Hello and welcome to the Zero to Finals podcast.

My name is Tom and in this episode I'm going to be talking to you about pelvic organ prolapse.

And you can find written notes on this topic at zero definals.com slash pelvic organ prolapse

or in the gynecology section of the Zero todefinals obstetrics and gynecology book.

So let's get straight into it.

Pelvic organ prolapse refers to the descent of the pelvic organs into the vagina.

Prolapse is the result of weakness and lengthening of the ligaments and the muscles that surround the uterus, rectum and bladder.

A uterine prolapse is where the uterus itself descends into the vagina.

A vault prolapse occurs in women that have had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus,

and this is where the top

of the vagina, the vault, descends into the vagina. Rectoceles are caused by a defect in the posterior

vaginal wall, which allows the rectum to prolapse forwards into the vagina. Rectoceles are particularly associated with constipation.

Women can develop fecal loading in the part of the rectum that has prolapsed into the vagina.

Loading a feces results in significant constipation, urinary retention due to compression on the

urethra, and a palpable lump in the vagina.

Women may have to use their fingers to press the lump backwards,

correcting the anatomical position of the rectum and allowing them to open their bells.

Cisterseals are caused by a defect in the anterior vagina wall, which allows the bladder to prolapse forward into the vagina.

Prolapse of the urethra is also possible, which is called a urethra seal.

Prolapse of both the bladder and the urethra is called a cysto-urethra seal.

Let's talk about the risk factors for pelvic organ

prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is the result of weak and lengthened muscles and ligaments in the pelvis.

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