic coughing (in people with emphysema or asthma) can also increase your likelihood of prolapse too.