Pelvic Floor Disorders

Pelvic floor disorders occur only in women and become more common as women age. During their lifetime, about 1 of 11 women needs surgery for a pelvic floor disorder. The pelvic floor is a network of muscles, ligaments, and tissues that act like a hammock to support the organs of the pelvis: the uterus, vagina, bladder, urethra, and rectum. If the muscles become weak or the ligaments or tissues are stretched or damaged, the pelvic organs or small intestine may drop down and protrude into the vagina. If the disorder is severe, the organs may protrude all the way through the opening of the vagina and outside the body. Pelvic floor disorders usually result from a combination of factors. The following factors commonly contribute to development of these disorders: Having a baby, particularly if the baby is delivered vaginally, Being obese, Having an injury, as may occur during hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or another surgical procedure, Aging, Frequently doing things that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as straining during bowel movements or lifting heavy objects.