What are the Causes of Uterine and Genital Prolapse?
There are three layers that support the pelvic floor: 1. the endopelvic fascia, a layer consisting primarily of connective tissue which includes several thicker portions (ligaments); 2. the levator ani muscles, which close off the pelvic floor so that the pelvic organs rest upon them; 3. the perineal membrane, including the perineal body (located between the vaginal opening and anus), and the anal sphincter. This layer is less critical for the support of the pelvic floor. Whenever there is a rise in abdominal pressure (e.g., coughing, sneezing, jumping, etc.) which pushes the abdominal contents downwards, there is an immediate reflex contraction of the levator ani muscles to prevent the fall of these abdominal organs. When the levator ani muscles are damaged (from such things as pudendal nerve injury from childbirth trauma, chronic coughing, aging, pelvic neuropathy, etc.,) the muscles fail to support the pelvic organs.The endopelvic fascia, with its ligaments, is exposed to increases
