In plain words
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the bladder, bowel, or uterus sinks down toward the vaginal opening. The muscles and tissues that hold these organs in place have been stretched or weakened. Mothers may feel pressure, heaviness, or a bulge, or notice problems with peeing or pooping. Mild prolapse is common after vaginal birth, and many women have some descent without symptoms. In the first months after birth, descent is often at its most noticeable and tends to improve over time. Treatments include pelvic floor exercise and a , and surgery is usually considered only later. Tell your provider if you feel a bulge or heaviness that does not ease.
The deeper version
Pelvic organ prolapse is descent of the anterior vaginal wall (cystocele), posterior wall (rectocele or enterocele), uterus, or vaginal apex, from failure of support and endopelvic fascial attachments (Bump et al., 1996, standardized terminology). In the postpartum year, descent is often greatest in the first weeks and improves over 6 to 12 months, and lactation may prolong tissue laxity. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 214 (2019) lists and pessary as first-line conservative options, with surgery usually deferred until childbearing is complete. Staging is by , and symptom severity is measured by validated questionnaires such as the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory. Prevalence estimates vary widely by definition and examination method.
Where it comes up
- Prolapse: heaviness, bulging, and what helpsPostpartum: Your Body
- Belly bindingNourishment and Traditions
- Returning to exercisePostpartum: Your Body
- Your pelvic floor after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Peeing after birth and leakingPostpartum: Your Body
What mothers here say about pelvic organ prolapse
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Sources
- Bump RC et al. — The standardization of terminology of female pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor dysfunction. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1996
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice Bulletin No. 214: Pelvic Organ Prolapse (2019)