Mechanism and risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse - review.

Female pelvic organ prolapse refers to a loss of fibromuscular support of the pelvic viscera resulting the protrusion of the pelvic organs into the vaginal canal. These are worldwide problems that affect the quality of life of millions of women. The mortality due to this condition is rare, but symptomatic form is common, 11% of all women requiring at least one corrective surgical procedure. Thanks to standardized evaluation method, pelvic organ prolapse quantification system, the distribution of the severity of this condition among general population is highly studied. Through this article we intend to review the latest specialized literature discussing the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, evaluation and management of pelvic organ prolapse. Also, we proposed to summarize the risk factors leading to pelvic organ prolapse such as age, vaginal childbirth and obesity, diabetes, connective tissue disorders, neurological diseases and genetic predisposition to the development of pelvic organ prolapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]