APOPS             

 POP SYMPTOMS

Half of all women over the age of 50 suffer from at least one type of pelvic organ prolapse (there are 5 types), many women in their 30s and 40s have POP as well. Although POP is not extremely common in women in their 20s, it can occur in this age bracket. Each of these 5 types of POP has its own symptoms, but in general symptoms can include:

 

POP CAUSES

There are multiple causes of POP; it is likely that most women have more than one cause that fits their health pocket and lifestyle. The most common causes of POP are

Vaginal childbirth-complications from large birth weight babies, forceps or suction deliveries, multiple childbirths, improperly repaired episiotomies. (It is also possible for women who have never given birth to have POP; there are many non-childbirth related causes.)
Menopause-age related muscle loss due to drop in estrogen level which impacts strength, elasticity, and density of muscle tissue including the pc muscle.
Chronic constipation-IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), poor diet, lack of exercise can all cause constipation.
Chronic coughing-smoking, allergies, bronchitis, and emphysema can create chronic coughing.
Heavy lifting-lifting children, repetitive heavy lifting at work, weight trainers.
Joggers, marathon runners-constant downward pounding of internal structures. Abdominal surgeries-structural weakness from surgery or myofascial restrictions and scar tissue can lead to POP. Diastasis Diastasis Rectus Abdominus (DRA)-separation in the two bellies of the rectus abominus muscle during pregnancy may predispose women to a weakness in core support which can lead to POP concerns.