There are many causes for Pelvic Organ Prolapse anything causing increased abdominal pressure may result in the prolapse. Some of the causes include:

• ● Vaginal childbirth: The muscles become weak due to stretching and straining the pelvic muscles during vaginal childbirth. If the patient has had multiple vaginal childbirth, this becomes a risk factor and can cause pelvic organ prolapse in later life stages. But, not everyone with vaginal childbirth will end up with prolapse. However, even if they have never had vaginal childbirth, they can end up with a prolapse.
• ● Long-term pressure on your abdomen: Strain and pressure in the abdomen could be due to obesity or strained bowel movements (chronic constipation). When there is constant pressure on the abdomen, it can lead to weakened pelvic muscles.
• ● Giving birth to a heavy child: When the newborn is above 4 kgs of weight, there is excessive straining of the pelvic muscles.
• ● Aging: More common in older women.
• ● Hormonal changes in menopause: Changes in estrogen levels during menopause increase the risk of prolapse.
• ● External injury: Any external injury damaging the pelvic organs or causing pressure may lead to prolapse. 
• ● Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus may also be a predisposing factor.

Not all women experience symptoms of prolapse, but those who include the following symptoms:

• ● Lower backache.
• ● Pain during sexual intercourse.
• ● Pressured feeling in the lower abdomen.
• ● Leakage of urine.
• ● Urine incontinence.
• ● Constipation
• ● Spotting or bleeding from the vagina.

Symptoms depend on which organ has prolapsed. Urine leakage and incontinence occur if the bladder has prolapsed, constipation if the rectum has prolapsed, and lower backache if the small intestine has prolapsed.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse is generally discovered in the routine pelvic examination when the patient might go for a Pap smear. As in many cases, the patient may have no symptoms at all. Following a physical examination, the doctor will prescribe for the following tests:

• ● Intravenous pyelography: An X-ray technique where an injection of contrast material is injected to evaluate your kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
• ● CT scan of the pelvis: Detailed imaging of the area will give a clear picture of the prolapse and which organ has prolapsed. It helps to diagnose and study the prolapse in detail.
• ● Ultrasound: Pelvic ultrasound.
• ● MRI scan: Pelvis MRI.

Treatment depends on the severity of the prolapse. If the prolapse is mild or the patient is not experiencing any pain or discomfort, the prolapse can be left untouched for the time being. The doctor may recommend taking a few preventive measures to help the patient combat the issue.

• ● Lose weight: If the patient is obese, then a weight loss will benefit more than one way.
• ● Avoid heavy weight lifting: To prevent further straining of the muscles.
• ● Use laxatives: If the patient is constipated (chronic constipation).
• ● Pelvic exercises: Kegel’s exercise does help to a certain extent. Kegel’s exercise strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and the urinary sphincter. To do this, stop urination midstream, hold urine for 8 to 10 seconds, and release again; this can be done even if you are not urinating and just the act of doing so is enough. Repeat this for three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions; this can be done any time and anywhere.

If the symptoms are severe, then one of the following treatments is an option:

• ● Mechanical treatment: A device called a pessary is inserted into the vagina to support the prolapsed organ.
• ● Surgical treatment: Surgery is done either to repair the injured or damaged muscle and surrounding tissues or to remove the organ as in a hysterectomy. The surgical procedures that use the patient’s tissues and ligament to treat the prolapse include uterosacral ligament fixation, sacrospinous ligament fixation, and McCall culdoplasty. A surgical procedure that uses surgical mesh to treat prolapse through an abdominal incision can also be an option.

Most patients get back to their normal activities within 6 to 8 weeks, with no strenuous activity, and may take up to 12 weeks for complete recovery and healing of wounds.

As in any surgery, Pelvic Organ Prolapse surgery has a few risks, including:

• ● Infection
• ● Bleeding
• ● Pain
• ● Problems related to anesthesia

Prolapse does get worse over time in a few patients. But in a few cases, prolapse will stay the same, more so if the patient practices the preventive measures mentioned above

Yes. Recurrence is possible when a mesh is used and if the patient is obese.

Some of the complications of Pelvic Organ Prolapse include:

• ● Persistent vaginal bleeding
• ● Pelvic pain
• ● Pain with sex
• ● Urinary incontinence
• ● Problems with bowel movements

In rare cases, Prolapse can obstruct the kidney or urinary obstruction, leading to kidney damage or infection. But if it is mild, then the chances are the prolapse will remain the same.

Some of the activities that can help include:

• ● Do not do weight lifting
• ● Do not do strenuous work
• ● Do not stand a lot
• ● Drink lots of wate
• ● Eat plenty of fruits and veggies if you have constipation. Also, avoid cheese, a high-fat diet, meat, and fast food