Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026
Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Younger Women
Discovering pelvic organ prolapse in your 20s, 30s, or 40s can be shocking. Prolapse is often thought of as an older woman’s condition, but it can develop at any age — especially after pregnancy and childbirth. The good news is that treatment for younger women can be highly effective, and care plans are designed with your active lifestyle and potential future pregnancies in mind.
Why This Happens
- Pregnancy and childbirth — the most common cause in younger women
- Connective tissue differences — some women have naturally less supportive tissue (hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos spectrum)
- High-impact activities — chronic heavy lifting or high-impact sports
- Genetics — family history of prolapse
Dr. Stewart explains: “When I see a younger woman with prolapse, I know the approach needs to be different. She may want more children, she’s probably very active, and she needs a solution that works with her life stage — not against it.”
Signs You Should Seek Help
- Feeling of vaginal pressure or bulging
- Seeing or feeling something protruding from the vagina
- Difficulty with tampon use
- Heaviness that worsens through the day or with activity
- Changes in bowel or bladder function
Treatment Options
If future pregnancies are planned:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy (first-line)
- Pessary for symptom management
- Surgery is generally deferred until family is complete
If family is complete:
- Full range of surgical and conservative options available
- Treatment can be more definitive
- Activity level and goals guide the approach
Dr. Stewart notes: “I never want a young woman to feel that prolapse means she can’t be active or have more children. We have excellent tools to manage symptoms now and correct things definitively when the time is right.”
Your Next Steps
Prolapse at a young age is more common than you think. Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from seeking help — a urogynecologist understands your unique concerns and will develop a plan that respects your life stage.
Learn more about pelvic organ prolapse
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