Pelvic organ prolapse (POP), with bulging of one or more of the pelvic organs into the vagina, is a type of pelvic floor disorder.
About one-third of all women are affected by prolapse or similar conditions over their lifetime. Pelvic organ prolapse can affect the front, top or back of the vagina:
- Anterior prolapse (cystocele): the bladder bulges into the front wall of the vagina
- Prolapse of the cervix or top of the vagina: the cervix or uterus drops.
- Posterior wall prolapse (rectocele or enterocele): part of the bowel bulges forward into the back wall of the vagina.
It is possible to have more than one of these types of prolapse at the same time.