1. Definition

The International Urogynecological Association/International Continence Society (IUGA/ICS) joint report on the terminology of female pelvic floor dysfunction define pelvic organ prolapse (POP) as “the descent of one or more of the anterior vaginal wall, posterior vaginal wall, or the apex of the vagina (vaginal vault or cuff scar after hysterectomy)”. It is a condition that occurs when the normal support of the pelvic floor has weakened.¹ The terminology also recommends that rather than the terms “cystocele” and “rectocele” we use anterior and posterior vaginal wall prolapse since we cannot discern (on physical exam) the anatomy behind the “bulge”.

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