APOPS Glossary
Chronic Constipation
Repetitively bearing down to have a bowel movement strains pelvic tissues.
Chronic coughing
Coughing from smoking, allergies, bronchitis, and emphysema repetitively jerks pelvic floor tissues downward.
Colpocleisis
Colpocleisis is a surgical procedure that closes the vaginal canal, eliminating pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. It is typically recommended for older or medically fragile women with severe POP who no longer wish to have intercourse. Colpocleisis has a high success rate (90-95%), requires minimal recovery time, and does not involve mesh. While it removes the possibility of vaginal intercourse, many women find it significantly improves their quality of life by relieving pain and discomfort. Learn more →
Cystocele
A cystocele occurs when the bladder shifts downward and bulges into the front vaginal wall. This often displaces the urethra as well, since it is connected to the bladder. A cystocele can lead to frequent or urgent urination, urinary leakage (incontinence), and in more advanced stages, difficulty urinating and incomplete bladder emptying.
Enterocele
An enterocele occurs when the small intestine drops into the space between the colon and rear vaginal wall, creating a bulge. It is also possible for an enterocele to drop into other locations within the pelvic cavity. An enterocele often happens in conjunction with a rectocele or after a hysterectomy. Note an enterocele may occur behind or in front of the uterus. Learn more →
Fecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence, also known as accidental bowel leakage, occurs when the body accidentally passes stool or gas. This condition signals an underlying issue with bowel control and may indicate weakened pelvic floor muscles or nerve dysfunction. Learn more →
Intussusception
Intussusception occurs when the rectum pushes back inside itself, resembling a finger of a glove pushed inward. This can create pockets where stool becomes trapped, leading to symptoms such as chronic constipation, incomplete emptying, pain with bowel movement, rectal bleeding, fecal incontinence, gas, and mucus discharge. Learn more →
Kegels
Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor exercises, involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the muscles of the pelvic floor. Strengthening your pelvic floor can help to relieve pelvic organ prolapse symptoms like tissues bulging, incontinence, and pain during intercourse. Learn more →
Levator Avulsion
Levator avulsion is the partial or complete detachment of the pelvic floor muscles from the pubic bone. This injury often occurs during vaginal childbirth. It can lead to weakened pelvic floor support, increasing the risk of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary or fecal incontinence. Learn more →
Pelvic Floor
The pelvic floor is a group of 14 muscles forming a supportive sling across the lower pelvis. This sling attaches to the pelvic bones, surrounding the urethra, vaginal opening, and anus. The pelvic floor is divided into anterior (front), posterior (back), and middle compartments. Fascia and ligaments surround and support these structures.
These muscles play crucial roles in keeping pelvic organs in place. The pelvic floor muscles are also responsible for the pleasurable contractions felt during orgasm, comfortable vaginal penetration, preventing urinary incontinence, and keeping stool inside the rectum. Learn more →
Pessary
A pessary is a flexible, non-surgical medical device used as a low-risk, cost-effective tool for POP treatment. Pessaries are typically made from medical grade silicone and are inserted in the vagina to support sagging organs, prevent prolapse from worsening, and prevent urinary leakage. Learn more →
Rectocele
A rectocele occurs when the colon pushes into the rear vaginal wall, creating a "U" shaped bulge in the colon. This condition makes it difficult to have a bowel movement and can cause severe constipation. Other symptoms of a rectocele are rectal pain and pressure, hemorrhoids, and impacted stool. Learn more →
Uterine Prolapse
Uterine prolapse occurs when the uterus (womb) shifts downward into the vaginal canal. The uterus may move partially into the vagina, be completely positioned within the vagina, or may bulge out of the vagina. Procidentia is a severe stage of prolapse that occurs when the uterus has shifted completely outside of the body beyond the outer edge of the vagina.
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is accidental or involuntary leakage of urine. It can vary in severity from a small leak when you cough or sneeze, to the complete loss of a full bladder.
There are many types of incontinence. These include:
Stress urinary incontinence: leakage upon coughing, sneezing, or other activities that increase pressure in your pelvic floor
Urge urinary incontinence: a sudden or intense urge to go immediately, with leakage
Overflow incontinence: when urine leaks out because your bladder is full and you may not feel an urge to go
Athletic incontinence: leakage during athletic activities like running
Coital incontinence: urinary leakage during intercourse
Overactive bladder: frequent urination and feelings of urgency
Urogynecologist
A urologist is a physician who specializes in the urinary tract system. A gynecologist focuses on the female reproductive system. A urogynecologist is trained in either urology or gynecology with an additional 2-3 years of training to address a wider range of conditions that affect the urinary tract and reproductive systems.
Urogynecologists treat pelvic floor disorders (like pelvic organ prolapse) and childbirth injuries through surgical and non-surgical methods.
Vaginal Atrophy
Vaginal and vulval tissue atrophy causes tissues to become irritated, thin, dry, and less supple. This reduces lubrication and makes tissues susceptible to injury, tearing, and bleeding during intercourse. Pain from atrophy can shut the door to intimacy, but medical treatment can help. Learn more →
Vaginal Laxity
Vaginal laxity is often described as a “gap,” “gaping vaginal opening,” or “stretched-out vaginal canal” that can occur after vaginal birth. This symptom often impacts women’s sexual sensation and self-esteem. Learn more →
Vaginal Rejuvenation
The term “vaginal rejuvenation” can refer to either surgical repairs or non-surgical treatments to address various vaginal symptoms or conditions. These may include vaginal laxity, atrophy, dryness, itching, pain during intercourse, painful urination, and reduced sexual sensation. Learn more →
Vaginal Vault Prolapse
Vaginal vault prolapse occurs when the top of the vagina (also known as the “vaginal vault”) caves in on itself. Vaginal vault prolapse may occur after a woman has a hysterectomy. The degree of risk varies with the type of surgical procedure performed.
