A woman’s pelvis is home to several organs, including the bladder, the uterus and the rectum. All three normally stay put, but sometimes one or more of these organs can actually fall through the vagina. That’s called prolapse, and it’s far more common that you might suspect.
Pelvic organ prolapse is caused by weakness in the muscles of the pelvic floor to a point where they can no longer keep the pelvic organs where they belong, says Dr. Unwanaobong Nseyo, a specialist in urogynecology and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at Weill Cornell Medicine. “What happens with prolapse is similar to what happens with a hernia,” she says. “Fortunately, there’s a lot we can do to prevent, improve or even resolve these issues. Our main challenge is to let women know they don’t need to accept prolapse, or any other pelvic floor disorder, as shameful or inevitable.” Read more
