Pelvic support comes from the pelvic floor muscles, fascia (connective tissue), and ligaments. As the pelvic floor muscles weaken, it creates a strain on the supporting ligaments and fascia, causing the surrounding organs to drop.
Factors contributing to the weakening of the pelvic floor include:
Pregnancy and childbirth
Aging and menopause
Obesity
Large uterine fibroids
Chronic coughing or straining
Heavy lifting
Spinal cord conditions and injury
Previous pelvic surgery
Ethnicity
Symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse can often be managed and successfully treated through pelvic floor exercises, physical therapy, pessaries, healthy diet, weight loss, control of diabetes, cessation of cigarette smoking and occasional medications.
