UGSA Pelvic Organ Prolapse Information Sheet

Prolapse occurs when the supports of the vagina and pelvic organs fail, allowing the vaginal walls to sag and, as a result, creating a bulge in the vagina. These supports are the pelvic ligaments, the pelvic connective tissue and the pelvic floor muscles. A number of factors can contribute to the failure of pelvic organ support. Probably the most important is vaginal childbirth, but other factors such as ageing, menopause, genetics and chronic increased pressure on the pelvic floor (obesity, chronic cough, chronic constipation), also likely play an important role.