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Editorial

Approach to Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Urological Perspective

Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Montreal Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2025, 6(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/siuj6010023
Submission received: 13 February 2025 / Accepted: 17 February 2025 / Published: 19 February 2025
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) has an estimated global prevalence of 28.8% [1], defined as the descent of one or more of the anterior vaginal wall, the posterior vaginal wall, the uterus (cervix), or the apex of the vagina (vaginal vault or cuff scar after hysterectomy) [2]. As the population ages, we will face an increasing prevalence of women with symptomatic POP [3] and those who may need to undergo surgical repair [4]. Presentation can be quite variable and does not always involve a bulging sensation. Many women can develop lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary incontinence, defecatory issues, and sexual dysfunction, primarily caused by their POP. Urinary tract symptoms can range from increased urinary frequency, urinary urgency, voiding dysfunction, incomplete bladder emptying, and recurrent urinary tract infection. Therefore, POP treatment in several women can lead to improvements in these issues, whether through conservative management with pelvic floor physiotherapy, pessary use, or surgical repair.
As urologists, we have the privilege of treating both men and women for a vast range of urological conditions. No matter our subspecialisation or expertise, we will be diagnosing and managing various urological issues in women, some of us more than others. Urinary tract conditions cannot be managed in a silo without considering the contribution of pelvic floor support or lack thereof. POP diagnosis and consideration in management decisions are critical to obtaining results of higher efficacy and durability. Early interventions and recognition of risk factors can help delay the onset and progression of POP, enhance women’s well-being, and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.
This issue brings together the collective expertise of distinguished contributors reviewing the clinical evidence of several aspects of POP from a urological perspective. The articles of this issue will highlight important aspects of the etiology, epidemiology, and evaluation of POP [5]. The authors discuss the implications of POP in terms of sexual dysfunction [6] and stress urinary incontinence management [7]. We provide an overview of the conservative and surgical management of POP and present in more detail the role of mesh use in POP surgical repair [8], the implications of a hysterectomy, and the surgical management of high-grade POP (procidentia) [9].
The insights presented within this collection of articles will inspire further research, facilitate clinical decision-making, and ultimately improve the lives of women suffering from POP. Evidence-based guidelines supported by multi-institutional randomized clinical trials must be encouraged and fostered to provide strong recommendations in POP management amongst different clinical communities actively involved in the care of women such as urologists, urogynecologists, and colorectal surgeons.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

  1. Hadizadeh-Talasaz, Z.; Khadivzadeh, T.; Mohajeri, T.; Sadeghi, M. Worldwide prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Iran. J. Public Health 2024, 53, 524–538. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  2. Haylen, B.T.; Maher, C.F.; Barber, M.D.; Camargo, S.; Dandolu, V.; Digesu, A.; Goldman, H.B.; Huser, M.; Milani, A.L.; Moran, P.A.; et al. An International Urogynecological Association (IUGA)/International Continence Society (ICS) joint report on the terminology for female pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Int. Urogynecol. J. 2016, 27, 165–194. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  3. Wu, J.M.; Hundley, A.F.; Fulton, R.G.; Myers, E.R. Forecasting the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in U.S. Women: 2010 to 2050. Obs. Gynecol 2009, 114, 1278–1283. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  4. Wu, J.M.; Kawasaki, A.; Hundley, A.F.; Dieter, A.A.; Myers, E.R.; Sung, V.W. Predicting the number of women who will undergo incontinence and prolapse surgery, 2010 to 2050. Am. J. Obs. Gynecol 2011, 205, e231–e235. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Zumrutbas, A.E. Understanding Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Comprehensive Review of Etiology, Epidemiology, Comorbidities, and Evaluation. Société Int. D’urologie J. 2025, 6, 6. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  6. Martins, F.E. Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Sexual Dysfunction. Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2025, 6, 19. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  7. Mondesir, R.F.; Gousse, A.; Boaretto, D.A.; Ajabshir, D.; Gousse, A. Review on the Management of Female Urinary Incontinence and Anterior Vaginal Prolapse. Société Int. D’urologie J. 2025, 6, 12. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Lasri, S.; Alshamsi, H.; Campeau, L. Synthetic Meshes in Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Narrative Review. Société Int. D’urologie J. 2025, 6, 2. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Bouchard, B.; Campeau, L. Therapeutic Options for Advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse. Société Int. D’urologie J. 2025, 6, 11. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
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MDPI and ACS Style

Campeau, L. Approach to Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Urological Perspective. Soc. Int. Urol. J. 2025, 6, 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/siuj6010023

AMA Style

Campeau L. Approach to Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Urological Perspective. Société Internationale d’Urologie Journal. 2025; 6(1):23. https://doi.org/10.3390/siuj6010023

Chicago/Turabian Style

Campeau, Lysanne. 2025. "Approach to Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Urological Perspective" Société Internationale d’Urologie Journal 6, no. 1: 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/siuj6010023

APA Style

Campeau, L. (2025). Approach to Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Urological Perspective. Société Internationale d’Urologie Journal, 6(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/siuj6010023

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