Pelvic organ prolapse refers to dropping of pelvic organs,
such as the bladder, uterus or bowels, through the vagina.
It is a very common condition. Approximately 11 percent of all women in the United States undergo surgical correction for prolapse or urinary incontinence. While pelvic organ prolapse is usually not life-threatening, it can interfere with normal life activities by causing a variety of symptoms.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition where the structures in the pelvis – the vagina, uterus and/or bladder – drop from their normal position. These organs can sag into the vagina and can even protrude through the opening of the vagina. Although prolapse is not life-threatening or dangerous, prolapse is often mistaken for a tumor and can be quite troubling.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a condition where the structures in the pelvis – the vagina, uterus and/or bladder – drop from their normal position. These organs can sag into the vagina and can even protrude through the opening of the vagina. Although prolapse is not life-threatening or dangerous, prolapse is often mistaken for a tumor and can be quite troubling.

Most people have never heard of pelvic organ prolapse – the sagging or dropping of the bladder, uterus, vagina or rectum – yet half of women will develop this condition at some point in their life.

By Dr. Howard Goldstein and Dr. Babak Vakili
Urinary incontinence, the involuntary leakage of urine, is extremely common. Up to 50 percent of women over the age of 50 and as many as 35 percent of women in their 30’s may experience incontinence. That’s more common than conditions like breast cancer, depression, and thyroid problems, yet not nearly as publicized as these conditions. One reason why may be fear.