Prevention

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Preventing pelvic organ prolapse (POP) begins in your teens. Get in the habit of practicing Kegels several times a day, until doing them becomes as routine as brushing your teeth.

When you get pregnant, make sure you're aware of the risks and benefits of a forceps delivery so you're aware in case one is necessary.

Maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking may also help prevent pelvic floor problems, including POP. In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, a body mass index (a measurement of your height/weight) greater than 30 increased the risk of prolapse between 40 and 75 percent.

You should also avoid straining during bowel movements and when lifting heavy items, and if you have a chronic cough, get it checked out. Chronic coughing creates the kind of straining that can lead to POP.

You might also talk to your health care provider about short-term use of estrogen therapy after menopause, which may help prevent urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor conditions.