Update on the epidemiology of genital prolapse

The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) varies between 2.9 and 11.4% in questionnaire-based studies and from 31.8 to 97.7% according to the ICS Pelvic Organ Prolapse Classification (POPQ) anatomical classifications. The cumulative incidence of surgery for POP is as high as 70% in women more than 70-year-old. Aging is significantly associated with the prevalence and severity of POP. Pelvic disorders are a health economic challenge for the future due to the longer life expectancy of women and to an increasing demand for a better quality of life. Identification of risk factors will be critical in order to develop strategies to prevent the disease and limitate the need for surgical intervention.