Healthcare professional talking to a patient.

Symptoms and types of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)

If you’ve been noticing changes in your body, you’re not alone. Many women experience symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse and aren’t sure what they mean.

Symptoms of POP

Women affected by pelvic organ prolapse may recognize one or more of these symptoms.

Icon showing pressure or discomfort in the vaginal or pelvic area.

Pressure or discomfort in the vaginal or pelvic area

Icon showing diminished bladder and/or bowel control.

Diminished control in the bladder and/or bowels

Icon showing pain in pelvic region.

Pain during intercourse

Icon showing a bulge near the opening of the vagina.

A bulge near the opening of the vagina

Female patient in gown looking out a window..

Unsure about your symptoms?

This short quiz can help you find out whether your symptoms may be related to pelvic organ prolapse and what you can do next.

Take the symptoms quiz

Types of POP

Pelvic organ prolapse can affect different areas of the body. The type you have may influence the symptoms you notice. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and how they may feel.

Illustration of cystocele.

Cystocele

Bladder prolapse
The bladder drops into the front wall of the vagina.

You might notice:

  • A visible bulge outside the vagina
  • A feeling of pressure or fullness
  • Difficulty fully emptying your bladder
  • A slower or weaker urine stream
  • Overactive bladder
Illustration of vaginal vault prolapse.

Vaginal vault prolapse

Top of the vagina loses support
The upper part of the vagina (once supported by the uterus) loses support and drops downward.

You might notice:

  • Pelvic pressure or heaviness
  • Discomfort or pain
  • Frequent urinary issues or infections
  • Difficulty urinating
Illustration of rectocele.

Rectocele

Rectum bulges into the vagina
The rectum pushes into the back wall of the vagina.

You might notice:

  • Difficulty with bowel movements
  • A feeling of incomplete emptying
  • Pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, even after a bowel movement
  • Bowel leakage or urgency
Illustration of enterocele.

Enterocele

Small intestine presses into the vagina

The small intestine shifts downward and presses into the vaginal space, which may occur after a hysterectomy. In some cases, it may move between the back of the vagina and the rectum.

You might notice:

  • A feeling of pelvic pressure or heaviness
  • Lower back discomfort
  • Symptoms that may feel vague or harder to pinpoint

Treatment and next steps

If these symptoms sound familiar, it may be worth learning more about available treatment options.

Pelvic organ prolapse can be treated in a number of ways, depending on your symptoms and individual needs.

Explore treatment options

Ready to start a conversation?

Put your health first and talk to a doctor if you suspect you may be experiencing POP. Search for a provider near you.

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