Many women in India suffer from prolapsed pelvic organs (Uterus, Rectum, bladder) and let this condition worsen due to lack of knowledge. Therefore, it becomes vital that they gain proper knowledge of this disease and thereby be well-equipped with better treatment options. In fact, in many cases they can also avoid surgery if they detect this condition at a nascent stage.

Prolapse is a type of pelvic floor disorder, which is a common disease in women. The uterus or womb is supported and therefore held in place by various ligaments, tissues and muscles. In conditions like pregnancy, difficult labor or simply childbirth, these muscles tend to weaken. Also, with age, the loss of estrogen causes the uterus to drop in the birth canal, which causes this condition. A deeper insight into the causes can help us understand it better-

1. Childbirth (pregnancy and labour) - This is the most common causes of prolapse.
2. Menopause - Thinning of the vaginal lining and deterioration of tissue quality after menopause leads to prolapse.
3. Obesity - Increased body weight puts a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor. This causes the hernia to form and the uterus, rectum and bladder to prolapse into the birth canal.
4. Chronic straining such as chronic cough and chronic constipation - Constant coughing or constipation put a lot of pressure on the pelvic floor and may result in prolapse.
5. Pelvic surgeries such as surgical removal of uterus
6. Pelvic radiation - Women who are exposed to pelvic radiation, injure the muscles supporting the vagina thereby leading to prolapse.
7. Inherent disorders like poor tissue quality- There are many inherent disorders also that can cause prolapse. One of them being Ehhlers Danlos Syndrome. It impacts the connective tissues in a women’s body and results in prolapse due to poor support of pelvic organs.

These are some of the common causes of prolapse that women should be aware of and consult their doctors to gain a better understanding, thereby aiming at getting a better treatment at the earliest. For it is easier to treat it if there is early detection as conservative management works better.

Other ways include making sure that constipation is not a regular condition. For this, one can consult a doctor and get proper treatment. Another way to avoid prolapse is by making sure that the woman is not lifting a lot of weight. Also women who have a chronic coughing problem are at a higher risk of prolapse. Therefore, they should focus on controlling their coughing thereby not allowing too much pressure in the pelvic floor area.