Pelvic organ prolapse - a review.

BACKGROUND: Female pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses a number of prevalent clinical conditions including urinary and faecal incontinence, obstructed defaecation, sexual dysfunction and female pelvic organ prolapse (FPOP). The latter is the most common condition and most likely to require surgical treatment. Neither aetiology nor pathophysiology of FPOP is fully understood.

OBJECTIVE: This review will focus on the diagnosis and management of FPOP in primary care, but will also refer to recent research into aetiology, diagnosis, management and prevention of this condition.

DISCUSSION: Primary care physicians have a substantial role in the management of female pelvic organ prolapse (FPOP), as they are well placed to provide information to patients of all ages. This is particularly relevant during the childbearing years as childbirth has a central role in the aetiology of FPOP.