WOMEN'S HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH : MAY

Early medical care for pelvic organ prolapse symptoms can improve women's quality of life, experts say

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Early intervention for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), especially through nonsurgical methods like pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and lifestyle modifications, can significantly improve a woman's quality of life. While surgical interventions can also offer positive results, early intervention may help prevent or delay the need for surgery and minimise symptoms | Image used for representational purpose only

Early intervention for pelvic organ prolapse (POP), especially through nonsurgical methods like pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and lifestyle modifications, can significantly improve a woman's quality of life. While surgical interventions can also offer positive results, early intervention may help prevent or delay the need for surgery and minimise symptoms | Image used for representational purpose only | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is far more common in India than most realise. Some research studies have found that up to 21% of women may experience clinically relevant POP. While nulliparous prolapse (in women who haven't given birth) accounts for just 1.5-2% of genital prolapse cases, the incidence jumps to 5-8% in women who have had one or two children -- among the highest globally. Although literature reports that 50% of women are affected by POP in their lifetime, doctors say the real number may be closer to 70-80%, with most cases going unreported due to stigma or lack of awareness.