Changing the Narrative

APOPS amplifies the voices of millions of women around the world, driving awareness, advocacy, and action since 2010.

Around Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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28,000

FORUM MEMBERS

184

COUNTRIES REACHED

26

PARTNERS & ADVOCATES

Break the Silence. End the Stigma

Break the Silence. End the Stigma

Break the Silence.
End the Stigma.

1 in 2 women experience pelvic organ prolapse (POP).

A woman you love has dealt with the pain, anxiety, and embarrassment of prolapse symptoms — likely in silence. For pelvic organ prolapse research and treatment options to evolve, we need to talk about this common, cryptic condition openly and comfortably.

If 50% of women experience pelvic organ prolapse, why don’t we hear about it until it happens to us?

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Affects Every Aspect of Women’s Lives

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Physical Health

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Socialization

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Emotional Health

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Fitness

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Sexual Health

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Employment

You Aren’t Alone

Common POP symptoms such as incontinence, constipation, pain with intimacy, and tissues bulging out of the vagina are isolating. It can feel like no one knows what you’re going through, while at the same time, the whole world is watching. 

People are talking about POP — you just have to know where to find them. Join a private forum of thousands of women with pelvic organ prolapse who share their experiences, answer each other’s questions, and lift each other up.

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“When I first discovered my bulge, I freaked out and spiraled.

Then I found this site. I now know this is life changing but not usually life threatening. I learned about seeing a urogynecologist and about pelvic floor physical therapists, pessaries, and surgery. Because of APOPS, I have the tools to confidently face this condition head on.”

- Colleen C.

Thank You to Our Partners & Advocates

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Find the Support You’re Looking For

Are you recently diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse, or dealing with what you suspect to be POP symptoms? Uncover insider information about the condition and receive woman-to-woman support.

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Found a Bulge?

Learn how to check yourself for POP with tips from a healthcare provider.

> Get Self-Exam Tips

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Have Questions?

Get information about POP symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.

> Read FAQs

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Feel Alone?

Hear from women like you who’ve faced POP with the help of our community.

> Read POP Stories

About APOPS

APOPS is tearing down silos to address the stigma, lack of awareness, and shortcomings in diagnostic screening for POP. We partner with medical organizations, academia, industry, and other nonprofits to advance awareness, education, legislation, and patient outcomes.

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“I was training for a triathlon when something went, “plop.”

Soon, I was diagnosed with cystocele, rectocele, and uterine prolapse. The gynecologist who diagnosed me dismissed me without a plan! I left his office devastated and lost. After months of feeling hopeless, I found the APOPS website. 

Sherrie’s videos gave me hope. Here was a woman I could identify with speaking about prolapse with positivity, humor, and knowledge. Speaking to me woman-to-woman. I devoured the information on the website and still learn from it, 10 years later.”

- Mary Pippen

Books About Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Find these titles in bookstores, libraries, and on Amazon.

Book cover titled "The Biggest Secret in Women's Health: Stigma, Indifference, Outrage, and Optimism" by Sherrie Palm, with foreword by Marco Pelosi III, MD. Features silhouettes of women's profiles.

The Biggest Secret in Women’s Health: Stigma, Indifference, Outrage, and Optimism

Women suffer in silence with below-the-waist symptoms they find too embarrassing to share with doctors, intimate partners, family, or friends. The Biggest Secret in Women’s Health clarifies the diverse pelvic organ prolapse dynamic, the latest in treatment protocol, and quality of life ramifications with interwoven personal stories.

Book cover for 'Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic' by Sherrie Palm, featuring a red background and an image of hands joining together. 3rd edition.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic

Pelvic Organ Prolapse: The Silent Epidemic takes a hard look at an extremely common yet highly stigmatized women's health condition, and talks about POP out loud in terms all women can understand. Author Sherrie Palm shares the facts from experience, enabling women to recognize and understand all aspects of POP.

Take Action

Join APOPS to change the narrative around pelvic organ prolapse. Our mission is made possible by the generosity of donors, partners, and activists.

Your gift goes towards campaigns to improve pelvic organ prolapse awareness, research, and policy evolution.

Join the coalition of medical organizations and entities spearheading change in this space.

A recognized author and women’s health activist, Sherrie is a passionate speaker and fierce patient advocate.