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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffPregnancy and trauma incurred during childbirth, particularly with large babies or after a difficult labor and delivery, are the main causes of muscle weakness and stretching of supporting tissues leading to uterine prolapse. Loss of muscle tone associated with aging and reduced amounts of circulating estrogen after menopause also may contribute to uterine prolapse. In rare circumstances, uterine prolapse may be caused by a tumor in the pelvic cavity.
Genetics also may play a role in strength of supporting tissues. Women of Northern European descent have a higher incidence of uterine prolapse than do women of Asian and African descent.
- Kohli N, et al. An overview of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and classification of pelvic organ prolapse. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
- Tarnay CM. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2390520. Accessed March 3, 2010.
- Lentz GM. Anatomic defects of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor: Abdominal and inguinal hernias, cystocele, urethrocele, enterocele, rectocele, uterine and vaginal prolapse, and rectal incontinence: Diagnosis and management. In: Katz VL, et al. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/186922005-2/0/1524/131.html?tocnode=53759383&fromURL=131.html. Accessed March 3, 2010.
- Hughes D, et al. Pelvic organ prolapse. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3159899. Accessed March 3, 2010.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin: Pelvic organ prolapse. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2007;110:717.
- Doshani A, et al. Uterine prolapse. British Medical Journal. 2007;335:819.
- Rosenblatt PL. Laparoscopic surgery for repair of pelvic floor defects. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 2, 2010.
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