Prolapse is common after pregnancy and later in life. Here’s what to look out for

Grant Squibb/Getty Images The pelvic floor is a layer of muscles and connective tissues that supports the uterus, bladder, urethra, vagina and rectum.

The pelvic floor supports the organs in your pelvis from underneath, almost like a hammock.

When these muscles and tissues weaken, it can allow one or more pelvic organs to descend from their usual position.

This is called a pelvic organ prolapse.

A prolapse may involve the front wall of the vagina (where the bladder bulges into the vagina) or the back wall of the vagina (where the bowel bulges into the vagina), the uterus and cervix, or the top of the vagina (after hysterectomy).

More than one area may be affected.

Pelvic organ prolapse may develop or worsen after pregnancy and childbirth, during menopause or as a result of lifestyle and genetic factors.

But importantly, it can be treated.

Here’s what to know if you suspect you have a prolapse.

How common is it? Up to 50% of women who have given birth have some degree of pelvic organ prolapse, often without any symptoms.

Risk factors for prolapse include giving birth more than once, vaginal birth of a baby weighing more than four kilograms, forceps-assisted birth and prolonged labour.

But pelvic organ prolapse can occur regardless of whether the birth is vaginal or caesarean, due to ongoing pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissue during pregnancy itself.

Other contributing factors include obesity , increasing age , connective tissue disorders, and conditions that increase abdominal pressure such as a persistent cough, constipation with straining and heavy lifting.

One in ten women aged over 50 experience symptoms related to prolapse.