Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Pelvic Heaviness

Pelvic organ prolapse, commonly referred to as POP, occurs when one or more pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, bulge into the vaginal wall.

Prolapse severity is graded on a I-IV scale, however symptoms do not always correlate with severity. Some people have significant heaviness with a grade 1 (the lowest) prolapse and some do not realize they have a prolapse but may have a grade 2 or 3.

Cystocele — The bladder bulges into the vagina.

Rectocele — The rectum bulges into the vagina.

Enterocele — The small intestine bulges into the vagina.

Urethrocele —  The urethra moves from its normal position and presses against the front wall of the vagina.

Uterine or vaginal vault prolapse — the uterus drops into the vagina, or if a hysterectomy was performed, the top of the vagina itself falls downward.

Most commonly, people may have a sensation of pressure, fullness, or heaviness in the pelvic region. This sensation may feel like something is pushing down or "falling out" of the vagina. There may be a bulge of tissue that may protrude from the vaginal opening. This may be more noticeable when standing, lifting or straining. POP may cause symptoms related to bowel function, such as constipation or difficulty emptying bowel movements and urinary function, such as leakage, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying.