Pelvic organ prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the tissue and muscles of the pelvic floor no longer support the pelvic organs, causing one or more of the pelvic organs to drop (prolapse) from their normal position and push against or into the vagina. The pelvic organs include the cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, small intestine, and rectum.

Bladder prolapse is the most common type of pelvic organ prolapse. Another type is vaginal prolapse, which occurs when the uppermost part of the vagina falls or sags down into the vaginal canal. This can cause the vagina to lose its shape but also may weaken and collapse the vaginal walls. In some cases, part of the vagina can actually push through the vaginal opening.

Vaginal prolapse can happen in conjunction with uterine prolapse. They can also accompany other related prolapse conditions, including small bowel prolapse (enterocele), urethral prolapse (urethrocele), prolapse of the bladder (cystocele), and rectal prolapse (rectocele).

These types of conditions are common. Nearly 40% of women will experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse in their lifetime, and it most often occurs in women age 40 and up. The risk increases with age and after menopause. In about 10% of women, vaginal prolapse develops after a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). Surgery may be required to repair a vaginal prolapse.

Why choose UAB Medicine

UAB Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery provides the highest level of research-based care for women’s pelvic floor disorders. Our expert providers are fellowship-trained and board-certified, and they offer the full range of treatment options for women with urinary and bowel incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other pelvic floor conditions. Many of our surgical treatments are minimally invasive, which means that only a few small incisions (cuts) are needed. We also work closely with other providers to offer nonsurgical options for pelvic floor conditions.

Our urogynecologic and pelvic reconstructive surgeons and physicians are recognized nationally and internationally for excellence. We also provide advanced training to other providers through a competitive fellowship program. Urogynecology is all that we do, so you can depend on us to deliver personalized care that meets your needs and preferences.

Care Providers

Gena Dunivan, MD Urogynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology David Ellington, MD Urogynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Gabriela Halder, MD, MPH Urogynecology Thomas Powell, MD, MPH Urogynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Related Specialties

• OBGYN Services
• Pelvic Floor and Urogynecologic Disorders
• Women & Infants Services