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Prolapse

Key Influences

What are Common Causes/Risk Factors for Pelvic Prolapse?

Pelvic prolapse occurs when the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic region weaken and sag, causing one or more of the pelvic organs (such as the uterus or bladder) to slip out of place.

The causes of pelvic prolapse are varied, but include any (or more than one) of the following:

• Loss of muscle tone due to aging
• Loss of muscle tone due to the effects of menopause (estrogen helps keep these muscles strong)
• Injury or trauma during childbirth, especially with multiple births or large babies (9 pounds or larger)

 

Uterine prolapse is fairly common, and the risk of developing the condition increases with age, according to medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic.

There may also be a genetic component: Women of Northern European descent seem to have a higher chance of developing uterine prolapse than women of Asian and African descent.

 

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