Epidemiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Understanding and applying the epidemiology of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is necessary to provide quality patient care to a growing and aging female population. As the elderly population is expected to almost double from 2012 to 2050, POP will become more prevalent, placing greater demands on our health care system and specialty-trained providers. In this review, we will evaluate and summarize recent literature and also highlight older studies of clinical significance that contribute to an overall understanding of the topic. While prevalence rates vary, the proportion of women with bothersome POP symptoms is approximately 3-6 % of women. POP is associated with decreased quality of life and a variety of bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction symptoms. Treatment options include expectant management, nonsurgical options, and surgery. For this review, we will review the prevalence of POP, trends in the management of POP, and future care needs with regard to POP.