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Pelvic organ prolapse

Also called: Pelvic organ prolapse, uterine prolapse, dropped bladder, vaginal bulge

When weakened pelvic floor muscles let the bladder, uterus, or rectum drop and bulge into the vagina. It often causes pressure or a feeling that something is falling out, and many treatments help.

Feels likePressure or a bulge, worse at day's end
Common afterChildbirth and menopause
TreatmentPelvic floor therapy, pessary, surgery

Overview

It can cause urine leaks, trouble emptying the bladder, or constipation.

Mild prolapse often needs no treatment if it doesn't bother you.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Bulge or pressure in the vagina
  • Bulge or heaviness in the vagina

Less common

  • Leaking urine
  • Trouble emptying bladder or bowels

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayCan't pee at all, or a bulge with bleeding or sores.
See a doctor soonBulge or pressure that bothers you.

Causes

Childbirth, aging, heavy lifting, chronic cough.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • After vaginal birth
  • Menopause
  • Obesity

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician does a pelvic exam.

Questions you may be asked

  • Leaks, bowel trouble

The exam

Exam while straining.

Treatment

Build support.

Self-care

  • Do pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises daily
  • Avoid heavy lifting
  • Treat constipation and chronic cough
  • Keep a healthy weight

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Vaginal estrogen
Thin tissue after menopausePrescription.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

A pessary (a removable support) or surgery.

Prevention

To lower risk:

  • Pelvic floor exercises

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a gynecologist (OB-GYN).

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Very treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Would a pessary work for me?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pelvic organ prolapse

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.