Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Common, Underreported, and Nothing to Be Ashamed Of

If you’ve ever heard the word “prolapse” whispered in a hushed tone—or never heard it at all—you’re not alone. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is surprisingly common, but it often lives in the shadows of women’s health.

Here’s what the numbers actually tell us:

• Clinically diagnosed prolapse (exam-based): Studies show that up to 50–60% of women will develop some degree of prolapse at some point in their lives. This includes very mild prolapse that may not cause noticeable symptoms.

• Symptomatic prolapse (women reporting issues like bulging, pressure, or discomfort): Only 3–6% of women report these symptoms to their healthcare providers.

• Surgical intervention: By age 80, about 12% of women will undergo surgery for prolapse.

  
  

So why is there such a huge gap between how often prolapse shows up in exams and how often women report it?

The answer is layered. Some women truly don’t notice their prolapse—it may be mild, or they might attribute symptoms to “normal aging” or postpartum recovery. But many women do notice changes and still don’t speak up. The reasons?

• Shame and stigma: Our culture and society don’t encourage open conversations about pelvic health. Many women feel embarrassed to talk about something happening “down there.”

• Dismissal or normalization: Women are often told that leaking, pressure, or bulging are just “part of being a mom” or “what happens with age.”

• Lack of awareness: Prolapse is rarely discussed in routine care, leaving many women unsure what’s normal and what’s not.

  
  

Prolapse is common, but it’s not something you have to simply live with. Conservative treatments—like pelvic floor therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and supportive practices—can make a huge difference. Surgery is often presented as the default solution, but that’s not the whole picture. (I shared a full blog on why surgery isn’t the ‘quick fix’ it’s often made out to be prior to this post.)

What’s most important is that you know you’re not alone. Half of women will experience prolapse in some form, but silence and shame shouldn’t be part of the story. The more we speak openly, the more care, research, and support we can create for all women.

References

• Nygaard, I., et al. (2008). Prevalence of symptomatic pelvic floor disorders in US women. JAMA, 300(11):1311-1316.

• Wu, J. M., et al. (2014). Lifetime risk of stress urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 123(6):1201-1206.

• Hendrix, S. L., et al. (2002). Pelvic organ prolapse in the Women’s Health Initiative: gravity and gravidity. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 186(6):1160–1166.

• Dietz, H. P., & Wilson, P. D. (2022). Pelvic organ prolapse—a review of prevalence, risk factors, clinical presentation and management. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 62(5), 617-624.

I was in early labor with my firstborn during this photoshoot in back in 2023. I ended up being in labor for 81 hours and my sweet little girl was born in the comfort of my home, healthy and happy.