Pelvic Organ Prolapse

When the muscles of the pelvic floor have been damaged or overly stressed – usually by pregnancy, vaginal childbirth or heavy lifting – they can allow the organs they support to “slip downward” in a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse (POP) -- or sometimes, “dropped bladder.” Typical symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse include painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, a “full” feeling within the vagina, frequent bladder infections, and general pelvic discomfort. Effective treatments are available for this not-uncommon condition, including but not limited to estrogen replacement therapy, a pessary device and minimally invasive “sling” procedures to secure the organs back in their normal location.