What is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) occurs when the muscles and fascia supporting the pelvic organs weaken, causing one or more organs to drop from their normal position and press against the vaginal wall.
Diagnostic Indicators
Urinary Incontinence (UI)
Categorized primarily into Stress UI (leakage during physical exertion, coughing, sneezing) and Urge UI (sudden, intense urge to void followed by involuntary loss). Both indicate a breakdown in the urethral sphincter control mechanism and pelvic floor timing.
Pelvic Heaviness & Bulging
A sensation of downward pressure, often described as "sitting on a small ball." This is the hallmark physical symptom of POP. The severity is graded clinically from Stage I (mild descent) to Stage IV (complete eversion).
Diastasis Recti Complications
While primarily an abdominal wall issue (separation of the rectus abdominis), poor intra-abdominal pressure management due to diastasis recti directly increases downward force on the pelvic floor, exacerbating prolapse symptoms.