Skip to Content

Pelvic organ prolapse

Instead of living with POP, live better without it.

What is prolapse?

Up to 50% of women will experience pelvic organ prolapse.1

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is the dropping of the pelvic organs caused by the loss of normal support of the vagina. It occurs when there is weakness or damage to the normal support of the pelvic floor causing pelvic organs (the vagina, cervix, uterus, bladder, urethra, intestines or rectum) to drop down. Women with POP may feel or see a bulge coming out of the opening of their vagina. 2

Experiencing pelvic organ prolapse can be challenging — it can interfere with your activities, intrude on your personal life, and cause some serious discomfort.2 However, there are effective solutions3 that can repair POP at the source, so you can get back to living the life you want.

Find your path to prolapse relief

No two people walk the same path to a diagnosis or solution. Every woman’s prolapse journey is different, and they may reach these steps at different paces and during different times in their lives.

Do I have prolapse?

Are the symptoms you’re experiencing more than just an inconvenience? Learn about the signs and causes of pelvic organ prolapse.

What is prolapse?
Causes of prolapse

X
Selecting the right kind of doctor

The right doctor will listen to you and put your needs first. But how do you find them?
Finding the right provider

X
What are my options?

It is important to understand your body and learn about all of your treatment options, both non-surgical and surgical, to help find a solution that is right for you.
Explore options

X
Is a surgical procedure right for me?

Find out about stopping symptoms at the source.
Learn about your
surgical options

X
Preparing for surgery

What to know leading up to your procedure, how to prepare and plan.
Getting ready

X
What to expect after surgery

Find out more about post-op downtime and what to expect after heading home.
Healing and heading home

X

Types of prolapse

There are several different types of pelvic organ prolapse, with different names depending on the organs involved.4

Female pelvic anatomy without prolapse

Anterior Vaginal Wall Prolapse (Cystocele)

occurs when there is a loss of support to the front wall of the vagina. The bladder drops down and may cause a bulge in the vaginal opening.

Posterior Wall Prolapse (Rectocele or Enterocele)

occurs when there is a loss of support to the back wall of the vagina. The rectum or intestines drops down and may cause a bulge in the vaginal opening.

Apical Prolapse (Vaginal vault or Uterine)

occurs when there is a loss of support to the uterus and the top part of the vagina after a hysterectomy. These types of prolapse are often associated with the loss of anterior or posterior vaginal wall support.
While you may have obvious symptoms of prolapse, only your doctor can confirm which type of prolapse you’re currently experiencing.

Female pelvic anatomy without prolapse

Female pelvic anatomy without prolapse
Female pelvic anatomy without prolapse. (Left) Cystocele prolapse (Right)

Symptoms of prolapse

While it is not life-threatening, women with prolapse experience symptoms that impact their day-to-day lives and keep them from experiencing moments to the fullest. But these symptoms won’t always seem obvious. As prolapse progresses, the symptoms may become more apparent and painful. If you are experiencing prolapse, you may feel:

  • Pressure in the pelvic region, vaginal discomfort, pain or bleeding4
  • Pulling or aching in the lower abdomen or pelvis, a bulge coming out of the vagina4
  • Pain or discomfort during sex5
  • Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement4

Symptoms of prolapse

While it is not life-threatening, women with prolapse experience symptoms that impact their day-to-day lives and keep them from experiencing moments to the fullest. But these symptoms won’t always seem obvious. As prolapse progresses, the symptoms may become more apparent and painful. If you are experiencing prolapse, you may feel:

  • Pressure in the pelvic region, vaginal discomfort, pain or bleeding4
  • Pulling or aching in the lower abdomen or pelvis, a bulge coming out of the vagina4
  • Pain or discomfort during sex5
  • Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement4

What causes prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse can drastically impact your lifestyle. Things that can cause the muscles in the pelvis to become stretched or weakened include:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth2
  • Genetics2
  • Smoking2
  • Pelvic Floor Injury2
  • Chronic constipation2
  • Chronic coughing2
  • Obesity2
  • Menopause2
  • Nerve and muscle diseases2

What causes prolapse?

Pelvic organ prolapse can drastically impact your lifestyle. Things that can cause the muscles in the pelvis to become stretched or weakened include:

  • Pregnancy and childbirth2
  • Genetics2
  • Smoking2
  • Pelvic Floor Injury2
  • Chronic constipation2
  • Chronic coughing2
  • Obesity2
  • Menopause2
  • Nerve and muscle diseases2

Understanding treatment options

There’s nothing simple about dealing with prolapse, but there are treatment options. Your physician may recommend some of these non-surgical options as a first step to relief:

  • Vaginal pessary: a removeable device placed in the vagina to support the pelvic floor and support the prolapsed organ. Your physician will fit and insert the pessary, which must be cleaned frequently and may have to be removed before intercourse.6
  • Kegels: an exercise you can do on your own or with the guidance of a pelvic floor therapist to help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.7
  • Biofeedback therapy: a technique that uses different types of devices to give information on how well pelvic muscles are contracting. This information can help improve awareness and control of pelvic floor muscles.7

Non-surgical options may involve long-term treatment, ongoing maintenance and continued expenses, and may not address the underlying condition.

Non-surgical options aren’t the only approach.

You have the option of surgical solutions backed by over 15 years of experience and clinical data with firsthand testimonials from those who’ve undergone POP procedures and experienced successful outcomes.

The type of surgery you get depends on the type of prolapse you have. Not every solution is right for every person – treatment decisions must be unique to each individual’s medical history, symptoms and lifestyle.

Finding the right doctor who will recommend the right procedure based on your needs will help make sure you’re on the right path.

Learn more about prolapse procedures

What are the outcomes?

Women experiencing POP deserve a clinically proven and effective solution that lasts.
Prolapse repair procedures have effective outcomes.

0 %

of patients were “satisfied”
or “very satisfied”8

0 %

of patients stated they
would definitely “do it all over again” if they had the chance8

0 %

stated they “would definitely recommend to a friend”8

Patient spotlight

Laurie’s story

Laurie first heard the words “cystocele,” “rectocele” and “pelvic organ prolapse” before her symptoms started, during a regular annual exam with her gynecologist.

Where should you start?

 

Important safety information

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a condition in which the muscles of a woman’s pelvis become weak or damaged and can no longer support the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus and rectum), causing them to push into the vagina. This condition can cause pain in the pelvis, discomfort while going to the bathroom and problems with having sex.

Pelvic organ prolapse can be treated with a surgical procedure in which mesh is implanted to support the pelvic organs. Restorelle® Y, Y Contour™, M, L, and XL mesh is a non-absorbable mesh that is surgically implanted through the abdomen (transabdominally) and once implanted into your body is permanent. The mesh is intended to act as a support to the weak or damaged pelvic muscles to prop up the muscles while new tissue grows into the mesh to provide strength and support, preventing the pelvic organs from pushing into the vagina. A mesh is implanted inside the abdomen to support the internal organs. The operation to place a mesh is considered major surgery.

Restorelle Y, Y Contour, M, L, and XL is indicated for use as a bridging material for sacrocolposuspension/sacrocolpopexy (transabdominal placement via laparotomy, laparoscopic, or robotic approach) where surgical treatment for vaginal vault prolapse is warranted.

Restorelle Y, Y Contour, M, L, and XL is not for females who have the following: are pregnant or desire for future pregnancy, potential for further growth (e.g., adolescents), pre-existing local or systemic infection, taking blood thinning medication (anti-coagulant therapy), any condition, including known or suspected pelvic pathology, which could compromise implant or implant placement, and sensitivity/allergy to polypropylene.

Check with your Physician on the warnings, precautions and risks associated with the use of this mesh.

The effectiveness of Restorelle Y, Y Contour, M, L, and XL has not been validated by a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

A thorough assessment of each patient should be made to determine the suitability of a synthetic mesh procedure.

Check with your Physician on:

  • Alternative pelvic organ prolapse treatments that may be appropriate
  • The reason for choosing transabdominal mesh
  • The postoperative risks and potential complications of transabdominal mesh surgery
  • The mesh to be implanted is a permanent implant
  • Some complications associated with the implanted mesh may require additional surgery; repeat surgery may not resolve these complications
  • Serious adverse tissue responses or infection may require removal of parts of the mesh, or the entire mesh, and complete removal of the mesh may not always be possible
  • Individuals who have varying degrees of collagen laydown that may result in scarring
  • Certain underlying conditions may be more susceptible to postoperative bleeding, impaired blood supply, compromised/ delayed healing, or other complications and adverse events, as with all surgical procedures

As with all surgical procedures, patients with certain underlying conditions may be more susceptible to postoperative bleeding, impaired blood supply, compromised/delayed healing, or other complications and adverse events.

The risks and benefits of using Restorelle Y, Y Contour, M, L, and XL should be considered in all patients, taking into account patients with the following underlying conditions:

  • Age-related underlying conditions
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Coagulation disorder
  • Connective tissue disorder
  • Debilitated or immunocompromised state
  • Diabetes
  • Pelvic radiation therapy or chemotherapy
  • Physical characteristics (e.g., body mass index)
  • Smoking-related underlying conditions
  • Urinary tract anomalies

Any future pregnancy could negate the benefits of this mesh surgical procedure. You should report any bleeding, pain, abnormal vaginal discharge or sign of infection that occur at any time.

Adverse events are known to occur with transabdominal synthetic mesh procedures and implants.

Adverse events following mesh implantation may be new onset (de novo), persistent, worsening, transient, or permanent.

Potential complications include, but are not limited to: abscess (acute or delayed), adhesion/scar formation, allergy, hypersensitivity or other immune reaction, bleeding, hemorrhage or hematoma, bowel obstruction, constipation and/or defecatory dysfunction, fecal incontinence and/or anal sphincter incompetence, ileus, dehiscence, delayed wound healing, extrusion, erosion or exposure of mesh into the vagina or other structures or organs, fistula formation, infection, inflammation (acute or chronic), local irritation, mesh migration, necrosis, new onset (de novo) and/or worsening painful intercourse (dyspareunia), neuromuscular symptoms (acute or chronic), pain (acute or chronic), partner pain and/or discomfort during intercourse, perforation or injury of soft tissue (e.g., ligaments, muscles, nerves, vessels), structures, or organs (e.g., bowel, rectum, bladder, urethra, ureters, vagina), seroma, suture erosion, bladder storage dysfunction (e.g., increased daytime frequency, urgency, nocturia, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence), ureteral obstruction, urinary tract infection, voiding symptoms (e.g., dysuria, urinary retention, incomplete emptying, straining, positional voiding, weak stream), de novo or worsening prolapse in untreated compartment, granulation tissue formation, palpable mesh (patient and/or partner), recurrent prolapse, sexual dysfunction, vaginal discharge (abnormal) and vaginal scarring, tightening, rigidity, shortening and/or contracture.

The occurrence of these events may require one or more revision surgeries, including removal of the mesh.

Complete removal of the mesh may not always be possible, and additional surgeries may not always fully correct the complications.

There may be unresolved pain with or without mesh explantation.

This treatment is prescribed by your physician. Discuss the treatment options with your physician to understand the risks and benefits of the various options to determine if mesh is right for you.

Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.

Minneapolis, MN

PM-07280 02/19/2019


Axis / Suspend® Brief Statement

Description – Axis Tutoplast® Processed Dermis and Suspend Tutoplast® Processed Fascia Lata are regulated as 361 human and cell tissue products and are restricted to homologous use for the repair, replacement, reconstruction or augmentation of soft tissue by a qualified healthcare professional. This includes supplemental support and reinforcement of soft tissue, such as suburethral graft placement in stress urinary incontinence procedures, and support and reinforcement of fascial structures in the pelvic floor in pelvic organ prolapse procedures.

Warnings – The same medical/surgical conditions or complications that apply to any surgical procedure may occur during or following implantation. As with any human tissue implant, the potential for transmission of infectious agents may exist. A small number of patients may experience localized immunological reactions to the implant. Successful treatment is dependent upon the patient’s host tissue response. Resorption of the implant and commensurate substitution with functional host tissue is required to restore function.

Precautions – Prior to use, the surgeon must become familiar with the implant and the surgical procedure. Poor general medical condition or any pathology that would limit the blood supply and compromise healing should be considered when selecting patients for procedures using this implant., as such conditions may compromise outcomes. The implant should be used with caution in surgical sites where an active infection is present or in sites with poor perfusion. If the surgeon determined that the clinical circumstances require implantation in a site that is contaminated, or infected, appropriate local and/or systemic anti-infective measures should be taken. Appropriate placement and fixation of the implant are critical to success of the surgical procedure. The Suspend implant should be used with caution in sites where it is placed perpendicular to native tissue.

PM-11535 08/20

Tutoplast is a registered trademark of Tutogen Medical GmBH

References:

  1. Barber, M. D., & Maher, C. (2013). Epidemiology and outcome assessment of pelvic organ prolapse. International urogynecology journal, 24(11), 1783–1790. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-013-2169-9
  2. (n.d.). Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Voices for PFD. Retrieved December 2, 2022 from https://www.voicesforpfd.org/pelvic-organ-prolapse/
  3. (n.d.). Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Surgery. Voices for PFD. https://www.voicesforpfd.org/pelvic-organ-prolapse/surgery/
  4. (n.d.). Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Symptoms and Types. Voices for PFD. https://www.voicesforpfd.org/pelvic-organ-prolapse/symptoms-types/
  5. Gupta, P., Payne, J., Killinger, K. A., Ehlert, M., Bartley, J., Gilleran, J., Boura, J. A., & Sirls, L. T. (2016). Analysis of changes in sexual function in women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse repair with abdominal or vaginal approaches. International urogynecology journal, 27(12), 1919–1924. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-016-3066-9
  6. (n.d.). Pessaries. Voices for PFD. https://www.voicesforpfd.org/about/pessaries/
  7. (n.d.). Physical Therapy. Voices for PFD. https://www.voicesforpfd.org/about/physical-therapy/
  8. Culligan, P. J., Lewis, C., Priestley, J., & Mushonga, N. (2020). Long-Term Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Sacrocolpopexy Using Lightweight Y-Mesh. Female pelvic medicine & reconstructive surgery, 26(3), 202–206. https://doi.org/10.1097/SPV.0000000000000788