Pelvic Organ Prolapse among Older Women

Emily Saks, MD, Fellow, Division of Urogynecology and Female Reproductive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Lily Arya, MD, Assistant Professor and Program Director, Division of Urogynecology and
Female Reproductive Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common condition among women, and its prevalence increases with age. Pelvic organ prolapse is multifactorial in etiology but ultimately results from a disruption in the pelvic floor muscles and their attachments. Patients may be asymptomatic or may report a variety of pelvic floor symptoms. Prolapse can be easily diagnosed through clinical examination. Treatment involves simple observation, pessary, or surgery.
Key words: pelvic organ prolapse, older women, pessary, vaginal surgery.