Pelvic floor disorders are far more common than most people realize. They affect one in three women during their lifetime, and nearly half by age 80.¹ These conditions develop when the muscles and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs begin to weaken. This can happen gradually with aging, suddenly after childbirth, or as the result of chronic strain or injury.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse, often shortened to POP, is one of the most widespread pelvic floor disorders. It occurs when the uterus, bladder, or rectum shift downward into the vaginal canal.² For some, this descent is mild and barely noticeable. For others, it can create a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or a bulge that becomes difficult to ignore.
Despite how common POP is, many people do not learn the term until they are already experiencing symptoms. That silence is especially surprising when you consider how closely prolapse is linked to childbirth.
Up to 75 percent of women who have had a vaginal delivery will experience some degree of prolapse in their lifetime.³
In other words, POP is a normal outcome of how the body adapts and changes, not a rare complication.Yet pelvic health education still lags behind other areas of women’s health. People often dismiss early symptoms, assuming they are part of aging or postpartum recovery. Many do not know what prolapse is, let alone that there are treatments that can offer relief.
What Prolapse Feels Like
Pelvic Organ Prolapse can show up in different ways for different bodies. Some common experiences include:
• A bulge or something you can feel at or near the vaginal opening sensation of heaviness or pressure in the vagina
• A sensation of something falling or pushing down inside the vaginal canal
• Pelvic pressure or heaviness
• Discomfort or difficulty during sexual intercourse, like something is in the way
• Difficulty fully emptying your bladder or bowel or a sensation of incomplete voiding
Symptoms may fluctuate throughout the day or change with hormonal shifts. For many people, POP becomes especially noticeable during postpartum recovery or around menopause, when tissue support naturally changes.⁴
Why Prolapse Happens
The pelvic floor acts like a supportive hammock for the bladder, uterus, and rectum. Pregnancy, childbirth, repetitive heavy lifting, chronic coughing, constipation, or natural aging of connective tissue can all weaken this support system.⁵ When the tissues stretch or lose strength, the organs can shift from their original position.
This is not a sign of anything being “broken.” It is a structural change that many people experience at some point in their lives. The bigger problem is that pelvic health is rarely discussed openly, so many people feel blindsided or alone when symptoms appear.
The Problem With Traditional Treatments
For decades, treatment options for Pelvic Organ Prolapse have been limited to two extremes: poorly fitting pessaries or invasive surgical procedures.
Pessaries
Pessaries are small devices inserted into the vagina to help support the pelvic organs. When they fit well, they can be effective.⁶ The challenge is that traditional pessaries usually come in rigid shapes and require in-clinic fitting. Many people struggle with comfort or accessibility, and many others never hear about pessaries at all.
Surgery
Surgery can repair prolapse, but it involves recovery time and carries risks like any procedure. Surgical repairs may also fail over time.⁷ Because of this, surgery is often reserved for more severe prolapse, leaving many people in the early and moderate stages without satisfying options.
Why It Is Time To Rethink Prolapse Care
Pelvic Organ Prolapse is too common, and too disruptive, to rely on outdated tools or limited choices. People deserve solutions that meet their needs, fit their bodies, and support real life. With greater awareness and better technology, prolapse care can finally move beyond the narrow options that have defined it for so long.
If you are experiencing symptoms that sound familiar, you do not have to wait or wonder. You can start by taking our Quiz below to learn whether your symptoms may be consistent with prolapse and what kinds of support may help. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, our Self Exam Guide walks you through a simple at-home check to better understand what you are feeling. Knowledge is the first step toward relief. You deserve clarity, support, and care that fits your life.
Footnotes
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NIH and ACOG data on prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and age-related risk.
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Cleveland Clinic. Definition and anatomy of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
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Epidemiology studies on prolapse incidence after vaginal delivery.
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Mayo Clinic. Symptom patterns in postpartum and menopausal prolapse.
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ACOG patient guidance on causes of pelvic floor weakening.
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Clinical reviews on pessary effectiveness and use.
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Mayo Clinic. Surgical management and recurrence rates for prolapse.
