Pelvic organ prolapse is common in women who have had vaginal births or patients who have had chronic constipation.

True vaginal vault prolapse is a shortening of the vagina, and uterine prolapse is the uterus moving downward, towards the vaginal opening.

In addition, there can be conditions where another organ starts intruding into the vaginal canal.  A cystocele is the bladder sagging backward and down into the vaginal space.  A rectocele is the rectum pressing forward into the vaginal space.  An enterocele is the small intestine moving downward into the vaginal space.  

Patients describe this condition as feeling like something is, “falling out”.  Other patients report a low back heaviness or pressure that increases as the day goes on.  Sometimes they can see a bulge coming out from the vaginal or anal canal.  Sometimes birthing a big baby or some other birth trauma has changed positioning of organs, and the patient reports feeling something soft moving into the vaginal canal.  Part of conservative non-surgical management for includes pelvic therapy to support the involved organs and to restore normal mobility and function to related structures.  We also educate on how to prevent future damage and treat whatever symptoms the prolapse is causing.